Hebrews 1:2
Verse
Context
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Last days - The Gospel dispensation, called the last days and the last time, because not to be followed by any other dispensation; or the conclusion of the Jewish Church and state now at their termination. By his Son - It is very remarkable that the pronoun αὑτου, his, is not found in the text; nor is it found in any MS. or version. We should not therefore supply the pronoun as our translators have done; but simply read εν Υἱῳ, By a Son, or In a Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things. God has many sons and daughters, for he is the Father of the spirits of all flesh; and he has many heirs, for if sons, then heirs, heirs of God, and joint heirs with Jesus Christ; but he has no Son who is heir of all things, none by whom he made the worlds, none in whom he speaks, and by whom he has delivered a complete revelation to mankind, but Jesus the Christ. The apostle begins with the lowest state in which Christ has appeared: 1. His being a Son, born of a woman, and made under the law. He then ascends, 2. So his being an Heir, and an Heir of all things. 3. He then describes him as the Creator of all worlds. 4. As the Brightness of the Divine glory. 5. As the express Image of his person, or character of the Divine substance. 6. As sustaining the immense fabric of the universe; and this by the word of his power. 7. As having made an atonement for the sin of the world, which was the most stupendous of all his works. "'Twas great to speak a world from nought; 'Twas greater to redeem." 8. As being on the right hand of God, infinitely exalted above all created beings; and the object of adoration to all the angelic host. 9. As having an eternal throne, neither his person nor his dignity ever changing or decaying. 10. As continuing to exercise dominion, when the earth and the heavens are no more! It is only in God manifested in the flesh that all these excellences can possibly appear, therefore the apostle begins this astonishing climax with the simple Sonship of Christ, or his incarnation; for, on this, all that he is to man, and all that he has done for man, is built.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
in these last days--In the oldest manuscripts the Greek is. "At the last part of these days." The Rabbins divided the whole of time into "this age," or "world," and "the age to come" (Heb 2:5; Heb 6:5). The days of Messiah were the transition period or "last part of these days" (in contrast to "in times past"), the close of the existing dispensation, and beginning of the final dispensation of which Christ's second coming shall be the crowning consummation. by his Son--Greek, "IN (His) Son" (Joh 14:10). The true "Prophet" of God. "His majesty is set forth: (1) Absolutely by the very name "Son," and by three glorious predicates, "whom He hath appointed," "by whom He made the worlds," "who sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;" thus His course is described from the beginning of all things till he reached the goal (Heb 1:2-3). (2) Relatively, in comparison with the angels, Heb 1:4; the confirmation of this follows, and the very name "Son" is proved at Heb 1:5; the "heirship," Heb 1:6-9; the "making the worlds," Heb 1:10-12; the "sitting at the right hand" of God, Heb 1:13-14." His being made heir follows His sonship, and preceded His making the worlds (Pro 8:22-23; Eph 3:11). As the first begotten, He is heir of the universe (Heb 1:6), which He made instrumentally, Heb 11:3, where "by the Word of God" answers to "by whom"' (the Son of God) here (Joh 1:3). Christ was "appointed" (in God's eternal counsel) to creation as an office; and the universe so created was assigned to Him as a kingdom. He is "heir of all things" by right of creation, and especially by right of redemption. The promise to Abraham that he should be heir of the world had its fulfilment, and will have it still more fully, in Christ (Rom 4:13; Gal 3:16; Gal 4:7). worlds--the inferior and the superior worlds (Col 1:16). Literally, "ages" with all things and persons belonging to them; the universe, including all space and ages of time, and all material and spiritual existences. The Greek implies, He not only appointed His Son heir of all things before creation, but He also (better than "also He") made by Him the worlds.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son,.... This is the Gospel revelation, or the revelation in the Gospel dispensation; which though it comes from the same author the other does, yet in many things differs from it, and is preferable to it; and indeed the general design of this epistle is to show the superior excellency of the one to the other; the former was delivered out in time past, but this "in these last days"; the Alexandrian copy, the Complutensian edition, and several other copies, read, "in the last of these days": perfectly agreeable to the phrase , used in Gen 49:1 to which the apostle refers, and in which places the days of the Messiah are intended; and it is a rule with the Jews (m), that wherever the phrase, "the last days", is mentioned, the days of the Messiah are designed: and they are to be understood not of the last days of the natural world, but of, the Jewish world and state; indeed the times of the Messiah, or Gospel dispensation, may be called the last days of the natural world, according to the tradition of the house of Elias; which teaches, that the duration of the world will be six thousand