AAStudyStudyOf TheOf TheApostleApostle

Paul’s LetterPaul’s LetterTo The To The

HebrewsHebrews

Don’t Don’t drift drift away!away!

Don’t Don’t neglect neglect your your salvationsalvation!!

Don’t Don’t Depart!Depart!

Don’t Don’t fall fall awayaway!!

Don’t cast Don’t cast away your away your confidenceconfidence!!

Don’t Don’t hardeharden your n your heart!heart!

How can we neglect so How can we neglect so greatgreat

a salvation? ~ Hebrews a salvation? ~ Hebrews 2:3 2:3

Hebrews: Christ Is Superior!Superior Person (1:1—4:13)Superior Person (1:1—4:13)

Superior to Prophets (1:1-3)Superior to Prophets (1:1-3)Superior to Angels (1:4—2:18) Superior to Angels (1:4—2:18)

but…We’ll only get to 1:4-9 today.Superior to Moses (3:1-19)Superior to Moses (3:1-19)Superior to Joshua (4:1-13)Superior to Joshua (4:1-13)

Superior Priest (4:14—7:28)Superior Priest (4:14—7:28)Superior to Aaron (4:14—6:12)Superior to Aaron (4:14—6:12)Superior to Melchizedek (6:13—Superior to Melchizedek (6:13—

7:10)7:10)Superior to Levi (7:11-28)Superior to Levi (7:11-28)

Hebrews: Christ Is Superior!Superior Pact (Covenant) to Moses’Superior Pact (Covenant) to Moses’(8:1—10:18)(8:1—10:18)

Superior Promises (8:1-13)Superior Promises (8:1-13)Superior Sanctuary (9:1-15)Superior Sanctuary (9:1-15)Superior Sacrifice (9:16-28)Superior Sacrifice (9:16-28)Superior Results (10:1-18)Superior Results (10:1-18)

Superior Principle (Faith) to Moses’ Superior Principle (Faith) to Moses’ (10:19—13:25)(10:19—13:25)

Superior Things (10:19-39)Superior Things (10:19-39)Superior Actions (11:1-40)Superior Actions (11:1-40)Superior Relationship (12:1-29)Superior Relationship (12:1-29)Superior Way of Life (13:1-25)Superior Way of Life (13:1-25)

……having having become better become better than the angels, than the angels, as He has by as He has by inheritance ob-inheritance ob-tained a more tained a more excellent name excellent name than they.than they.

HebrewHebrews s 1:4 1:4 According to According to verses 1-3,, JesusJesus

isis ourour new and new and eternal Prophet, eternal Prophet, Priest, and King…Priest, and King…

According to According to verses 1-3,, JesusJesus

isis ourour new and new and eternal Prophet, eternal Prophet, Priest, and King…Priest, and King…

……having having become become betterbetter than the angels, than the angels, as He has by as He has by inheritance ob-inheritance ob-tained a more tained a more excellent name excellent name than they.than they.

According to According to nearly every nearly every other version, the other version, the term for term for better herehere isis strongerstronger

than just than just better; ; it means it means muchmuch

betterbetter oror much much greatergreater. And in . And in this context it this context it refers to Jesus’ refers to Jesus’ superiority over superiority over angels due to the angels due to the position of auth-position of auth-ority He was ority He was given.given.

According to According to nearly every nearly every other version, the other version, the term for term for better herehere isis strongerstronger

than just than just better; ; it means it means muchmuch

betterbetter oror much much greatergreater. And in . And in this context it this context it refers to Jesus’ refers to Jesus’ superiority over superiority over angels due to the angels due to the position of auth-position of auth-ority He was ority He was given.given.

……having having become better become better than the angelsthan the angels, , as He has by as He has by inheritance ob-inheritance ob-tained a more tained a more excellent name excellent name than they.than they.

This implies that This implies that ((at one timeat one time) Jesus ) Jesus was human, was human, which, of course, which, of course, corresponds with corresponds with our thoughts on our thoughts on verse 3 earlier— earlier—that when Paul that when Paul spoke of Jesus as spoke of Jesus as the exact replica the exact replica of God, He was of God, He was refer-ing to Him refer-ing to Him in His human in His human state. See…state. See…

This implies that This implies that ((at one timeat one time) Jesus ) Jesus was human, was human, which, of course, which, of course, corresponds with corresponds with our thoughts on our thoughts on verse 3 earlier— earlier—that when Paul that when Paul spoke of Jesus as spoke of Jesus as the exact replica the exact replica of God, He was of God, He was refer-ing to Him refer-ing to Him in His human in His human state. See…state. See…

……having having become better become better than the angelsthan the angels, , as He has by as He has by inheritance ob-inheritance ob-tained a more tained a more excellent name excellent name than they.than they.

Later in Later in 2:9 Paul Paul wrote of Jesus as wrote of Jesus as being being made a little lower than the an-gels [so] … that He … might taste death for everyone; i.e., He ; i.e., He had to become had to become human in order to human in order to die for us, die for us, thereby fulfillingthereby fulfilling God’sGod’s willwill & being & being made worthy of made worthy of His inheritance.His inheritance.

Later in Later in 2:9 Paul Paul wrote of Jesus as wrote of Jesus as being being made a little lower than the an-gels [so] … that He … might taste death for everyone; i.e., He ; i.e., He had to become had to become human in order to human in order to die for us, die for us, thereby fulfillingthereby fulfilling God’sGod’s willwill & being & being made worthy of made worthy of His inheritance.His inheritance.

……having having become better become better than the angelsthan the angels, , as He has by as He has by inheritance ob-inheritance ob-tained a more tained a more excellent name excellent name than they.than they.

Why did Paul deal Why did Paul deal with this idea with this idea here? Because the here? Because the Jews boasted Jews boasted greatly in Moses’ greatly in Moses’ Law which was Law which was given by the given by the ministry of ministry of angels ((cf. cf. Deu. 32:2,, Psa. 68: 17,, Acts 7:53,, &&

Gal. 3: 19).). InIn this this veryvery con-text Paul con-text Paul acknow-ledged acknow-ledged that the Old Law that the Old Law was was spoken through angels

((2:2).).

