When we read the Book of Hebrews, we recognize that there is a lot of depth and a lot of detail that doesn’t seem to be written directly to modern day Christians. The writer of Hebrews starts his book with a comparison between Jesus and angels. Most of us today would not think about that, understanding that Jesus was not an angel, but there were some questions about Jesus during the first century that this writer puts to rest. The writer uses a lot of quotes from the Psalms to provide prophetic insight into the ministry of Jesus, who he is, and who he is not. We then want to look at the apostles of the first century and what angelic service looked like for them. The context of the angels being sent to those people who intend to inherit salvation takes on a broader understanding when we read the book of Hebrews in light of the Acts of the Apostles.
Hebrews 1:1 G4181 In many parts G2532 and G4187 in various ways G3819 earlier, G3588 G2316 God, G2980 having spoken G3588 to the G3962 fathers G1722 by G3588 the G4396 prophets,
“Long ago little by little in many ways the Elohim spoke to the ancestors in the prophets.”
In other words, the prophets heard from the Elohim a bit at a time, and told the forefathers what things they needed to know. We saw last week that the Elohim are deliverers, shielders, and helpers. The prophets heard from the Elohim. The Elohim are created beings. There are various classes of Elohim. Elohim always means “three or more gods”. The ruling Elohim in the courts of heaven are judges along with Yahweh, hearing our cases and administering justice by commissioning others. The angelic class is the class of beings that primarily interacts with humans. Remember that Enoch called them men, even though they had supernatural abilities to bring him to various places in the heavens. Angelic beings carry out the day to day tasks of helping us in our calling. They are not servants to enable sin, they are servants to enable the spread of the good news. Here the writer of Hebrews starts us off by pointing out that the Elohim spoke to the prophets.
Hebrews 1:2 G1909 in G2078 [2last G3588 G2250 3days G3778 1these] G2980 spoke G1473 to us G1722 by G5207 the son, G3739 whom G5087 he established G2818 heir G3956 of all things, G1223 through G3739 whom G2532 also G3588 [2the G165 3eons G4160 1he made];
“Over final days that spoke us in Son who He put in place an heir all through who also the cycle of time construct."
At this time, during these days which the writer considers the last days, instead of speaking via the Elohim to the prophets, the Son spoke to people. The Son is an heir who made the eons. Angels did not make the ages. Some people recognize the different ages, or dispensations, since the time of the adam, and recognize which age we are in. This reference to the eons is “all ages”, the cycle of time until the New Heaven and New Earth where there will be no time recorded. The dispensations or administrations are necessary to the plan of uprooting and judging the fallen sons of God, as well as for salvation and redemption for the children of the Most High God.
David spoke to the Elohim and to Yahweh in the courts of heaven, yet Jesus the Son came to earth and spoke to regular people. The people weren’t warriors like David. They didn’t have access to the tabernacle like David did. The honor that we have today is to look back on what people recorded for us regarding Jesus. The writer of Hebrews may have been writing to people who actually saw Jesus, although being Jews they did not follow Jesus. Is it possible that those people whom this book was written to were Pharisees?
Hebrews 1:3 G3739 who G1510.6 being G541 the radiance G3588 of the G1391 glory, G2532 and G5481 impression G3588 G5287 of his essence, G1473 G5342 and bearing G5037 G3588 the whole G3956 G3588 by the G4487 word G3588 G1411 of his power, G1473 G1223 by G1438 himself G2512 [2a cleansing G4160 1making] G3588 G266 of our sins, G1473 G2523 he sat G1722 at G1188 the right G3588 of the G3172 greatness G1722 in G5308 heights;
“Who being a light flashing forth the honor and exact reproduction his substance, carry both all utterance (rhema) his power (dunamis) through himself purifying manufacture the our sin sit down in the right hand the majesty in lofty.”
Jesus was like a light of glory and a reproduction of his substance. In other words, the physical body that he had on earth was a representation, but not the full radiance that he had before he came to earth. He spoke rhema and had dunamis that cleansed the works of sin. Jesus now sits at the right hand of the Father. This writer is establishing who Jesus is. It seems that people saw the result of his ministry, but may have been confused as to whether he was the son of God, or an angel, or a deceiving spirit.
Hebrews 1:4 G5118 [2so much G2908 3better than G1096 1having become] G3588 the G32 angels, G3745 [3as much G1313 4more diverse G3844 5from G1473 6them G2816 1he has inherited G3686 2a name].
“Becoming so great, more excellent the messengers/angels, inherit name how much different from them.”
In the heavenly context or understanding, a name is more than what someone called you at birth. A name encompasses reputation, and by that name people understand a lot about that individual. Most angels or messengers are not named. There are a few archangels that are named, but by naming archangels we know that their reputation as higher than other angels. The writer is establishing that Jesus has a better name and a higher position than angels.
