HEBREWS 1:1-4

In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in
various ways, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he
appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. 3 The Son is
the radiance of Gods glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all
things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at
the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. 4 So he became as much superior to the
angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs.
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This group of Hebrew Christians is under severe pressure to turn back to Judaism. Fierce
persecution from orthodox Jewish leaders is undermining their commitment to Jesus
Christ. The writer accordingly exhorts them repeatedly to endure patiently.
Imagine yourself I the situation of the persecuted Jewish Christians. How would this
opening paragraph help you respond to persecution with patient endurance?
Read 1:1-4 silently and once aloud to yourself. Ask God to speak to you through these
verses.

at many times (1:1). NIV: in various ways. Revelation in the Old Testament was
fragmentary and was given on many different occasions. Each such revelation
contained only a portion of the truth. Therefore, we speak of progressive revelation in
the Old Testament.
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1. Examine the following passages and list some of the various ways that God
spoke to men in days past.
a. Genesis 28:10-15 ___________________________________________________
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b. Exodus 3:1-6 _______________________________________________________
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c. Exodus 20:1-21 _____________________________________________________
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d. Exodus 31:18 ______________________________________________________
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e. 2 Peter 1:21 _______________________________________________________
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last days (1:2). The last days began when God spoke finally and completely in the
incarnation, crucifixion, and resurrection of His Son.
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heir of all things (1:2). As the Son of God, Christ owns all things in the universe.
Consequently, He is rightfully the Controller, Sovereign, and Lord of all things.
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2. What do you see in 1:1-2 that indicates a basic unity between the Old and New
Testament?

3. There are three constants between 1:1 and 1:2. List them

1:1

1:2

4. The concept that Jesus is Gods ultimate revelation is weighty. How has God
spoken to us by His Son (12)? (Optional: Read John 1:14, 12:44-46, 14:9-11.)

radiance (1:3). Literally shining forth. The word indicates not a reflection but an
outshining of resplendent light. Jesus Christ shines forth to the world the very character,
attributes, and essence of God (John 1:14).
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exact representation (1:3). In classical Greek, this phrase was used f an engraving tool
or stamp, often in minting coins. In common usage, it came to refer to the actual mark
engraved or the impression made by the tool itself. Thus the word implies an exact
expression. Jesus is the absolutely authentic representation of Gods being (john 14:9)
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sustaining all things (1:3). Sustaining includes the idea of movement toward a
determined end. Jesus maintains and carries along all things in the universe (Colossians
1:17).
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right hand (1:3). In Jewish culture, sitting at the right hand was a place of honor,
privilege, dignity, and power. That Christ sat down at the exalted place indicates that
His work was finished.
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5. Why do you think the author makes such a point of Christs deity to these Hebrew
Christians?

angels (1:4). The Jews considered angels to be extremely powerful and highly exalted
beings.
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name (1:4). According to ancient Jewish thinking, a name represented a persons full
character in all that he was and did. Names were a mini commentary on the person.
Two names that Jesus has received are Christ and Lord. In Jewish circles, Christ
meant the man anointed to be king of Israel, and Lord was the usual way of referring
to God.
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6. What other name did Jesus receive Hebrews 1:5)?

7. What one insight from 1:1-4 seems most personally significant to you right now?

8. Summarize briefly what 1:1-4 is about and how it is relevant to your life.

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