Why did Paul deal Why did Paul deal with this idea with this idea here? Because the here? Because the Jews boasted Jews boasted greatly in Moses’ greatly in Moses’ Law which was Law which was given by the given by the ministry of ministry of angels ((cf. cf. Deu. 32:2,, Psa. 68: 17,, Acts 7:53,, &&

Gal. 3: 19).). InIn this this veryvery con-text Paul con-text Paul acknow-ledged acknow-ledged that the Old Law that the Old Law was was spoken through angels

((2:2).).

……having having become better become better than the angels, than the angels, as He has by as He has by inheritance ob-inheritance ob-tained a more tained a more excellent name excellent name than theythan they..

This means, as This means, as John 1:14 says of says of Jesus, He’s Jesus, He’s the only begot-ten of the Father, or, as , or, as the NIV says, the NIV says, the one and only; i.e., ; i.e., regardless of the regardless of the honor involved in honor involved in being an angel of being an angel of God by creation God by creation or being a son of or being a son of God by adoption, God by adoption, only Jesus only Jesus possesses the possesses the unique unique relationship of relationship of being the literal being the literal Son of God.Son of God.

This means, as This means, as John 1:14 says of says of Jesus, He’s Jesus, He’s the only begot-ten of the Father, or, as , or, as the NIV says, the NIV says, the one and only; i.e., ; i.e., regardless of the regardless of the honor involved in honor involved in being an angel of being an angel of God by creation God by creation or being a son of or being a son of God by adoption, God by adoption, only Jesus only Jesus possesses the possesses the unique unique relationship of relationship of being the literal being the literal Son of God.Son of God.

So whatSo what isis thisthis more excellent name??

For to which of For to which of the angels did the angels did He He (God the (God the Father)Father) ever say, ever say, “You are My “You are My SonSon, today I , today I have begotten have begotten You”? And You”? And again, “I will be again, “I will be to Him a Father, to Him a Father, and He shall be and He shall be to Me a to Me a SonSon”?”?

HebrewHebrews s 1:5 1:5

For to which of For to which of the angels did the angels did He He (God the (God the Father)Father) ever say, ever say, “You are My “You are My Son, today I Son, today I have begotten have begotten You”You”?? And And again, “I will be again, “I will be to Him a Father, to Him a Father, and He shall be and He shall be to Me a Son”?to Me a Son”?

ThisThis isis fromfrom Psa. 2 which, according which, according to ancient Jewish to ancient Jewish doc-tors of the doc-tors of the Law, ap-plies Law, ap-plies solely to the solely to the Messiah; and Messiah; and Peter must have Peter must have agreed since he agreed since he applied the first applied the first three verses to three verses to Jesus Himself in Jesus Himself in Acts 4:25-26. Spe-. Spe-cifically here Paul cifically here Paul quoted quoted Psalm 2:7..

ThisThis isis fromfrom Psa. 2 which, according which, according to ancient Jewish to ancient Jewish doc-tors of the doc-tors of the Law, ap-plies Law, ap-plies solely to the solely to the Messiah; and Messiah; and Peter must have Peter must have agreed since he agreed since he applied the first applied the first three verses to three verses to Jesus Himself in Jesus Himself in Acts 4:25-26. Spe-. Spe-cifically here Paul cifically here Paul quoted quoted Psalm 2:7..

For to which of For to which of the angels did the angels did He He (God the (God the Father)Father) ever say, ever say, “You are My “You are My Son, Son, today I today I have begotten have begotten YouYou”?”? And And again, “I will be again, “I will be to Him a Father, to Him a Father, and He shall be and He shall be to Me a Son”?to Me a Son”?

The word The word today re-fers to the re-fers to the contents of contents of Psalm 2:6 where God where God said of Jesus, said of Jesus, I have set My King on My holy hill of Zion, while the , while the word word be-gotten refers to refers to Jesus’ Jesus’ resurrectionresurrection — —that which quali-that which quali-fied Him to be fied Him to be that King.that King. HowHow dodo II know this? know this? Because… Because…

The word The word today re-fers to the re-fers to the contents of contents of Psalm 2:6 where God where God said of Jesus, said of Jesus, I have set My King on My holy hill of Zion, while the , while the word word be-gotten refers to refers to Jesus’ Jesus’ resurrectionresurrection — —that which quali-that which quali-fied Him to be fied Him to be that King.that King. HowHow dodo II know this? know this? Because… Because…

For to which of For to which of the angels did the angels did He He (God the (God the Father)Father) ever say, ever say, “You are My “You are My Son, Son, today I today I have begotten have begotten YouYou”?”? And And again, “I will be again, “I will be to Him a Father, to Him a Father, and He shall be and He shall be to Me a Son”?to Me a Son”?

ThisThis samesame quotequote was alluded to by was alluded to by Paul as well in Paul as well in Acts 13: 33-34 where he said where he said that that God … raised up Jesus…. As it is written in the

second Psalm, “You are My Son, today I have begotten You.” Also inAlso in Rom. 1:4 PaulPaul saidsaid that that Jesus was Jesus was de-clared to be the Son of God … by the re-surrection from the dead. . So… So…

ThisThis samesame quotequote was alluded to by was alluded to by Paul as well in Paul as well in Acts 13: 33-34 where he said where he said that that God … raised up Jesus…. As it is written in the

second Psalm, “You are My Son, today I have begotten You.” Also inAlso in Rom. 1:4 PaulPaul saidsaid that that Jesus was Jesus was de-clared to be the Son of God … by the re-surrection from the dead. . So… So…

For to which of For to which of the angels did the angels did He He (God the (God the Father)Father) ever say, ever say, “You are My “You are My Son, today I Son, today I have begotten have begotten You”You”? And ? And again, “I will be again, “I will be to Him a Father, to Him a Father, and He shall be and He shall be to Me a Son”?to Me a Son”?

