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In these last days He spoke to us1 [Hebrews] by means of a Son2 whom He appointed heir of the Universe.3 By means of [His Son] [The God] made the Periods of Time.4
| 1 | In these last days He spoke to us: [KJV – NOTE: when an abbreviation of this type occurs following the 21st Century Version of the Christian Scriptures© phrasing it indicates that such versions are similar.] Or, ASV: end of these days; PME: the end of the present age. Peter identified his time as “the last days.” [Acts 2:17] Compare notes on Hebrews 9:26 where he calls it “the consummation of the age.” The “last days” of the Jewish Temple Age [Matthew 24:1-3] began in the year 29 and was completed by 73 CE. Compare Daniel 9:26, 27. [1 Corinthians 10:11] |
| 2 | By means of a Son: [WEY, KNX, AMP] Just as the ancient prophets were God’s spokesmen, so now in those last days God’s Son became His Spokesman. New truths and commandments were revealed in the teachings or doctrine of Jesus Christ. The Son is now the one to be listened to and studied. See notes on Matthew 17:5. It is best a new disciple read first the teachings of the Son as found in the Gospels. [John 7:16, 17; Revelation 1:1] The Greek HUIO lacks the article so many versions use “a Son.” [WEY, KNX] |
| 3 | Whom He appointed heir of the Universe: [MOF] Or, WMS: appointed lawful owner of everything; PME: so to the Son he has ordained that all creation shall ultimately belong. The God “appointed” the Son as heir. It is not something he naturally possessed. [Psalm 2:8] |
| 4 | By means of [His Son] [The God] made the Periods of Time: [RHM] Or, KJV: by whom also he made the worlds; NEB: through whom he created all orders of existence. The Son was the creative agent or instrument of creation, not the origin or source. See notes on John 1:3. [Colossians 1:16; Proverbs 8:22-30] Note that 1 Corinthians 8:6 has it, “… there is one God OUT OF WHOM ALL THINGS EXIST… and one Master… BY MEANS OF WHOM ALL THINGS EXIST.” The Creation originated from The God through the Son. Nowhere is the Son called the creator or maker of the universe. The Greek AIONAS means ages or periods of time, eras, eons [aeons]. |
Dear Friends of the Nazarene,
Today we begin to examine Paul’s epistle to the Hebrews. The overall theme could be stated as, “A Sympathetic Priest With The Power of An Indestructible Life.” We choose Hebrews 1:2 as the theme verse of chapter one – A Superior Spokesman. Paul begins in language that could be a commentary on John 1:1-3. It writes of God’s spokesman. [1-4] Though The God spoke by the prophets in ages past, Paul states that beginning in his day – “the last days” – He now speaks by means of a Son. His Son was appointed heir of the Universe and was the creative agent by which God made the past ages. The Son is described as God’s “reflection” and the “very imprint of His substance.” After his cleansing sacrifice the Son sat down at the right hand of the Exalted Majesty. In this way the Son became better than the angels. Paul quotes Psalm 2:7, 2 Samuel 7:14, Psalm 89:27 and Deuteronomy 32:43 to prove that indeed God has such an exalted Son.
Paul continues with more proof texts regarding God’s exalted Son. [7-12] He writes first regarding angels quoting Psalm 104:4. Then he writes regarding the Son, quoting Psalm 45:7. He finally writes concerning the Sovereign LORD using Psalm 102:25, 26. Paul’s main thrust is that the person who lived as the flesh and blood Son of God became better than the angels in general. His final proof text is the inspired interpretation of Psalm 110:1 to the Son as the One who sat down on the right hand of God.
What has been Paul’s main introductory point? What has he tried to prove from the Scripture? First, that God’s spokesman is now His Son who shared a relationship with Him during creation. Paul proceeds to argue that this Son has become better than the angels, indicating he was once either equal to or less than such. Paul rallies over a half dozen texts to argue that His Son is King and worthy of angelic respect by bowing in obeisance. This Son became such upon his ascension to his Messianic throne which is based on the sovereignty of The God.
At no time does Paul argue that Jesus is The God, nor does he mention the Holy Spirit, nor create any kind of triune formula. He is merely trying to convince the Jews – not that the Son is part of a triad – but, rather, that he has been elevated above all the angels.
Abba our Father bless those who listen to His Son.
[12 August 2002]
Through his agency or instrumentality. Christ, the Logos, is represented as God’s medium in creation.