years, and divides it into three parts, the last of which is assigned to the Messiah, thus; two thousand years void, (or without the law,) two thousand years the law, and two thousand years the days of the Messiah (n): but it is best to understand this of the last days of the Mosaic economy, or Jewish dispensation; for the Messiah was to come before the Jewish civil and church states were dissolved; before the sceptre departed from Judah, and before the second temple was destroyed; and he was to come at the end, or toward the close of both these states; and which is called the end, or ends of the world, Hab 2:3 and quickly after Jesus, the true Messiah was come, an end was put to both these: from whence it may be observed, that the Messiah must be come; that the Mosaic economy, and Jewish worship, will never be restored again; that the Gospel revelation being made in the last days, ought to be regarded the more, it being the last revelation God will ever make. Moreover, this differs from the former in this respect, that was made to the fathers, this "to us"; meaning either the apostles in particular, or the Jews in general, to whom the apostle is writing: this shows that the Gospel revelation was first made to the Jews; and it being made to them personally, they were under great obligation to regard it; and that God had not cast off his people; and that though he had greatly indulged their fathers, he had showed greater favour to them, having provided some better thing for them: and there is a difference between these two revelations in the manner in which they were made; the former was at sundry times, and in divers manners, the latter was made at once, and in one way; that was delivered out in parts, and by piece meal, this the whole together; the whole mind and will of God, all his counsel, all that Christ heard of the Father; it is the faith that was once, and at once, delivered to the saints; and it has been given out in one way, by the preaching of the word: to which may be added, that formerly God spoke by many persons, by the prophets, but now by one only, "by his Son"; who is so not by creation, nor by adoption, nor by office, but by nature; being his own Son, his proper Son, begotten of him, of the same nature with him, and equal to him; and so infinitely preferable to the prophets: he is a Son, and not a servant, in whom the Father is, and he in the Father, and in whom the Spirit is without measure; and God is said to speak by him, or in him, because he was now incarnate; and what he says from God should be attended to, both on account of the dignity of his person, as the Son of God, and because of the authority he came with as Mediator: whom he hath appointed heir of all things; which must be understood of him not as God, and Creator; for as such he has a right to all things; all that the Father has are his; the kingdom of nature and providence belongs to him, he being the Former and Maker of all things; but as Mediator, who has all things committed to him, to subserve the ends of his office; and has a kingdom appointed him, and which he will deliver up again the word all may refer either to persons or things; to persons, not angels, good or bad, though both are subject to him, yet neither are called his inheritance; but elect men, who are his portion, and the lot of his inheritance; and to things relating to these persons, and for their use and service, in time, and to all eternity; as all temporal things, and all spiritual ones, the blessings and promises of the covenant of grace, the gifts and graces of the Spirit, and eternal glory and happiness, the saints' inheritance, who are joint heirs with Christ. By whom also he made the worlds; this is said in agreement with the notions of the Jews, and their way of speaking, who make mention of three worlds, which they call, the upper world (the habitation of God), the middle world (the air), and the lower world (o) (the earth); and sometimes they call them the world of angels (where they dwell), the world of orbs (where the sun, moon, and stars are), and the world below (p) (on which we live); and it is frequent in their writings, and prayer books (q), to call God , "Lord of all worlds"; See Gill on Heb 11:3, these God made by his Son, not as an instrument, but as an efficient cause with him; for by him were all things made, whether visible or invisible; and the preposition "by" does not always denote instrumentality, but sometimes efficiency; and is used of God the Father himself, and in this epistle, Heb 2:10. (m) Kimchi & Aben Ezra in Isa. ii. 2. (n) T. Bab. Sanhedrin, fol. 97. 1. (o) Tzeror Hammor, fol. 1. 4. & 3. 2, 3. Caphtor, fol. 79. 1. (p) Tzeror Hammor, fol. 83. 2. Caphtor, fol. 90. 1. (q) Seder Tephillot, fol. 5. 2. & 40. 2. Ed. Amstelod.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:2 These final days refers to the historical era inaugurated at Christ’s coming (see Isa 2:2; Acts 2:17). Whereas the revelation of the Old Testament era came in a wide variety of forms over time, God’s ultimate revelation was given through his Son, Jesus (see Heb 2:3-4). • as an inheritance: Christ is God’s royal heir; the author probably had Ps 2:8 in mind.
Hebrews 1:2
The Supremacy of the Son
1On many past occasions and in many different ways, God spoke to our fathers through the prophets. 2But in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, and through whom He made the universe.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
"In the Beginning God created..."