The point here is The point here is that Jesus was de-that Jesus was de-monstratedmonstrated toto bebe

the prophesied the prophesied Son of God who Son of God who would be King by would be King by the fact that God the fact that God raised Him from raised Him from spiritual death spiritual death and seated Him and seated Him as King over His as King over His own spirit-ual own spirit-ual house (house (Heb. 1:3 & & 3:6). In other ). In other words, in this words, in this context… context…

The point here is The point here is that Jesus was de-that Jesus was de-monstratedmonstrated toto bebe

the prophesied the prophesied Son of God who Son of God who would be King by would be King by the fact that God the fact that God raised Him from raised Him from spiritual death spiritual death and seated Him and seated Him as King over His as King over His own spirit-ual own spirit-ual house (house (Heb. 1:3 & & 3:6). In other ). In other words, in this words, in this context… context…

For to which of For to which of the angels did the angels did He He (God the (God the Father)Father) ever say, ever say, “You are My “You are My Son, today I Son, today I have begotten have begotten You”You”? And ? And again, “I will be again, “I will be to Him a Father, to Him a Father, and He shall be and He shall be to Me a Son”?to Me a Son”?

Jesus was born Jesus was born into spiritual life into spiritual life and the office of and the office of perpetual King; in perpetual King; in fact, in fact, in Co-lossians 1:18 Paul Paul clearly declared clearly declared that Jesus was that Jesus was the first-born from the dead that in

all things He may have the pre-eminence. (. (There’s There’s that “all things” idea that “all things” idea

again noted in again noted in 1:2-3..))

Jesus was born Jesus was born into spiritual life into spiritual life and the office of and the office of perpetual King; in perpetual King; in fact, in fact, in Co-lossians 1:18 Paul Paul clearly declared clearly declared that Jesus was that Jesus was the first-born from the dead that in

all things He may have the pre-eminence. (. (There’s There’s that “all things” idea that “all things” idea

again noted in again noted in 1:2-3..))

For to which of For to which of the angels did the angels did He He (God the (God the Father)Father) ever say, ever say, “You are My “You are My Son, today I Son, today I have begotten have begotten You”? And You”? And again, again, “I will be “I will be to Him a Father, to Him a Father, and He shall be and He shall be to Me a Son”to Me a Son”??

ThisThis is fromis from 2nd

Sam. 7:4-17 & & 1st Chron. 17:4-5

((samesame incidentincident).). This This prophecy from prophecy from God to David con-God to David con-cernedcerned thethe comingcoming

of the One who of the One who would build & would build & preside over preside over God’sGod’s HouseHouse

forever..

ThisThis is fromis from 2nd

Sam. 7:4-17 & & 1st Chron. 17:4-5

((samesame incidentincident).). This This prophecy from prophecy from God to David con-God to David con-cernedcerned thethe comingcoming

of the One who of the One who would build & would build & preside over preside over God’sGod’s HouseHouse

forever..

For to which of For to which of the angels did the angels did He He (God the (God the Father)Father) ever say, ever say, “You are My “You are My Son, today I Son, today I have begotten have begotten You”? And You”? And again, again, “I will be “I will be to Him a Father, to Him a Father, and He shall be and He shall be to Me a Son”to Me a Son”??

ThoughThough thisthis

prophecyprophecy seemedseemed

to be about to be about David’s son, Solo-David’s son, Solo-mon (mon (who built who built God’s temple in God’s temple in JerusalemJerusalem), such is ), such is not the case not the case ((except in the sense except in the sense that Solomon that Solomon typified Christtypified Christ),),

because only because only JesusJesus fulfilled this fulfilled this prophecy in itsprophecy in its to-to-talitytality ; Solomon’s ; Solomon’s temple, as we temple, as we know, did know, did notnot last last forever..

ThoughThough thisthis

prophecyprophecy seemedseemed

to be about to be about David’s son, Solo-David’s son, Solo-mon (mon (who built who built God’s temple in God’s temple in JerusalemJerusalem), such is ), such is not the case not the case ((except in the sense except in the sense that Solomon that Solomon typified Christtypified Christ),),

because only because only JesusJesus fulfilled this fulfilled this prophecy in itsprophecy in its to-to-talitytality ; Solomon’s ; Solomon’s temple, as we temple, as we know, did know, did notnot last last forever..

But when He But when He again brings the again brings the firstborn into firstborn into the world, He the world, He says, “Let all says, “Let all the angels of the angels of God worship God worship Him.”Him.”

HebrewHebrews s 1:6 1:6

But when He But when He again brings the again brings the firstbornfirstborn into into the world, He the world, He says, “Let all says, “Let all the angels of the angels of God worship God worship Him.”Him.”

Here this word Here this word obvi-ouslyobvi-ously refersrefers

toto Jesus. But what Jesus. But what does it mean does it mean exactly? Well, exactly? Well, normally, of normally, of course, it refers course, it refers to to thethe male child male child born firstborn first;; soso althoughalthough JesusJesus

was the only was the only physically physically begotten child of begotten child of God (God (John 3:16), He ), He was also the first-was also the first-born of God’s born of God’s child-renchild-ren spiritually.spiritually.

Here this word Here this word obvi-ouslyobvi-ously refersrefers

toto Jesus. But what Jesus. But what does it mean does it mean exactly? Well, exactly? Well, normally, of normally, of course, it refers course, it refers to to thethe male child male child born firstborn first;; soso althoughalthough JesusJesus

was the only was the only physically physically begotten child of begotten child of God (God (John 3:16), He ), He was also the first-was also the first-born of God’s born of God’s child-renchild-ren spiritually.spiritually.

We’ll get more We’ll get more into this into this beginning atbeginning at 2:10 where Jesus is where Jesus is said to be the said to be the Leader of our Leader of our salvation.salvation.

We’ll get more We’ll get more into this into this beginning atbeginning at 2:10 where Jesus is where Jesus is said to be the said to be the Leader of our Leader of our salvation.salvation.

But when He But when He again brings the again brings the firstbornfirstborn into into the world, He the world, He says, “Let all says, “Let all the angels of the angels of God worship God worship Him.”Him.”

