Christmas · The Nativity of Our Lord (Christmas Day) · Year C
Hebrews 1:1-6 (7-12)
The Son Superior to Angels
December 25, 2027
Overview & Insights
“In these last days he has spoken to us by his Son.” (Hebrews 1:2)
The magnificent opening verses of this passage provide an immediate expression of the author’s theological perspective: he moves from past revelation to definitive revelation, from God’s word to the OT “fathers” to his final word through his Son, Jesus Christ. He gives first his doctrine of Christ in order to set the tone for the entire book. The introductory christological prologue in these verses is thus similar to the prologue of the Fourth Gospel (John 1:1–18) in its function as well as in its christocentric theology. The author, however, does not want to present such an exalted Christology without first indicating that God’s word spoken in his Son is continuous with, and not alien to, what has preceded. What God has done in Christ is the climax of what he had begun to do in earlier times. And having finished the work of atonement, Christ enjoys an exalted status far superior to that of the angels.
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Commentary
Working Preacher: Commentary on Hebrews 1:1-4 [5-12] Working Preacher
Lutheran lectionary commentary on God's final word spoken in a Son, for Christmas Day.
CEP: Hebrews 1:1-4, 2:5-12 Commentary Center for Excellence in Preaching
Reformed preaching commentary on the Son's superiority as the radiance of God's glory.
Enduring Word: Hebrews 1 Enduring Word · David Guzik
David Guzik's verse-by-verse evangelical notes on the whole chapter.
StudyLight: Hebrews 1:1 Commentaries StudyLight
Many complete commentaries gathered on this passage page.
BibleHub: Commentaries on Hebrews 1:1 BibleHub
Parallel classic commentaries keyed to God speaking in these last days by a Son.
BibleHub: Hebrews 1:1 Interlinear BibleHub
Greek text with parsing for the Son as heir, radiance, and exact imprint.
Background & Word Study
The Church Fathers
Questions preachers ask
How does Hebrews 1 present the Son?
The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact imprint of his nature, upholding all things, seated at God's right hand, far above the angels who worship him.
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