By Art Katz31K1:24:26BeginningGEN 1:1MAT 6:33JHN 1:1ROM 1:17COL 1:16HEB 1:2In this sermon, the speaker shares his experience of preaching the word of God to a colony of people who were not living for the purpose of God. He describes how the power of the word of God impacted the people, awakening something within them. Despite the inadequate technology and chaotic atmosphere, the speaker felt the weight of the responsibility to deliver the message effectively. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing God as the creator of the world and our dependence on Him, as seen in the story of Paul in Athens.
It Will Cost You Everything! (Compilation)
By Compilations1.3K11:03CompilationMAT 6:19MAT 16:24LUK 14:26LUK 14:33HEB 1:2In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of total surrender and supreme loyalty to Christ in order to be a true disciple. He states that none of us can be in right relationship with God or be a disciple of Christ without giving up all our possessions and coming to the end of ourselves. The preacher highlights that salvation cannot be earned through material wealth, but rather through complete trust in Christ. He warns that if our faith becomes tasteless and lacks evidence of true discipleship, it is useless and of no value to God or His kingdom.
Highlights From Isaiah 9:-04 God in His Person
By James K. Boswell88440:47ISA 43:2MAT 28:20JHN 14:27ROM 9:51TI 3:16HEB 1:21JN 5:20In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of God's plan for believers and how he is seeking to transform them into the image of his son, Jesus. The speaker emphasizes that God has a five-step plan for believers, which includes predestination, calling, justification, and glorification. The speaker also shares personal anecdotes and stories to illustrate the power and presence of God in difficult times. The sermon concludes with the message that believers are more than conquerors through Christ and that God's plan includes his provision and power for daily victorious living.
Jesus Christ Is Lord - Lord of the Universe
By J. Glyn Owen76256:14LordGEN 1:1JHN 1:3COL 1:16HEB 1:2In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that the universe, including humanity, was created by the Son of God and is meant to bring glory to Him. The purpose of our existence is not solely for our own enjoyment, but to serve the Son and fulfill His purposes. The speaker highlights that sin poses a constant threat to the universe and the Son's inheritance, but the Lord Jesus Christ actively rules and overrules history to counteract this disruption. Through His redemptive present rule, Jesus guides the progress of history towards its appointed destiny, ultimately gathering those who choose to serve Him in eternity.
Christ Is Above All
By Tim Conway52906:19EPH 5:2COL 3:1HEB 1:2This sermon emphasizes the impending judgment day where Jesus will call all nations before Him, urging listeners to live a life passionately in love with Jesus Christ, prioritizing Him above all else. The message highlights the transformative power of truth and a deep understanding of Christ, leading to sacrificial love and joy in serving Him. It challenges believers to meditate on Christ's glory, love, and sacrifice, inspiring a life of devotion and service.
The God of the Bible - Part 2
By Richard Owen Roberts49640:23Character Of GodGEN 1:1GEN 21:33ISA 57:15JER 10:10DAN 4:3HAB 1:12COL 1:16HEB 1:2HEB 13:81JN 1:1REV 1:8REV 22:13In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the concept of time and its significance in our lives. He emphasizes that everything in the physical world, including our lives, has a beginning and an end, but God is eternal and not bound by time. The preacher quotes from Ecclesiastes chapter 3, highlighting the various seasons and purposes that exist under heaven. He also ponders on what God was doing before the creation of man and emphasizes that God's existence is from everlasting to everlasting. The sermon concludes with a reflection on the brevity of human life and the need to seek wisdom and mercy from God.
Nine Characteristics of a Preacher
By Rolfe Barnard36155:08PreacherJON 1:2JON 3:2MAT 17:5MRK 1:15ACT 17:30ROM 10:9HEB 1:2In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of preaching for a verdict, rather than just going through the motions. He calls on preachers to be like John the Baptist, urging people to surrender in repentance and faith to God's Son. The preacher also highlights the urgency of preaching as if it were the last opportunity to reach dying men. He references the story of Jonah to illustrate the power of preaching that leads to repentance and revival. Overall, the sermon encourages young preachers to be God's preachers and to seek revival through the preaching of the Word of God.
