Bible Diary - Hebrews 1:1-4
April 20, 2008
The Apostle Paul may or may not have written the Epistle to the Hebrews, but tradition says he did. Have you ever wondered what Paul looked like? Here is how Rembrandt imagined him.
The letter was probably written to Jewish Christians living in a city of that time, and It made it into the Bible partly on the strength of Paul’s presumed authorship, and partly because it is a beautifully written letter exalting Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
Hebrews is considered an important book in the New Testament, and good old Wikipedia seems to be a reliable source for more information.
Introduction: God Has Spoken Fully and Finally in His Son
1:1 After God spoke long ago in various portions and in various ways to our ancestors through the prophets, 1:2 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. 1:3 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. 1:4 Thus he became so far better than the angels as he has inherited a name superior to theirs.
The author dives right in without identifying himself or his credentials, unlike Paul, thus fueling the idea that Paul may not have been the author. The opening words picture Jesus completing the work of the prophets and angels in preparing us for the company of God in glory through the cleansing of our sins. The letter suggests that it is directed to Christians who were drifting away from the church and failing to grow toward Christian maturity, perhaps even to the point of worshiping angels instead of the Lord Jesus.
Does this remind you of anyone you know? I know that I constantly fight the tendency to drift away from the body of saints who help hold me accountable for living a consistent and growing Christian life.
Dave, trying to keep his eye on the ball.
-sdg-
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