Other places (Other places (e.g., e.g., Rev. 1:5 & & Col. 1:18) ) where Jesuswhere Jesus isis spok-enspok-en ofof asas thethe firstborn make it make it clear that it refers clear that it refers to Jesus as beingto Jesus as being

the firstborn of the firstborn of those resurrected those resurrected from among the from among the deaddead. Now does . Now does that mean He was that mean He was the first to ever the first to ever be phy-sicallybe phy-sically resurrected? No, resurrected? No, for we know there for we know there were others. were others. Rather it means… Rather it means…

Other places (Other places (e.g., e.g., Rev. 1:5 & & Col. 1:18) ) where Jesuswhere Jesus isis spok-enspok-en ofof asas thethe firstborn make it make it clear that it refers clear that it refers to Jesus as beingto Jesus as being

the firstborn of the firstborn of those resurrected those resurrected from among the from among the deaddead. Now does . Now does that mean He was that mean He was the first to ever the first to ever be phy-sicallybe phy-sically resurrected? No, resurrected? No, for we know there for we know there were others. were others. Rather it means… Rather it means…

But when He But when He again brings the again brings the firstbornfirstborn into into the world, He the world, He says, “Let all says, “Let all the angels of the angels of God worship God worship Him.”Him.”

ByBy raising Jesusraising Jesus

whowho dieddied aa sin-sin-death for all death for all mankind (mankind (2 Cor. 5: 21), God), God mademade Him who Him who committedcommitted nono sin sin ((1 Pet. 2:21)) thethe

first to rise to first to rise to etern-al life from etern-al life from among those who, among those who, through Adam through Adam ((Rom. 5:14), had ), had been separated been separated from God due to from God due to the sin they the sin they couldn’t rid couldn’t rid themselves of. themselves of. So…So…

ByBy raising Jesusraising Jesus

whowho dieddied aa sin-sin-death for all death for all mankind (mankind (2 Cor. 5: 21), God), God mademade Him who Him who committedcommitted nono sin sin ((1 Pet. 2:21)) thethe

first to rise to first to rise to etern-al life from etern-al life from among those who, among those who, through Adam through Adam ((Rom. 5:14), had ), had been separated been separated from God due to from God due to the sin they the sin they couldn’t rid couldn’t rid themselves of. themselves of. So…So…

But when He But when He again brings the again brings the firstbornfirstborn into into the world, He the world, He says, “Let all says, “Let all the angels of the angels of God worship God worship Him.”Him.”

Being the Being the firstborn of thosefirstborn of those toto bebe recon-ciled recon-ciled to God, Jesus to God, Jesus became became the

preemi-nent OneOne—the —the Cap-tainCap-tain, , the the KingKing, the , the HeirHeir ofof all things,, the the all things JesusJesus

gladglad--ly shares ly shares withwith thosethose ofof usus who’ve been a-who’ve been a-dopted as His dopted as His breth-ren and breth-ren and God’s child-renGod’s child-ren intointo HisHis House House ((cf. cf. Rom. 8:29).).

Being the Being the firstborn of thosefirstborn of those toto bebe recon-ciled recon-ciled to God, Jesus to God, Jesus became became the

preemi-nent OneOne—the —the Cap-tainCap-tain, , the the KingKing, the , the HeirHeir ofof all things,, the the all things JesusJesus

gladglad--ly shares ly shares withwith thosethose ofof usus who’ve been a-who’ve been a-dopted as His dopted as His breth-ren and breth-ren and God’s child-renGod’s child-ren intointo HisHis House House ((cf. cf. Rom. 8:29).).

Now…Now…

But But when He when He again brings the again brings the firstborn into firstborn into the worldthe world, He , He says, “Let all says, “Let all the angels of the angels of God worship God worship Him.”Him.”

AlthoughAlthough somesome think this verse think this verse was writ-ten was writ-ten about Jesus’ birth about Jesus’ birth ((i.e.i.e. His first His first comingcoming), I believe ), I believe it was written it was written about His end-of-about His end-of-the-age- coming. the-age- coming. Here are a few Here are a few reasons why: reasons why:

AlthoughAlthough somesome think this verse think this verse was writ-ten was writ-ten about Jesus’ birth about Jesus’ birth ((i.e.i.e. His first His first comingcoming), I believe ), I believe it was written it was written about His end-of-about His end-of-the-age- coming. the-age- coming. Here are a few Here are a few reasons why: reasons why:

But when He But when He again brings the again brings the firstbornfirstborn into into the world, He the world, He says, “Let all says, “Let all the angels of the angels of God worship God worship Him.”Him.”

1. The placement The placement of of the the wordword again leans toward leans toward this this interpretation. interpretation.

2. The word The word brings isis inin future future tense,tense, future to this future to this ADAD 63-65 writing. 63-65 writing.

3. Jesus would al- Jesus would al- ready be the ready be the first- born inin resurrec-resurrec- tiontion--lifelife atat thethe

timetime of this coming. of this coming.

1. The placement The placement of of the the wordword again leans toward leans toward this this interpretation. interpretation.

2. The word The word brings isis inin future future tense,tense, future to this future to this ADAD 63-65 writing. 63-65 writing.

3. Jesus would al- Jesus would al- ready be the ready be the first- born inin resurrec-resurrec- tiontion--lifelife atat thethe

timetime of this coming. of this coming.

Besides…Besides…

But when He But when He again brings the again brings the firstbornfirstborn into into the world, He the world, He says, “Let all says, “Let all the angels of the angels of God worship God worship Him.”Him.”

In the context of In the context of Deuteronomy 32:43 ( (from whence from whence this is takenthis is taken), ), Moses was Moses was speakingspeaking aboutabout

God’sGod’s vengeance vengeance against His against His enemies; so the enemies; so the type/anti-type type/anti-type idea here idea here wouldn’t work wouldn’t work with reference to with reference to Jesus’ first Jesus’ first coming to die for coming to die for us, but it would us, but it would work relative to work relative to His coming to His coming to take vengeance.take vengeance.

