Useful Bible Studies > Hebrews Commentary > chapter 1
The author’s purpose is to tell us about the greatness of God’s Son. But as he has done that, he has often mentioned the angels (God’s special servants). And here he adds a short but interesting verse to tell us about the angels and their work.
The angels are spirits. They are not people; and they have never lived in this world. They do come here, however, as Jacob saw (Genesis 28:12). They come here when God sends them. And they carry out his work on this earth.
The word ‘angel’ means ‘a servant who carries a message’. The angels bring messages from God. And they serve the people who are God’s people. These people are the people whom God will save.
God saves these people by means of Jesus’ death. At that moment, evil forces do not control them. Instead, God rules their lives. But they are still in this world. And they still suffer the troubles that are in this world. In the future, it is God’s plan to free them from all their troubles (Romans 8:22-23). That will happen when Christ returns.
The author was writing at a time when Christians had suffered greatly (Hebrews 10:32-34). They had many cruel enemies. So the author wrote many words to give them comfort. Jesus suffered like them, and he would help them (Hebrews 2:18). He sympathises with them (Hebrews 4:15). He prays for them (Hebrews 7:25). And he sends his angels to help them (Hebrews 1:14). God will show his kindness (Hebrews 4:16). He will not disappoint (Hebrews 10:35-36). In the end, Christ will return (Hebrews 9:28). Therefore, even during terrible troubles, Christians can be confident (Hebrews 4:14; Hebrews 10:35; Hebrews 11:1; Hebrews 12:1-3). Their hope is sure and certain (Hebrews 6:19), because of what Jesus has done.
Next part: We must give attention to Christ (Hebrews 2:1-3)
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© 2014, Keith Simons.