Christ Made the World
By A.W. Tozer0Christ's SovereigntyCreationGEN 1:1PSA 24:1ISA 9:6MAT 1:23LUK 1:30JHN 1:3JHN 1:14ROM 11:36COL 1:16HEB 1:2A.W. Tozer emphasizes that the world we inhabit is fundamentally Christ's creation, asserting that every part of the earth belongs to Him as He is the one who made it all. He highlights the intimate connection between Christ and creation, noting that even the atoms of Mary and the straw in the manger were made by Him. Tozer also clarifies the role of Mary, stating that while she was the mother of Jesus, she should not be referred to as the 'mother of God' as it misrepresents her role in God's redemptive plan. The sermon calls for a proper understanding of Christ's sovereignty over the world and the honor due to Mary. Ultimately, it invites believers to recognize and celebrate the divine authority of Christ in all aspects of life.
His Place - by the Love of the Father
By T. Austin-Sparks0PSA 16:10MAT 3:17MRK 1:24JHN 5:20JHN 17:24ROM 5:14COL 1:13COL 1:27HEB 1:2T. Austin-Sparks delves into the greatness of Christ in the Scriptures, emphasizing His place by the love of the Father as the infinite divine love that motivates and empowers His appointment. This love is evident in various Scriptures and Old Testament figures like Isaac, Joseph, and Israel, all pointing to a love relationship between God and man. The preacher highlights that Christ's greatness is both spiritual, in His union with the Father, and moral, in His perfect separation from fallen nature, as seen throughout the Old Testament in the quest for a holy and righteous One.
The Resurrection of Lazarus. (John 11:43-44)
By George Whitefield0JHN 21:15ACT 20:28COL 1:162TI 4:2HEB 1:2HEB 13:171PE 2:21PE 5:12PE 3:181JN 3:18The preacher emphasizes the importance of shepherding and feeding God's people, drawing parallels between literal feeding of animals and the figurative feeding of believers. Peter's love for Jesus led to a desire to serve and teach others, showcasing that moral perfection or academic degrees are not prerequisites for serving God. The duty of a Christian teacher is to promote the spiritual welfare of the church members, as portrayed in the figurative sense of 'bosko.' Believers are reminded that they are stewards of God's possessions and will be held accountable for their shepherding roles.
The Eternal Sonship of Christ
By John Nelson Darby0Eternal SonshipTrinityCOL 1:15HEB 1:2John Nelson Darby emphasizes the eternal sonship of Christ, arguing that the term 'Son' refers to the Person of Jesus rather than His nature. He warns against confusion regarding the Trinity and asserts that the Son existed before creation, actively participating in God's works. Darby highlights that understanding Jesus as the Son is crucial for recognizing His divine authority and the relationship between the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. He stresses the importance of Scripture in affirming this truth and cautions against human interpretations that undermine the glory of Christ's sonship. Ultimately, he calls for a deeper appreciation of the Son's role in creation and redemption as foundational to Christian faith.
In the Midst of the Assembly
By H.J. Vine0JHN 17:22ROM 8:29EPH 6:6HEB 1:2HEB 2:12H.J. Vine preaches about the profound honor bestowed upon men, fallen and sinful, now saved and sanctified by Jesus Christ for the service of God. The assembly, composed of His companions, brethren, and joint heirs, is brought into oneness of heirship and a new creation through Christ's redeeming love. The inheritance of Christ's assembly is eternal, incorruptible, undefiled, and unfading, contrasting with Israel's earthly inheritance. The assembly, as co-heirs and brethren of Christ, experiences the highest note of singing in the midst of His praises, declaring the Father's name and enjoying the endless blessedness of a new heavenly relationship.
The Unsearchable Riches
By T. Austin-Sparks0Revelation of ChristFull KnowledgeJHN 17:3ROM 8:282CO 12:2EPH 1:4EPH 1:17PHP 1:9COL 1:9TIT 1:2HEB 1:21JN 2:27T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the significance of 'full knowledge' in understanding the unsearchable riches of Christ, highlighting that this knowledge is not merely intellectual but a revelation from the Holy Spirit. He explains that the prefix 'epi' in the Greek signifies a deeper, mature understanding of God, which Paul prays for in his letters. Sparks outlines the major eras of God's revelation, from before time to the consummation of the age, and stresses the centrality of Christ in God's eternal purpose. He asserts that true knowledge of God is rooted in the eternal counsels of the Godhead, where the Son was appointed as the sphere of all that belongs to God. Ultimately, the sermon calls believers to seek a deeper, Spirit-led understanding of their faith.
