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Verse Commentaries:
Chapter Level Commentary:
In every chapter we must read the Bible first and try to identify its subjects (paragraphs), then compare our understanding with the modern versions. Only when we understand the original author's intent by following his logic and presentation can we truly understand the Bible. Only the original author is inspired—readers have no right to change or modify the message. Bible readers do have the responsibility of applying the inspired truth to their day and their lives.
Note that all technical terms and abbreviations are explained fully in the following documents: hyperlink, hyperlink, and hyperlink.
READING CYCLE THREE (from "hyperlink")
FOLLOWING THE ORIGINAL AUTHOR'S INTENT AT THE PARAGRAPH LEVEL
This is a study guide commentary, which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.
Read the chapter in one sitting. Identify the subjects. Compare your subject divisions with the five translations above. Paragraphing is not inspired but it is the key to following the original author's intent which is the heart of interpretation. Every paragraph has one and only one subject.
1. First paragraph
2. Second paragraph
3. Third paragraph
4. Etc.
CONTEXTUAL INSIGHTS
A. The first paragraph is a poetic/hymnic presentation of Jesus' cosmic and redemptive achievements. He is Lord of all creation and especially Lord of this planet. This is spelled out in seven descriptive phrases. It is one of the highest Christologies in the NT (cf. Joh_1:1-18; Php_2:6-11; and Col_1:15-17).
1. the heir of the Father's creation (Heb_1:2)
2. the agent of the Father's creation (Heb_1:2)
3. radiance of the Father's glory (Heb_1:3)
4. exact image of the Father's nature (Heb_1:3)
5. the sustainer of the Father's creation (Heb_1:3)
6. the means of forgiveness of the Father's creation (Heb_1:3)
7. the royal and priestly Messiah sent by the Father (Heb_1:3)
B. Heb_1:1-4 deal primarily with how God has spoken to us in a new way through a son, Jesus of Nazareth. No longer do we receive revelation bit by bit through servants (i.e., the prophets of the OT), but now through a full revelation in a family member ("a son," cf. Heb_1:2; Heb_3:6; Heb_5:8; Heb_7:28).
C. Heb_1:1-3 displays Jesus, the Anointed One, as being the ultimate fulfillment of all three OT anointed offices (i.e., prophet, priest and king).
D. The second paragraph (Heb_1:5-14) continues the theme of Jesus' superiority. In Heb_1:1-4 He is a more superior revelation than the prophets; in Heb_1:5-14 He is a more superior mediator than the angels; confirmed by a series of seven OT texts from the Septuagint (mostly from the Psalms): Psa_2:7; 2Sa_7:14; Psa_97:7; Psa_104:4; Psa_45:6-7; Psa_102:25-27 and Psa_110:1.
E. Notice that the author is structuring his/her text in careful ways. Seven is the number of perfection in Jewish numerology (i.e., the seven days of Genesis 1).
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
This is a study guide commentary, which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.
These discussion questions are provided to help you think through the major issues of this section of the book. They are meant to be thought provoking, not definitive.
1. What is the emphasis of Heb_1:1?
2. What is the difference between natural and special revelation?
3. List the seven aspects of Jesus' person and work in Heb_1:2-3.
4. Why is this description of Jesus so important to the recipients?
5. How are angels related to Jesus' ministry?