Christ is Greater Than The Angels

Topic: Foundation
Passage: Hebrews 1:1–7

February 22, 2021

Commentary

How does someone write to suffering Christians and tell them to stay faithful, despite the fact they are going through severe trials? The author wisely begins not by considering their difficult circumstances, nor by simply telling them, “This is right to do, so do it.” They are reminded that they were losing nothing for which they were not getting something much better (v. 1).

The book opens with a portrait of Jesus Christ as the eternal Son of God who possesses the following characteristics:

  1. He is heir of all things (v. 2).
  2. He is creator of the universe (v. 2).
  3. He is the brightness of the glory of God (v. 3).
  4. He is the sustainer of the universe (v. 3).
  5. He is the sinless purger of others’ sins (v. 3)
  6. He is sitting upon the throne of Deity (v. 3).

He establishes the priority of Jesus Christ by saying He is greater than the prophets, He is greater than any revelation in the Old Testament, and He is greater than the angels (vv. 4-7). Most Jews believed that angels were very important. Some actually worshiped them. The elect angels of God are the highest order of all created beings. They take orders from no one but God. Christ is said to be better than the angels. He is God, and there is none better than the angels except God. He proves and confirms the dignity of Christ which far surpasses all angels.

Application

The foundation of my Chistian faith is Jesus Christ. God may use angels to protect me but their importance is very minor compared to who Jesus Christ is and what He does in and through my life.

Hebrews 1:1– 7 (NET)

1 After God spoke long ago in various portions and in various ways to our ancestors through the prophets, 2 in these last days he has spoken to us in a son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he created the world. 3 The Son is the radiance of his glory and the representation of his essence, and he sustains all things by his powerful word, and so when he had accomplished cleansing for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high. 4 Thus he became so far better than the angels as he has inherited a name superior to theirs.

5 For to which of the angels did God ever say, โ€œYou are my son! Today I have fathered youโ€? And in another place he says, โ€œI will be his father and he will be my son.โ€ 6 But when he again brings his firstborn into the world, he says, โ€œLet all the angels of God worship him!โ€ 7 And he says of the angels, โ€œHe makes his angels winds and his ministers a flame of fire,โ€