The Resurrection, Ascension and Exaltation of Christ
By T. Austin-Sparks0ResurrectionExaltation of ChristEPH 1:19HEB 1:2T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the significance of Christ's resurrection, ascension, and exaltation, illustrating how these events are pivotal in God's plan for redemption and the restoration of creation. He explains that the rupture caused by insubordination to God's will led to a duality in existence, with Christ as the central figure who reconciles all things. The Transfiguration serves as a crucial moment that foreshadows the glory of the resurrection, which transforms believers into a new creation. Sparks highlights that the Church, born from the resurrection, embodies the life and power of Christ, and that through His ascension, believers are called to share in His glory. Ultimately, the sermon reveals that Christ's exaltation is not just a historical event but a present reality that governs the life of the Church and the destiny of all believers.
1 Peter 3:19
By John Gill0The Nature of SalvationChrist's PreachingGEN 6:3MAT 12:41LUK 16:22JHN 8:58ROM 10:14EPH 2:17HEB 1:21PE 3:192PE 2:5REV 20:7John Gill explores 1 Peter 3:19, discussing the various interpretations of Christ's preaching to the spirits in prison. He argues against the notion that Christ's human soul descended to hell or a place called 'Limbus Patrum' to save the Old Testament saints, emphasizing that the text refers to Christ's divine nature and the spirits of the disobedient. Gill concludes that the passage likely refers to Christ preaching through Noah to the people of his time, who ultimately faced judgment for their disobedience. He highlights that Christ existed in his divine nature before his incarnation and actively fulfilled his role as Mediator even in the Old Testament. The sermon underscores the continuity of the Gospel message throughout biblical history.
All the Prophets Proclaimed These Days All the Prophets Proclaimed These Days
By John Piper0ISA 46:9LUK 11:29ACT 2:38ACT 3:19ACT 3:211CO 10:112TI 3:16HEB 1:2John Piper preaches on Acts 3:17-26 where Peter seizes the opportunity to preach the gospel after healing a lame man, emphasizing that Jesus, whom they put to death, was the Author of Life and raised by God. Peter urges repentance for the forgiveness of sins, pointing to the fulfillment of prophecies by Moses and the prophets, the era of the church with the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and the future return of Christ. He explains that all the prophets proclaimed the days of Jesus' earthly life, the times of refreshing through the Spirit, and the final consummation. Peter calls for repentance and turning to Christ for the blotting out of sins and experiencing God's refreshing presence.
Zion, the City of God
By George Warnock0PSA 46:4EZK 36:11ROM 4:13ROM 8:17HEB 1:2HEB 11:9HEB 11:16HEB 12:22George Warnock preaches about the contrast between the cities built by fallen men, which lead to corruption and chaos, and the heavenly city prepared by God for His people. He emphasizes the importance of God's men, like Abraham, who continue to seek a city with foundations built by God. Warnock uses the analogy of a father offering his estranged sons a vast inheritance, symbolizing God's promise of a heavenly city to His people. He challenges the audience to set their sights on the heavenly Jerusalem, the true Zion, where believers become heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ.
The Purpose of God
By T. Austin-Sparks0ROM 8:281CO 1:13COL 1:19HEB 1:2HEB 5:12T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the singular, all-governing purpose of God, which is to have Christ fill all things and have all things in Him. The Church's primary role is to be a corporate expression of Christ and to work towards the increase of Christ in the world through evangelism and building up believers. The balance between evangelism and building up is crucial, as an imbalance can hinder the full expression of Christ in and through the Church. The ultimate goal is for Christians to reach the fullness of Christ, embodying His character and nature in a world that desperately needs His presence.
The Testimony of Jesus
By T. Austin-Sparks0The Nature of the ChurchThe Testimony of Jesus1TI 3:51TI 3:142TI 1:92TI 2:10HEB 1:21JN 4:20REV 1:9REV 3:1REV 4:5REV 5:6T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the transformation of Christianity from its original spiritual essence to a more formal and institutionalized structure by the end of the apostolic age. He highlights the Apostle Paul's letters to Timothy as a call to recover the true nature of the Church, which is a spiritual entity governed by the Holy Spirit, rather than a mere organization. Sparks argues that the Church exists to embody the testimony of Jesus, demonstrating His living presence and victory over death. He stresses the importance of viewing the Church from Heaven's perspective, where it is seen as a unified body of believers rather than divided sects. Ultimately, the Church's mission is to express the nature of Christ and maintain the testimony of Jesus in a world that seeks to undermine it.