In the context of In the context of Deuteronomy 32:43 ( (from whence from whence this is takenthis is taken), ), Moses was Moses was speakingspeaking aboutabout

God’sGod’s vengeance vengeance against His against His enemies; so the enemies; so the type/anti-type type/anti-type idea here idea here wouldn’t work wouldn’t work with reference to with reference to Jesus’ first Jesus’ first coming to die for coming to die for us, but it would us, but it would work relative to work relative to His coming to His coming to take vengeance.take vengeance.

On theOn theother hand…other hand…

But when He But when He again brings the again brings the firstbornfirstborn into into the world, He the world, He says, “Let all says, “Let all the angels of the angels of God worship God worship Him.”Him.”

EvenEven ifif PaulPaul hadhad Psa. 97:7 in mind, in mind, the context there the context there leans toward the leans toward the same conclusion:same conclusion: thethe refer-refer- ence is ence is to the Messi-ah to the Messi-ah and His reign as and His reign as King in His King in His kingdom. Besides, kingdom. Besides, the only passage the only passage where I can find where I can find angels worship-angels worship-ping Jesus is at ping Jesus is at His (His (2nd2nd) coming ) coming in ven-geance in ven-geance ((Rev. 5:11-12, cf. , cf. Php. 2:9-11), not at ), not at His birth. But… His birth. But…

EvenEven ifif PaulPaul hadhad Psa. 97:7 in mind, in mind, the context there the context there leans toward the leans toward the same conclusion:same conclusion: thethe refer-refer- ence is ence is to the Messi-ah to the Messi-ah and His reign as and His reign as King in His King in His kingdom. Besides, kingdom. Besides, the only passage the only passage where I can find where I can find angels worship-angels worship-ping Jesus is at ping Jesus is at His (His (2nd2nd) coming ) coming in ven-geance in ven-geance ((Rev. 5:11-12, cf. , cf. Php. 2:9-11), not at ), not at His birth. But… His birth. But…

But when He But when He again brings the again brings the firstbornfirstborn into into the world, He the world, He says, “says, “Let all Let all the angels of the angels of God worship God worship HimHim.”.” (Fr. Deu. 32:43 in Gr. OT; not found in

Heb. OT.)

Regardless of the Regardless of the meaning of the meaning of the first part of this first part of this verse, the verse, the primary point is primary point is thatthat Jesus is Jesus is worthy even of worthy even of the worship of the worship of angelsangels! ! (Contrast (Contrast Col. 2:18.)Col. 2:18.)

Regardless of the Regardless of the meaning of the meaning of the first part of this first part of this verse, the verse, the primary point is primary point is thatthat Jesus is Jesus is worthy even of worthy even of the worship of the worship of angelsangels! ! (Contrast (Contrast Col. 2:18.)Col. 2:18.)

But when He But when He again brings the again brings the firstbornfirstborn into into the the worldworld, He , He says, “says, “Let all Let all the angels of the angels of God worship God worship Him.”Him.”

World inin 10:5 is is from from kosmoskosmos for for planetplanet; ; world in in 1:2 is from is from aion aion ((eoneon) for ) for ageage; & ; & world here is from here is from oikoumeneoikoumene ( (econo-econo-mymy) for a system ) for a system of of peoplepeople. So the. So the

ideaidea isis thatthat Jesus Jesus would would comecome intointo possessionpossession of & of & rule an econo-my,rule an econo-my, aa people,people, aa king-king-dom of subjects dom of subjects ((cf. cf. Luke 23:42, , et.al.et.al.).).**

World inin 10:5 is is from from kosmoskosmos for for planetplanet; ; world in in 1:2 is from is from aion aion ((eoneon) for ) for ageage; & ; & world here is from here is from oikoumeneoikoumene ( (econo-econo-mymy) for a system ) for a system of of peoplepeople. So the. So the

ideaidea isis thatthat Jesus Jesus would would comecome intointo possessionpossession of & of & rule an econo-my,rule an econo-my, aa people,people, aa king-king-dom of subjects dom of subjects ((cf. cf. Luke 23:42, , et.al.et.al.).).**

And of the And of the angels He says, angels He says, “Who makes His “Who makes His angels spirits angels spirits and His and His ministers a ministers a flame of fire.”flame of fire.”

HebrewHebrews s 1:7 1:7

And of the And of the angels He says, angels He says, “Who makes His “Who makes His angelsangels spirits spirits and His and His ministersministers a a flame of fire.”flame of fire.”

These are simply These are simply two words two words referring to the referring to the same beings here. same beings here. The Greek term The Greek term for for angels means means messengersmessengers, , while the Greek while the Greek term for term for ministers means means servantsservants; ; it’s also the term it’s also the term from which we from which we get “litur-gy,” the get “litur-gy,” the word used ofword used of thethe religious work of religious work of Old Testament Old Testament priests.priests.

These are simply These are simply two words two words referring to the referring to the same beings here. same beings here. The Greek term The Greek term for for angels means means messengersmessengers, , while the Greek while the Greek term for term for ministers means means servantsservants; ; it’s also the term it’s also the term from which we from which we get “litur-gy,” the get “litur-gy,” the word used ofword used of thethe religious work of religious work of Old Testament Old Testament priests.priests.

And of the And of the angels He says, angels He says, “Who makes His “Who makes His angels angels spiritsspirits and His and His ministers a ministers a flame of fire.”flame of fire.”

SinceSince thethe GreekGreek

term for term for spirits can mean can mean breathsbreaths, , windswinds, or , or spiritsspirits, it must be , it must be translated in har-translated in har-mony with its mony with its con-text. So con-text. So here’s what I’ve here’s what I’ve concluded: I concluded: I believe it should believe it should be translated as be translated as windswinds here for the here for the follow-ing follow-ing reasons: reasons:

SinceSince thethe GreekGreek

term for term for spirits can mean can mean breathsbreaths, , windswinds, or , or spiritsspirits, it must be , it must be translated in har-translated in har-mony with its mony with its con-text. So con-text. So here’s what I’ve here’s what I’ve concluded: I concluded: I believe it should believe it should be translated as be translated as windswinds here for the here for the follow-ing follow-ing reasons: reasons:

And of the And of the angels He says, angels He says, “Who “Who makesmakes His His angels angels spiritsspirits and His and His ministers a ministers a flame of fire.”flame of fire.”

