Matthew Henry’s Modern English CommentaryHebrews 1

Law and Gospel Compared; Dignity and Glory of Christ.The opening verses of Hebrews explain how God has revealed himself to humanity. The passage compares the way God spoke in Old Testament times with the greater way he now speaks through Jesus Christ. The commentary highlights that both the law and the gospel are from God, but the gospel is far superior because of how and through whom God has spoken. This section introduces the unique role of Christ as God’s Son, the final and greatest messenger, and explains his glory, power, and the importance of his work for us.v. 1: In the past, God spoke to our ancestors by the prophets. These prophets were chosen and prepared by God to reveal his will. God did not speak to everyone, but to the “fathers,” the people of faith in the Old Testament. He spoke in many different times and ways—sometimes through dreams, visions, or even an audible voice. For example, he told Adam that the Messiah would come from Eve’s descendants (Genesis 3:15 ), Abraham that the Messiah would be his offspring (Genesis 22:18 ), and David that the Messiah would be from his family line (2 Samuel 7:12-13 ). Sometimes God spoke clearly, like with Moses, and sometimes in dreams or visions, as he explained in If there is a prophet among you, I the Lord

v. 2: Now, in these last days, God has spoken to us by his Son. The “last days” mean both the end of the Jewish age and the time before the end of the world. The gospel is God’s final revelation—nothing more will be added. God’s Son is the most excellent messenger, greater than any prophet or patriarch. Jesus is the one through whom God has chosen to reveal everything we truly need to know about him.

v. 3: The writer describes the greatness of Jesus. He is the “heir of all things,” meaning God has given him authority over everything (Psalm 2:6-7; Matthew 28:18 ; John 5:22 ). Through Jesus, God made the universe, both things seen and unseen. Jesus also sustains everything by his powerful word—he keeps the world together and rules over all creation. When sin broke the world, Jesus, through his work of redemption, restored it by his power and goodness. None of the prophets had such a role or power.

The Dignity of Christ In this section, the writer of Hebrews explains that Jesus Christ is far greater than the angels. Some people, especially Jewish believers, might think the law is more important because it was given by angels. The author wants to show that Jesus is not only greater than angels, but also that the message He brings—the gospel—is far greater than the law. v. 4: The scripture says Jesus became “so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they” (Hebrews 1:4 ). This means that Jesus has a much higher position and honor than the angels. The “name” He received shows His true nature and authority—He is the Son of God, not just a servant like the angels.

v. 5: God never said to any angel, “Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee” (Psalm 2:7 ), or “I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son” (2 Samuel 7:14 ). This special relationship belongs to Jesus alone. Angels are servants, but Jesus is God’s unique Son, sharing in God’s nature and authority.

v. 6: When God brings His “first-begotten” (Jesus) into the world, He commands, “Let all the angels of God worship him” (Psalm 97:7 ). This shows that even the angels are to worship Jesus, proving He is above them.

v. 7: About the angels, God says, “Who maketh his angels spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire” (Psalm 104:4 ). Angels are powerful and spiritual beings, but they are created to serve God and do His will.

v. 8–9: But about the Son, God says, “Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom. Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows” (Psalm 45:6–7 ). This means Jesus is called God, and His kingdom is eternal and perfectly just. God has given Him the highest joy and honor above all others.

v. 10–12: The scripture also says about Jesus, “Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the work of thy hands. They shall perish; but thou remainest; and they all shall wax old as doth a garment; and as a vesture shalt thou fold them up, and they shall be changed: but thou art the same, and thy years shall not fail” (Psalm 102:25-27 ). This shows that Jesus is the Creator, and unlike creation, He never changes or ends.

v. 13: God never said to any angel, “Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool” (Psalm 110:1 ). Only Jesus has this place of highest honor and authority, ruling beside God until all enemies are defeated.

v. 14: Angels, in contrast, are “ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation” (Hebrews 1:14 ). Angels serve God’s people, but Jesus rules over all. He is the Son, the King, and the eternal Lord, while angels are His servants.