Jesus -- the Working Man
By Samuel Logan Brengle0Jesus as a Working ManDignity of LaborHEB 1:2Samuel Logan Brengle emphasizes the dignity of labor by illustrating how Jesus, the Creator of the universe, chose to live as a humble working man. He highlights that Jesus' descent from divine glory to a carpenter's life not only shows His solidarity with the working class but also elevates the value of all honest work. Brengle encourages believers to find purpose in their daily tasks, reminding them that faithfulness in small things is as significant as grand achievements. He reassures that Jesus understands the struggles of the working man and offers a model of purity and holiness despite life's hardships. Ultimately, Brengle calls for a spirit of love and dedication in all work, promising that faithfulness will be rewarded in the Kingdom of God.
Horizoned by Christ
By T. Austin-Sparks0Christ as JudgeSpiritual DepthMAT 16:21JHN 8:44ACT 10:42ACT 17:31ROM 8:222CO 5:17EPH 1:10COL 1:16HEB 1:21JN 5:19T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes that Jesus Christ is ordained by God as the ultimate Judge and the 'Horizon' of all judgment, meaning that all things are determined within Him. He illustrates the Christian journey as a progression from the safety of the shore to the depths of spiritual understanding, where true fulfillment lies. Sparks highlights that the Christian life is serious and requires a commitment to deeper truths, as the Holy Spirit leads believers beyond their comfort zones. He explains that the Bible provides the only satisfactory answers to life's complexities, focusing on God's eternal intention, the historic rift caused by sin, and the significance of being 'in Christ.' Ultimately, he asserts that Christ is the defining criterion for all things, and through Him, believers find their true purpose and reconciliation with God.
Graduation From the School of Sonship
By T. Austin-Sparks0SonshipSpiritual GrowthDAN 7:27ROM 8:19ROM 8:21EPH 4:13HEB 1:2HEB 2:5HEB 3:1HEB 12:5REV 12:5T. Austin-Sparks discusses the transition from spiritual infancy to the School of sonship, emphasizing the importance of this graduation as a preparation for ruling with Christ. He explains that this process is not merely for personal blessing but for fulfilling God's eternal purpose, which culminates in the manifestation of the sons of God and their placement on the throne. Sparks highlights the current global struggle against Antichrist forces, urging believers to recognize their calling to take spiritual dominion and prepare for their future roles in God's kingdom. He encourages the church to embrace the painful yet necessary experiences of growth, as they are essential for becoming responsible sons of God. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a deeper understanding of the significance of sonship and the responsibilities that come with it.
Notes of a Reading on Colossians 1 (1879)
By John Nelson Darby0Understanding Christ's AuthorityWalking Worthy of the LordPSA 8:4COL 1:3HEB 1:2John Nelson Darby emphasizes the significance of understanding the titles of God and Christ, particularly 'Father' and 'Lord,' which reflect our relationship as children and servants. He explains that Christ, as the Creator and established Heir, will ultimately take possession of all things after redemption, binding Satan and removing evil. Darby highlights the importance of recognizing our current position as raised with Christ, yet still awaiting our full inheritance in glory. He encourages believers to walk worthy of the Lord, filled with the knowledge of His will, and to rely on His power for endurance and joy. The sermon concludes with a reminder of God's faithfulness in keeping us secure in our salvation.
God Hath Spoken - Part 3
By T. Austin-Sparks0SonshipSpiritual MaturityJHN 4:21ACT 13:33ROM 8:19EPH 1:23HEB 1:2HEB 2:9HEB 3:6HEB 6:1HEB 12:5T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the profound meaning of sonship in his sermon 'God Hath Spoken - Part 3', illustrating that sonship is not merely an initial relationship with God but a call to spiritual maturity and responsibility. He highlights that the fullness of Christ and the divine purpose of sonship are central themes in the Letter to the Hebrews, urging believers to progress beyond spiritual infancy. Sparks warns that many may fail to realize the full intention of their birth as children of God, and he connects the concept of sonship to the resurrection and eternal life. He stresses the importance of moving away from earthly traditions to embrace a living relationship with Christ, which leads to spiritual fullness. Ultimately, the sermon calls for believers to pursue a deeper understanding of their identity as sons and daughters of God, which carries the promise of dominion and glory in the world to come.
