Hebrews chapter 1 is a majestic passage that affirms the supremacy of Christ. The author, whose identity has been a subject of debate (some suggest Paul, others Apollos, Barnabas, or someone else from the early Church), brings us into the heart of God’s revelation. This chapter reminds us that, while God spoke long ago in many ways, He now speaks through the Son—who is superior to every other messenger, including angels.
The text’s original audience was likely Jewish Christians, intimately familiar with the Hebrew Scriptures (our Old Testament). Modern Western readers sometimes miss the depth of how highly first-century Jewish culture regarded angels. By explaining that Christ sits enthroned far above them, the writer to the Hebrews sets the stage for even grander theological truths later in this letter.
Below, we will walk through some key messages, along with references from across Scripture, historical understandings from major Christian thinkers, and some points of biblical archaeology and cultural context. We pray this devotional will feed our souls and deepen our knowledge of Christ’s glory.
“In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son…” – New International Version
In the Old Testament, God revealed Himself gradually through prophets—Moses, Elijah, Isaiah, Jeremiah, and others. Their words shaped Israel’s life and worship. With the coming of Christ, God did not merely send another prophet; He spoke through His own beloved Son. This marks a climactic shift in salvation history.
• In ancient Judaism, messages from angels or prophets were viewed as
authoritative. By beginning this letter with the Son’s supremacy, the
author is reminding believers of how Christ completes and surpasses all
previous revelation.
• Early Church Fathers like Origen and Chrysostom emphasized that God’s
progressive self-revelation always pointed forward to Christ, who is the
fulfillment of all the promises made to Israel.
• John 1:1–2,14 – Jesus as the divine Word.
• Colossians 1:15–16 – The supremacy of Christ.
“The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being…” – New International Version
Jesus is not merely reflecting God’s glory like a mirror; He is the very light of God. The Greek word for “radiance” is ἀπαύγασμα (apaugasma), signifying light shining forth from its source. Additionally, the phrase “exact representation” comes from χαρακτήρ (charaktēr), a term used in the ancient world to describe the imprint made by a stamp or a seal—meaning Christ perfectly reveals God’s nature.
Such language emphasizes the full deity of Jesus. He is not just a wise teacher or a mighty prophet, but the complete and living expression of the Father.
• The use of Greek philosophical vocabulary (“radiance” and “exact
representation”) would resonate with both Jewish and Gentile readers who
were concerned with the nature of God.
• Early theologians like Athanasius drew on this verse to defend the
doctrine of the Trinity, insisting that since Christ is fully God, we
must worship Him as God.
• Psalm 104:1–2 – God clothes Himself with light.
• John 14:9 – “Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father.”
“…So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs.” – New International Version
In the days of the Second Temple (the period between the reconstruction of the temple after the Babylonian exile and its destruction in 70 AD), angels were revered as powerful servants of God. Some Jewish writings (like those found among the Dead Sea Scrolls at Qumran) reflect a deep fascination with angelic orders. Thus, the claim that Jesus outranks angels was a striking message that would root believers more firmly in Christ’s identity and authority.
The text goes on to weave together Old Testament quotations—Psalms and other Scriptures—to show that the Son was always destined for a throne that angels could never approach. Christ’s kingship highlights a key theological thread that runs throughout Hebrews: the new covenant surpasses the old because it is established by the eternal Son of God.
• The author uses a chain of scriptural quotations (a literary form
sometimes called a “catena”) to reinforce Christ’s superiority: Psalm 2,
2 Samuel 7, Deuteronomy 32, and several other texts appear in these
verses.
• By citing multiple Old Testament texts, the writer shows continuity
between God’s ancient revelation and this climactic revelation in
Jesus.
• Medieval commentators like Thomas Aquinas saw these verses as proof
that Christ’s ministry is more excellent than any angelic function in
heaven or on earth.
• Modern scholars note that this section underscores Jesus’ identity as
fully divine: He alone sits enthroned forever.
• Psalm 2:7–9 – “You are my son; today I have become your
father.”
• Psalm 110:1 – “Sit at my right hand…”
Hebrews 1 is a soaring affirmation of Jesus as God’s Final Word. He is the fullness of God’s glory and wisdom. All the prophets and angels find their perfect meaning in Him. As you meditate on this chapter, let it strengthen your faith in the greatness of Jesus and remind you that our lives find their highest purpose in exalting and worshiping Him.
For those interested in historical context, remember: 1. Angels held
a high place in Jewish tradition, but this text shows that Christ’s
place is higher still.
2. The references to Old Testament passages invite you to explore them
deeply, seeing how promises made centuries earlier are fulfilled in
Jesus.
3. Archaeological findings at Qumran and other Second Temple sites shed
light on how the Hebrews might have understood angels and the temple
worship. The message here is that all of them pale in comparison to the
glory of Christ.
Consider listening to or singing the hymn “Crown Him with Many Crowns.” It captures the regal majesty of Christ enthroned above all powers, both earthly and heavenly.
Heavenly Father,
We stand in awe of Your Son, the radiance of Your glory and the exact
representation of Your being. Open our eyes to see more of His holiness,
lift our hearts in worship, and fill us with the bold faith that comes
from knowing our Lord is enthroned above all. May His glory and grace
shine through our lives this day and forever.
In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.