"THE EPISTLE TO THE HEBREWS" Chapter One Dispensing with greetings and salutations typical of letters at that time, the epistle to the Hebrews begins like a sermon, with the author immediately declaring the superiority of Jesus. While God spoke in times past to the fathers by the prophets, He now speaks to us through His Son (1-3). Jesus is also demonstrated to be much better than angels (4-14). POINTS TO PONDER * How Jesus is superior to OT prophets * How Jesus is superior to angels REVIEW QUESTIONS 1) What are the main points of this chapter? - Jesus’ superiority over prophets as spokesman - He 1:1-3 - Jesus’ superiority over angels by virtue of His deity - He 1:4-14 2) How did God speak in time past? How does He speak today? (1-2) - By the prophets at various times and in various ways; by His Son 3) List seven things that describe the Son. (2-3) - He is the appointed heir of all things - Through Him God made the worlds - He is the brightness of God’s glory - He is the express image of God’s person - He upholds all things by the word of His power - He purged our sins - He is now seated at the right hand of the Majesty on high 4) List five ways that Jesus is superior to the angels. (4-14) - He is the "Son", angels are not - He is "the firstborn" who receives worship from angels - He is "God" enthroned and anointed, angels are merely servants - He is "LORD" (Yahweh) who is the eternal Creator - He is "sovereign" seated at the right hand of God, angels are ministering spirits 5) For whom have the angels been sent forth to minister? (14) - Those who will inherit salvation 6) List the Old Testament passages that are referenced to in this chapter. (5-13) - Ps 2:7 and 2Sa 7:14 in verse 5 - Deut 32:43 (Septuagint) in verse 6 - Ps 104:4 in verse 7 - Ps 45:6-7 in verses 8-9 - Ps 102:25-27 in verses 10-12 - Ps 110:1 in verse 13