1. Every other Every other major major translation translation trans-trans- lates it as lates it as windswinds..

1. Every other Every other major major translation translation trans-trans- lates it as lates it as windswinds..

And of the And of the angels He says, angels He says, “Who “Who makesmakes His His angels angels spiritsspirits and His and His ministers a ministers a flame of fire.”flame of fire.”

2. Makes is is present present in tense, in tense, meaning meaning either that God either that God is is stillstill inin thethe

businessbusiness of creating of creating these these spirit-beings spirit-beings ((anan idea I can’t find idea I can’t find any any Scripture forScripture for)) or or that He uses that He uses them them to create or be- to create or be- come such come such things things as as windswinds oror

flames flames of fire ( of fire (cf. cf. Jdg. 13: 20). And… ). And…

2. Makes is is present present in tense, in tense, meaning meaning either that God either that God is is stillstill inin thethe

businessbusiness of creating of creating these these spirit-beings spirit-beings ((anan idea I can’t find idea I can’t find any any Scripture forScripture for)) or or that He uses that He uses them them to create or be- to create or be- come such come such things things as as windswinds oror

flames flames of fire ( of fire (cf. cf. Jdg. 13: 20). And… ). And…

And of the And of the angels He says, angels He says, “Who makes His “Who makes His angels angels spiritsspirits and His and His ministers a ministers a flame of fire.”flame of fire.”

3. The context of The context of Psa. 104:4 speaks speaks of of other natural other natural

pheno phenomena mena such such as fire, clouds, as fire, clouds, & & water. But… water. But…

3. The context of The context of Psa. 104:4 speaks speaks of of other natural other natural

pheno phenomena mena such such as fire, clouds, as fire, clouds, & & water. But… water. But…

And of the And of the angels He says, angels He says, “Who makes His “Who makes His angels spirits angels spirits and His and His ministers a ministers a flame of fire.”flame of fire.”

Whether its trans-Whether its trans-lated as lated as spiritsspirits or or windswinds, the main , the main point is still point is still unmis-takable: unmis-takable: Jesus, the One Jesus, the One who is the only who is the only begotten and the begotten and the express image of express image of God (God (1:3-5), the ), the One who was One who was crowned as King crowned as King and is wor-and is wor-shipped and shipped and served by angels served by angels ((1:6-7) is, ) is, therefore, therefore, superior to them.superior to them.

Whether its trans-Whether its trans-lated as lated as spiritsspirits or or windswinds, the main , the main point is still point is still unmis-takable: unmis-takable: Jesus, the One Jesus, the One who is the only who is the only begotten and the begotten and the express image of express image of God (God (1:3-5), the ), the One who was One who was crowned as King crowned as King and is wor-and is wor-shipped and shipped and served by angels served by angels ((1:6-7) is, ) is, therefore, therefore, superior to them.superior to them.

But to the SonBut to the SonHe says, “Your He says, “Your throne, O God, throne, O God, is forever and is forever and ever; a scepter ever; a scepter of of righteousness is righteousness is the scepter of the scepter of Your Your Kingdom....”Kingdom....”

HebrewHebrews s 1:8 1:8

From Psalm 45:6

But to the SonBut to the SonHe says, “Your He says, “Your throne, O throne, O GodGod, , is forever and is forever and ever; a scepter ever; a scepter of of righteousness is righteousness is the scepter of the scepter of Your Your Kingdom....”Kingdom....”

Jesus is here Jesus is here called called God by by God, God the God, God the Father. When you Father. When you study with some study with some of these cultic of these cultic “Chris-tians” who “Chris-tians” who don’t be-lieve in don’t be-lieve in Jesus’ deity, you Jesus’ deity, you might share the might share the following following syllogisms with syllogisms with them: them:

Jesus is here Jesus is here called called God by by God, God the God, God the Father. When you Father. When you study with some study with some of these cultic of these cultic “Chris-tians” who “Chris-tians” who don’t be-lieve in don’t be-lieve in Jesus’ deity, you Jesus’ deity, you might share the might share the following following syllogisms with syllogisms with them: them:

Major Premise: Only God is to Only God is to be worshipped (be worshipped (Deu. 6:13 && Mat. 4:10).).

Minor Premise: Angels are Angels are expected to worship Jesusexpected to worship Jesus ((Heb. 1:6).).

Conclusion: Jesus is God; i.e., Jesus is God; i.e., deity or divine in His very deity or divine in His very nature.nature.

Major Premise: Only God is to Only God is to be worshipped (be worshipped (Deu. 6:13 && Mat. 4:10).).

Minor Premise: Angels cannot Angels cannot ac-cept worship (ac-cept worship (Rev. 19:10 && 22:9).).

Conclusion: Angels, unlike Angels, unlike Jesus, are not divine.Jesus, are not divine.

But to the SonBut to the SonHe says, “He says, “Your Your thronethrone, O God, , O God, is forever and is forever and ever; a scepter ever; a scepter of of righteousness is righteousness is the scepter of the scepter of Your Your Kingdom....”Kingdom....”

This is the throne This is the throne that Jesus that Jesus inherited from His inherited from His forefather, King forefather, King David. God had David. God had promised David promised David that histhat his thronethrone

wouldwould last last forever

((Psa. 89:35ff);); later later Gabriel told Mary Gabriel told Mary that her Son that her Son would reign over would reign over His Father’s His Father’s throne throne for-ever and that to His and that to His kingdom there’d kingdom there’d be be no end ( (Luke 1:32f).).