The Last Is the Best
By Selwyn Hughes0JHN 3:16JHN 6:37JHN 14:6ACT 10:34ROM 3:231CO 15:55EPH 2:8PHP 2:9HEB 1:2Selwyn Hughes emphasizes that God's final Word to the world is in His Son, Jesus Christ, who surpasses all prophets and sages. As Christians, we believe that Jesus meets every human need and has the power to relieve guilt, forgive sin, conquer death, and offer eternal life. Christ's invitation is universal, extending to all humanity without discrimination of race, class, or creed. He is unparalleled in His Person, mission, and completed work, offering salvation to all who believe in Him.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Last days - The Gospel dispensation, called the last days and the last time, because not to be followed by any other dispensation; or the conclusion of the Jewish Church and state now at their termination. By his Son - It is very remarkable that the pronoun αὑτου, his, is not found in the text; nor is it found in any MS. or version. We should not therefore supply the pronoun as our translators have done; but simply read εν Υἱῳ, By a Son, or In a Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things. God has many sons and daughters, for he is the Father of the spirits of all flesh; and he has many heirs, for if sons, then heirs, heirs of God, and joint heirs with Jesus Christ; but he has no Son who is heir of all things, none by whom he made the worlds, none in whom he speaks, and by whom he has delivered a complete revelation to mankind, but Jesus the Christ. The apostle begins with the lowest state in which Christ has appeared: 1. His being a Son, born of a woman, and made under the law. He then ascends, 2. So his being an Heir, and an Heir of all things. 3. He then describes him as the Creator of all worlds. 4. As the Brightness of the Divine glory. 5. As the express Image of his person, or character of the Divine substance. 6. As sustaining the immense fabric of the universe; and this by the word of his power. 7. As having made an atonement for the sin of the world, which was the most stupendous of all his works. "'Twas great to speak a world from nought; 'Twas greater to redeem." 8. As being on the right hand of God, infinitely exalted above all created beings; and the object of adoration to all the angelic host. 9. As having an eternal throne, neither his person nor his dignity ever changing or decaying. 10. As continuing to exercise dominion, when the earth and the heavens are no more! It is only in God manifested in the flesh that all these excellences can possibly appear, therefore the apostle begins this astonishing climax with the simple Sonship of Christ, or his incarnation; for, on this, all that he is to man, and all that he has done for man, is built.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
in these last days--In the oldest manuscripts the Greek is. "At the last part of these days." The Rabbins divided the whole of time into "this age," or "world," and "the age to come" (Heb 2:5; Heb 6:5). The days of Messiah were the transition period or "last part of these days" (in contrast to "in times past"), the close of the existing dispensation, and beginning of the final dispensation of which Christ's second coming shall be the crowning consummation. by his Son--Greek, "IN (His) Son" (Joh 14:10). The true "Prophet" of God. "His majesty is set forth: (1) Absolutely by the very name "Son," and by three glorious predicates, "whom He hath appointed," "by whom He made the worlds," "who sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;" thus His course is described from the beginning of all things till he reached the goal (Heb 1:2-3). (2) Relatively, in comparison with the angels, Heb 1:4; the confirmation of this follows, and the very name "Son" is proved at Heb 1:5; the "heirship," Heb 1:6-9; the "making the worlds," Heb 1:10-12; the "sitting at the right hand" of God, Heb 1:13-14." His being made heir follows His sonship, and preceded His making the worlds (Pro 8:22-23; Eph 3:11). As the first begotten, He is heir of the universe (Heb 1:6), which He made instrumentally, Heb 11:3, where "by the Word of God" answers to "by whom"' (the Son of God) here (Joh 1:3). Christ was "appointed" (in God's eternal counsel) to creation as an office; and the universe so created was assigned to Him as a kingdom. He is "heir of all things" by right of creation, and especially by right of redemption. The promise to Abraham that he should be heir of the world had its fulfilment, and will have it still more fully, in Christ (Rom 4:13; Gal 3:16; Gal 4:7). worlds--the inferior and the superior worlds (Col 1:16). Literally, "ages" with all things and persons belonging to them; the universe, including all space and ages of time, and all material and spiritual existences. The Greek implies, He not only appointed His Son heir of all things before creation, but He also (better than "also He") made by Him the worlds.