Read an Excerpt
Hebrews 1:1 -- 4
In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God's 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. So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs.
Because Hebrews begins like a sermon, without any mention of sender, addressees, or words of greeting, the author opens with a majestic overture, rhetorically eloquent and theologically packed. This beautifully constructed opening statement begins by contrasting the revelation given under the older testament economy with that given under the new. This contrast focuses on and climaxes in the person of God's Son --- heir, agent of creation, sustainer of the universe, Savior, and sovereign --- who now sits at the right hand of God.
Although most translations, including the NIV, present this introduction in several sentences, Hebrews 1:1 -- 4 in Greek forms a single, multi-clause sentence, built around the main clause 'God . . . has spoken.' Thus God and his communication to humanity through the Son engage the author's attention from the first. These beautifully crafted verses fall into two main subdivisions, the first addressing divine revelation (1:1 -- 2a) and the second the person, work, and status of God's Son (1:2b -- 4).
The Climax of Divine Communication (1:1 -- 2a)
The author begins by presenting divine revelation in parallel contrasts between the 'older' communication during the time of the prophets and the 'newer' communication through the Son. He contrasts four areas: the era of the revelation, the recipients, the agents, and the ways in which the revelation was manifested.
Older Communication -- Newer Communication
Era -- in the past -- in these last days
Recipients -- to our forefathers -- to us
Agents -- through the prophets -- by his Son
Ways -- in various ways -- in one way (implied)
The eras mentioned contrast two time frames. The time 'in the past' (or 'formerly') refers to the time prior to the coming of Messiah, and correspondingly, the coming time was seen as initiating 'the last days.' The author uses the adjective 'these' (touton) in verse 2, expressing the Christian conviction that the last days have been initiated already.
Divine revelation came 'to our forefathers [i.e., those under the older covenants] through the prophets.' The latter phrase should not be understood as narrowly referring to those designated as the 'major' and 'minor' writing prophets of our Old Testament. Rather, the author considers all through whom God manifested his will as owning the prophetic mantel, although the manner of these prophesies varied considerably. As to the manner of the divine revelation, it was 'at many times' (polymeros) --- that is, it was temporally fragmented rather than in a complete package --- and 'in various ways' (polytropos), a word that suggests the diversity of forms of that revelation. The suggestion brings to mind Old Testament commands, exhortations, stories, visions, dreams, mighty acts, breathtaking theophanies, and a still small voice, to name a few.
This older revelation was expansive but incomplete. By contrast, the revelation of these last days has come 'to us,' the receptors of the Christian message. It constitutes God's climactic communication to humanity and has been brought via God's Son; that is, rather than being fragmentary and varied, it may be considered whole, focused in the person and work of Christ. The author included no article prior to the word 'Son' (huio). Whereas in many languages this may suggest that Jesus is merely one son in a crowd of sons, the emphasis here is on the unique relationship of Jesus with the Father --- one who relates to him as son. Whereas the prophets of old were many, the bearer of God's word for the last days was uniquely qualified for the responsibility. The author's statement should not be understood as concentrating only on the teachings of Jesus, although the words of Christ are vitally important to him (2:3 -- 4). Rather, the whole of the incarnation --- person, words, and acts --- should be understood as communicating God's ultimate word to his new covenant people.