This is the throne This is the throne that Jesus that Jesus inherited from His inherited from His forefather, King forefather, King David. God had David. God had promised David promised David that histhat his thronethrone

wouldwould last last forever

((Psa. 89:35ff);); later later Gabriel told Mary Gabriel told Mary that her Son that her Son would reign over would reign over His Father’s His Father’s throne throne for-ever and that to His and that to His kingdom there’d kingdom there’d be be no end ( (Luke 1:32f).).

See…See…

But to the SonBut to the SonHe says, “He says, “Your Your thronethrone, O God, , O God, is forever and is forever and ever; a scepter ever; a scepter of of righteousness is righteousness is the scepter of the scepter of Your Your Kingdom....”Kingdom....”

David’s throne David’s throne ((king-shipking-ship) over ) over physical Israel physical Israel was merely a type was merely a type of God’s throne of God’s throne over spiritual over spiritual Israel, the Israel, the antitype (antitype (cf. cf. Acts 2:30 w/ w/ Acts 2:33).).

David’s throne David’s throne ((king-shipking-ship) over ) over physical Israel physical Israel was merely a type was merely a type of God’s throne of God’s throne over spiritual over spiritual Israel, the Israel, the antitype (antitype (cf. cf. Acts 2:30 w/ w/ Acts 2:33).).

But to the SonBut to the SonHe says, “Your He says, “Your throne, O God, throne, O God, is forever and is forever and ever; ever; a scepter a scepter of of righteousness is righteousness is the scepter of the scepter of Your Your KingdomKingdom....”....”

As is perfectly As is perfectly illus-trated in illus-trated in Esther 4: 11, the , the scepter was a scepter was a sign of kingly sign of kingly authority. So this authority. So this statement simply statement simply means that Jesus’ means that Jesus’ kingdomkingdom isis

governed with or governed with or in perfect in perfect righteousness.righteousness.

As is perfectly As is perfectly illus-trated in illus-trated in Esther 4: 11, the , the scepter was a scepter was a sign of kingly sign of kingly authority. So this authority. So this statement simply statement simply means that Jesus’ means that Jesus’ kingdomkingdom isis

governed with or governed with or in perfect in perfect righteousness.righteousness.Isaiah 9:7 sayssays that that of the increase of His govern-ment and peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, to order it and establish it with judgment and justice from that time forward, even forevermore.

Isaiah 9:7 sayssays that that of the increase of His govern-ment and peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, to order it and establish it with judgment and justice from that time forward, even forevermore.

““You have loved You have loved righteousness righteousness and hatedand hated

lawlessnesslawlessness;; therefore God, therefore God, Your God, has Your God, has anointed You anointed You with the oil of with the oil of gladness more gladness more than Your than Your companions.”companions.”

HebrewHebrews s 1:9 1:9

From Psalm 45:7

““You have loved You have loved righteousness righteousness and hatedand hated

lawlessnesslawlessness;; therefore God, therefore God, Your God, has Your God, has anointedanointed You You with the oil of with the oil of gladness more gladness more than Your than Your companions.”companions.”

The Greek term The Greek term for for anointed is is the root term the root term from which the from which the word “Christ” is word “Christ” is de-rived; in fact, de-rived; in fact, the word “Christ” the word “Christ” (which translated(which translated isis

““MessiahMessiah””)) means means the anointed Onethe anointed One..

The Greek term The Greek term for for anointed is is the root term the root term from which the from which the word “Christ” is word “Christ” is de-rived; in fact, de-rived; in fact, the word “Christ” the word “Christ” (which translated(which translated isis

““MessiahMessiah””)) means means the anointed Onethe anointed One..

““You have loved You have loved righteousness righteousness and hatedand hated

lawlessnesslawlessness;; therefore God, therefore God, Your God, has Your God, has anointedanointed You You with the oil of with the oil of gladness more gladness more than Your than Your companions.”companions.”

An anointing was An anointing was a public ceremony a public ceremony when a when a prophetprophet ( (1 Kgs. 19:16), a ), a priestpriest ( (Num. 3:3), ), or a or a kingking ( (1 Kgs. 1:34-39) was ) was officially officially appointed to appointed to office with a per-office with a per-fumed oil.fumed oil.

An anointing was An anointing was a public ceremony a public ceremony when a when a prophetprophet ( (1 Kgs. 19:16), a ), a priestpriest ( (Num. 3:3), ), or a or a kingking ( (1 Kgs. 1:34-39) was ) was officially officially appointed to appointed to office with a per-office with a per-fumed oil.fumed oil.

““You have loved You have loved righteousness righteousness and hatedand hated

lawlessnesslawlessness;; therefore God, therefore God, Your God, has Your God, has anointedanointed You You with the oil of with the oil of gladness more gladness more than Your than Your companions.”companions.”

Instead of literal Instead of literal oil, Jesus was oil, Jesus was anointed with the anointed with the Spirit (Spirit (Acts 10:37-38), and not just ), and not just as King (as King (Rev. 17: 14), but also as ), but also as Pro-phet (Pro-phet (Deu. 18:15-18) & Priest ) & Priest ((Heb. 4:14).).

Instead of literal Instead of literal oil, Jesus was oil, Jesus was anointed with the anointed with the Spirit (Spirit (Acts 10:37-38), and not just ), and not just as King (as King (Rev. 17: 14), but also as ), but also as Pro-phet (Pro-phet (Deu. 18:15-18) & Priest ) & Priest ((Heb. 4:14).).

““You have loved You have loved righteousness righteousness and hatedand hated

lawlessnesslawlessness;; therefore God, therefore God, Your God, has Your God, has anointed You anointed You with with the oil of the oil of gladnessgladness more more than Your than Your companions.”companions.”

This brings to This brings to mind the mind the festivities of joy festivities of joy which which accompanied the accompanied the coronation; in coronation; in Hebrews we see Hebrews we see this joy in both this joy in both the Son (who was the Son (who was crowned) and His crowned) and His Father (who Father (who crowned Him): crowned Him):

This brings to This brings to mind the mind the festivities of joy festivities of joy which which accompanied the accompanied the coronation; in coronation; in Hebrews we see Hebrews we see this joy in both this joy in both the Son (who was the Son (who was crowned) and His crowned) and His Father (who Father (who crowned Him): crowned Him):

““You have loved You have loved righteousness righteousness and hatedand hated

lawlessnesslawlessness;; therefore God, therefore God, Your God, has Your God, has anointed You anointed You with with the oil of the oil of gladnessgladness more more than Your than Your companionscompanions.”.”