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son,.... This is the Gospel revelation, or the revelation in the Gospel dispensation; which though it comes from the same author the other does, yet in many things differs from it, and is preferable to it; and indeed the general design of this epistle is to show the superior excellency of the one to the other; the former was delivered out in time past, but this "in these last days"; the Alexandrian copy, the Complutensian edition, and several other copies, read, "in the last of these days": perfectly agreeable to the phrase , used in Gen 49:1 to which the apostle refers, and in which places the days of the Messiah are intended; and it is a rule with the Jews (m), that wherever the phrase, "the last days", is mentioned, the days of the Messiah are designed: and they are to be understood not of the last days of the natural world, but of, the Jewish world and state; indeed the times of the Messiah, or Gospel dispensation, may be called the last days of the natural world, according to the tradition of the house of Elias; which teaches, that the duration of the world will be six thousand years, and divides it into three parts, the last of which is assigned to the Messiah, thus; two thousand years void, (or without the law,) two thousand years the law, and two thousand years the days of the Messiah (n): but it is best to understand this of the last days of the Mosaic economy, or Jewish dispensation; for the Messiah was to come before the Jewish civil and church states were dissolved; before the sceptre departed from Judah, and before the second temple was destroyed; and he was to come at the end, or toward the close of both these states; and which is called the end, or ends of the world, Hab 2:3 and quickly after Jesus, the true Messiah was come, an end was put to both these: from whence it may be observed, that the Messiah must be come; that the Mosaic economy, and Jewish worship, will never be restored again; that the Gospel revelation being made in the last days, ought to be regarded the more, it being the last revelation God will ever make. Moreover, this differs from the former in this respect, that was made to the fathers, this "to us"; meaning either the apostles in particular, or the Jews in general, to whom the apostle is writing: this shows that the Gospel revelation was first made to the Jews; and it being made to them personally, they were under great obligation to regard it; and that God had not cast off his people; and that though he had greatly indulged their fathers, he had showed greater favour to them, having provided some better thing for them: and there is a difference between these two revelations in the manner in which they were made; the former was at sundry times, and in divers manners, the latter was made at once, and in one way; that was delivered out in parts, and by piece meal, this the whole together; the whole mind and will of God, all his counsel, all that Christ heard of the Father; it is the faith that was once, and at once, delivered to the saints; and it has been given out in one way, by the preaching of the word: to which may be added, that formerly God spoke by many persons, by the prophets, but now by one only, "by his Son"; who is so not by creation, nor by adoption, nor by office, but by nature; being his own Son, his proper Son, begotten of him, of the same nature with him, and equal to him; and so infinitely preferable to the prophets: he is a Son, and not a servant, in whom the Father is, and he in the Father, and in whom the Spirit is without measure; and God is said to speak by him, or in him, because he was now incarnate; and what he says from God should be attended to, both on account of the dignity of his person, as the Son of God, and because of the authority he came with as Mediator: whom he hath appointed heir of all things; which must be understood of him not as God, and Creator; for as such he has a right to all things; all that the Father has are his; the kingdom of nature and providence belongs to him, he being the Former and Maker of all things; but as Mediator, who has all things committed to him, to subserve the ends of his office; and has a kingdom appointed him, and which he will deliver up again the word all may refer either to persons or things; to persons, not angels, good or bad, though both are subject to him, yet neither are called his inheritance; but elect men, who are his portion, and the lot of his inheritance; and to things relating to these persons, and for their use and service, in time, and to all eternity; as all temporal things, and all spiritual ones, the blessings and promises of the covenant of grace, the gifts and graces of the Spirit, and eternal glory and happiness, the saints' inheritance, who are joint heirs with Christ. By whom also he made the worlds; this is said in agreement with the notions of the Jews, and their way of speaking, who make mention of three worlds, which they call, the upper world (the habitation of God), the middle world (the air), and the lower world (o) (the earth); and sometimes they call them the world of angels (where they dwell), the world of orbs (where the sun, moon, and stars are), and the world below (p) (on which we live); and it is frequent in their writings, and prayer books (q), to call God , "Lord of all worlds"; See Gill on Heb 11:3, these God made by his Son, not as an instrument, but as an efficient cause with him; for by him were all things made, whether visible or invisible; and the preposition "by" does not always denote instrumentality, but sometimes efficiency; and is used of God the Father himself, and in this epistle, Heb 2:10. (m) Kimchi & Aben Ezra in Isa. ii. 2. (n) T. Bab. Sanhedrin, fol. 97. 1. (o) Tzeror Hammor, fol. 1. 4. & 3. 2, 3. Caphtor, fol. 79. 1. (p) Tzeror Hammor, fol. 83. 2. Caphtor, fol. 90. 1. (q) Seder Tephillot, fol. 5. 2. & 40. 2. Ed. Amstelod.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:2 These final days refers to the historical era inaugurated at Christ’s coming (see Isa 2:2; Acts 2:17). Whereas the revelation of the Old Testament era came in a wide variety of forms over time, God’s ultimate revelation was given through his Son, Jesus (see Heb 2:3-4). • as an inheritance: Christ is God’s royal heir; the author probably had Ps 2:8 in mind.