Jesus, the Language of God

¹Throughout our history God has spoken to our ancestors by his prophets in many different ways. The revelation he gave them was only a fragment at a time, building one truth upon another .[#1:1 The Greek is “God spoke in different times in different parts.” That is, he reveals one piece and then another, like pieces of a puzzle, with one piece complementing the other. The Aramaic can be translated “God spoke to our ancestors by all methods and at any price” or “in every way, shape, and form.” That is, by sample and by example God reveals his ways progressively, building on previous understandings, leading us into Christ’s fullness.]

²But to us living in these last days, God now speaks to us openly in the language of a Son, the appointed Heir of everything, for through him God created the panorama of all things and all time.[#1:2 This phrase, often used by the prophets of the Old Testament, speaks of our current time in human history between Acts 2 (Pentecost) and the coming again of Christ.; #1:2 Or “he has spoken through a Son.” We speak in English; God speaks in “Son,” for Jesus is the language of God. The Sonship of Jesus is the language he now uses to speak to us.; #1:2 Or “the complete period of all existence.” The Aramaic can be translated “universes.” Both the concept of “all things,” and “all time” (the ages), are implied in the text.]

³The Son is the dazzling radiance of God’s splendor, the exact expression of God’s true nature—his mirror image! He holds the universe together and expands it by the mighty power of his spoken word. He accomplished for us the complete cleansing of sins, and then took his seat on the highest throne at the right hand of the majestic One.[#1:3 Or “the out-shining [effulgence] of God’s glory.” The Aramaic can be translated “He is the Sprout of God, the image of his glory.”; #1:3 Or “the Son is God’s mirror image and exact expression” (the reflection of God).; #1:3 The Aramaic can be translated “He is almighty.”; #1:3 The Greek word phero , has as its primary meaning “to carry along” or “to move [something] forward.” Forward motion is implied. (See Strong’s Concordance , Gr. 5342.); #1:3 This is the Greek word rhema , which is the sayings of the Son, or “his spoken word.”; #1:3 Or “Because he had accomplished our purification from sins” (atonement).; #1:3 That is, the place of highest honor and authority. See Ps. 110:1. Some have proposed that v. 3 is an ancient Christian hymn that summarizes our faith.; #1:3 Or “the Majesty,” a periphrasis for God.]

Jesus, Greater than Angels

⁴He is infinitely greater than angels, for he inherited a rank and a Name far greater than theirs.[#1:4 This is Ha-Shem , in the Aramaic, the common title for God. This elevates the meaning of the passage much clearer than Greek, for Jesus is now given the “Name,” that is, he has the title of God ( Ha-Shem , the Name).]

⁵For God has never said to any angel what he said to Jesus:

And this:

⁶And again, when he brought his firstborn Son into the world:

“Let all my angels bow down before him

and kiss him in worship.”

⁷And about his angels he says,

“I make my angels swift winds,

and my ministers fiery flames.”

⁸But about his Son, he called him “God,” saying,[#1:8 Clearly implied in the text and made explicit.]

“Your throne, O God, endures forever and ever

and you will rule your kingdom

with justice and righteousness,

⁹For you have cherished righteousness

and detested lawlessness.

For this reason, God, your God, has anointed you

and poured out the oil of bliss on you

more than on any of your friends.”

¹⁰And he called him Lord, saying,[#1:10 Clearly implied in the text and made explicit.]

“Lord, you formed the earth in the beginning

and with your own hands you crafted the cosmos.

¹¹They will both one day disappear,

but you will remain forever!

They will all fade like a worn-out garment,

¹²And they will be changed like clothes,

and you will fold them up and put them away.

But you are ‘I AM.’

You never change, years without end!”

¹³And God has never said this to any of his angels:

“Take your seat next to me at my right hand

until I force your whispering enemies

to be a rug under your feet.”

¹⁴What role then, do the angels have? The angels are spirit-messengers sent by God to serve those who are going to be saved.[#1:14 The Aramaic can be translated “The angels are spirit-winds-of-ministry sent to minister to those destined to receive salvation.” The angels are glad to minister to us, for they see us “in Christ.”]