In In 12:2 we see the we see the joy of Jesus when joy of Jesus when Paul said that Paul said that Christ Christ for the joy … before Him, endured the cross then then sat down at the right hand of

God’s throne; and God’s throne; and here in here in 1:9 we we read about the read about the Father’s joy—how Father’s joy—how that He crowned that He crowned His Son as King His Son as King with more joy with more joy than He had than He had ever…ever…

In In 12:2 we see the we see the joy of Jesus when joy of Jesus when Paul said that Paul said that Christ Christ for the joy … before Him, endured the cross then then sat down at the right hand of

God’s throne; and God’s throne; and here in here in 1:9 we we read about the read about the Father’s joy—how Father’s joy—how that He crowned that He crowned His Son as King His Son as King with more joy with more joy than He had than He had ever…ever…

……crowned the crowned the previ-ous kings of previ-ous kings of Israel Israel ((His His companions—His —His colleaguescolleagues).).

……crowned the crowned the previ-ous kings of previ-ous kings of Israel Israel ((His His companions—His —His colleaguescolleagues).).

““You have loved You have loved righteousness righteousness and hatedand hated

lawlessnesslawlessness;; therefore God, therefore God, Your God, has Your God, has anointed You anointed You with with the oil of the oil of gladnessgladness more more than Your than Your companions.”companions.”

And surely we And surely we can’t forget the can’t forget the words of Father-words of Father-God when the God when the Spirit descended Spirit descended upon Jesus: upon Jesus: This is My beloved Son in whom I am well pleased. Since it’s . Since it’s generally generally accepted that at accepted that at His baptism is His baptism is when Jesus was when Jesus was anointed as King anointed as King ((at least at least propheticallyprophetically), ), perhaps that’s perhaps that’s the…the…

And surely we And surely we can’t forget the can’t forget the words of Father-words of Father-God when the God when the Spirit descended Spirit descended upon Jesus: upon Jesus: This is My beloved Son in whom I am well pleased. Since it’s . Since it’s generally generally accepted that at accepted that at His baptism is His baptism is when Jesus was when Jesus was anointed as King anointed as King ((at least at least propheticallyprophetically), ), perhaps that’s perhaps that’s the…the…

……reason for the reason for the Father’s joy in Father’s joy in Mat-thew 3:17. . Further…Further…

……reason for the reason for the Father’s joy in Father’s joy in Mat-thew 3:17. . Further…Further…

““Your throne, O Your throne, O God, is forever God, is forever and ever; a and ever; a scepter of scepter of righteousness is righteousness is the scepter of the scepter of Your kingdom. Your kingdom. You have You have loved loved righteous- nessrighteous- ness

andand hatedhated law-law- lessnesslessness;; therefore God, therefore God, Your God, has Your God, has anointed You anointed You with the oil of with the oil of gladness more gladness more than Your than Your companions.”companions.”

The entire quote The entire quote of of verses 8-9 was was tak-en from a tak-en from a passage that passage that depicts another depicts another occasion of joy: occasion of joy: Psa. 45 ( (from which from which Paul quoted Paul quoted verses 6-7) is ) is a wedding a wedding sonnetsonnet, a sonnet , a sonnet addressed to an addressed to an Israelite king, in Israelite king, in fact. So… fact. So…

The entire quote The entire quote of of verses 8-9 was was tak-en from a tak-en from a passage that passage that depicts another depicts another occasion of joy: occasion of joy: Psa. 45 ( (from which from which Paul quoted Paul quoted verses 6-7) is ) is a wedding a wedding sonnetsonnet, a sonnet , a sonnet addressed to an addressed to an Israelite king, in Israelite king, in fact. So… fact. So…

Although we won’t do this every Although we won’t do this every time, let’s paraphrasetime, let’s paraphrase Hebrews

1:4-9::

Jesus hasJesus has become so much greater than the angels because He, by in-heritance, has a much greater status than they. For to

what angel did God ever say, “You are My Son, today I have begotten You”? Or “I will be to

Him a Father, and He shall be to Me a Son”? But when God brings Jesus into the world again, God

says, “Let all the angels worship Him.”

Although we won’t do this every Although we won’t do this every time, let’s paraphrasetime, let’s paraphrase Hebrews

1:4-9::

Jesus hasJesus has become so much greater than the angels because He, by in-heritance, has a much greater status than they. For to

what angel did God ever say, “You are My Son, today I have begotten You”? Or “I will be to

Him a Father, and He shall be to Me a Son”? But when God brings Jesus into the world again, God

says, “Let all the angels worship Him.”

And of the angels God says, “Jesus makes His angels, His

servants, into winds and flames of fire.” But to the Son God says, “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever, and Your kingdom is ruled in perfect righteousness. You have loved righteousness

and hated lawlessness; therefore God, Your God, has

crowned You with more joy than He has ever crowned a king.”

So…So…

And of the angels God says, “Jesus makes His angels, His

servants, into winds and flames of fire.” But to the Son God says, “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever, and Your kingdom is ruled in perfect righteousness. You have loved righteousness

and hated lawlessness; therefore God, Your God, has

crowned You with more joy than He has ever crowned a king.”

So…So…

Jesus is superior to angels for 5 Jesus is superior to angels for 5 reasonsreasons::

1. He’s God’s Son, an angel is not.He’s God’s Son, an angel is not.

2. He’s to be worshipped, an angel is He’s to be worshipped, an angel is not.not.

3. He’s served by angels, being He’s served by angels, being neither neither below nor even equal to them. below nor even equal to them.

4. He’s God, an angel is not. He’s God, an angel is not. And…And…

5. He was given an eternal kingdom He was given an eternal kingdom to to rule as its King, an angel was not. rule as its King, an angel was not.