Hebrews 1:5 G5100 For to whom G1063 G2036 said he G4218 at some time or other G3588 of the G32 angels? G5207 [2my son G1473 G1510.2.2 1You are], G1473 G1473 I G4594 today G1080 engendered G1473 you. G2532 And G3825 again, G1473 I G1510.8.1 will be G1473 to him G1519 for G3962 father, G2532 and G1473 he G1510.8.3 will be G1473 to me G1519 for G5207 son.
“For who said at one time or other, messengers/angels my son you are, today engender you and again I will be I into father and he will be me into son.”
The Father has never told any other messengers to be his son. Jesus is the only son. In a generic way we call other spiritual being sons of God, meaning they were created by the Elohim and align with the Father. This was said to David.
Psalms 2:7 G2962 The lord G2036 said G4314 to G1473 me, G5207 [2my son G1473 G1510.2.2 1you are], G1473 G1473 I G4594 today G1080 engendered G1473 you.
David is speaking prophetically as well as literally. Understanding the various classes of beings helps us understand that angels are not the only other spirit beings created. There are cherubim, seraphim, ophanim, etc. Angels are probably a newer creation. We surmise this by Enoch calling them men. We see the design of other beings differently, meaning some beings have wings, some beings have many eyes, some have different faces, yet angels look like men. Remember the incorporeal satan does not have a body, he is a borealis, air, aether, fire, and light. The other beings might be beautiful and frightening, but they do not look like humans.
Hebrews 1:6 G3752 [3whenever G1161 1and G3825 2again] G1521 he should bring in G3588 the G4416 first-born G1519 into G3588 the G3611 inhabitable world, G3004 he says, G2532 And G4352 let [4do obeisance to G1473 5him G3956 1all G32 2angels G2316 3of God]!
“But again whenever lead the first-born into the inhabitation says and worship him all messengers/angels of Elohim.”
When Jesus, the first born, was birthed into the world, the angels of the Elohim were to worship him. Think about the distinction between the Elohim and the angels or messengers. Those aligning with the Elohim, were to worship Jesus. Messengers/angels don’t worship men, but they do worship the Son of Man. Again the writer is making a distinction as to Jesus being different than angels. It is possible that after Jesus’ crucifixion people surmised he might have been an angel. Although we will see that some groups didn’t believe in angels.
Hebrews 1:7 G2532 And G4314 indeed to G3303 G3588 the G32 angels G3004 he says, G3588 The one G4160 making G3588 the G32 angels G1473 his G4151 spirits, G2532 and G3588 G3011 his ministers G1473 G4442 [2of fire G5395 1a flame].
“And towards on the other hand the messengers/angels saying the manufacture the messengers/angels his spirits, and his ministers/servants fire flame.”
The angels/messengers are made spirits. The ministers or servants are a flaming fire. Recognize two different things here. One group are spirits, the other group are fire. What beings are fire? Incorporeal beings. Keep this idea in mind.
David wrote this to Yahweh, claiming that Yahweh Elohim made the heavens and earth, and the angels.
Psalms 104:4 G3588 the one G4160 making G3588 G32 his angels G1473 G4151 winds, G2532 and G3588 G3011 his ministers G1473 G4442 [2of fire G5395 1a flame];
David is exalting the works of Yahweh’s creation. He speaks of the greatness of Yahweh’s works and his wisdom. The writer of Hebrews is trying to point out that Yahweh is the creator of the angels. He made them spirits, meaning they don’t have bodies but look like men. Yahweh’s servants are flaming fire, or incorporeal beings. They do not have the form of beings, but are like a borealis, plasma moving in the sky creating electrical charges which give off different colors of light.
The writer wants us to understand that Yahweh created the angels/messengers, as well as the earth, and all the aspects of heaven and earth. Isn’t that what Colossians tells us about Jesus? Everything was made by him and for him and through him.
Col 1:15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:
Col 1:16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:
Col 1:17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.
Hebrews 1:8 G4314 But to G1161 G3588 the G5207 son, saying G3588 G2362 Your throne, G1473 G3588 O G2316 God, G1519 into G3588 the G165 eon G3588 of the G165 eon. G4464 A rod G2118 of uprightness G3588 is the G4464 rod G3588 G932 of your kingdom. G1473
“But towards the son your throne the Elohim into cycle of time the cycle of time. A rod uprightness the rod your kingdom.”
The Son is called an Elohim. And His throne is into the ages of ages. The writer of Hebrews is making this distinction again that Jesus, the Son, the Creator, has a preeminent position over angels, and that his throne is forever. The Son will rule the kingdom with a righteous rod. Remember what John wrote?
Rev 12:5 And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne.
The writer is trying to make the connection that Jesus is the one who will rule, not angels. It was hard for the Jews to see Jesus as the Creator, and the future ruler. They saw him doing miracles, but he looked like a man.
The Sons of Korah also prophesied this same thing and we will look at that momentarily.
Hebrews 1:9 G25 You loved G1343 righteousness, G2532 and G3404 detested G458 lawlessness; G1223 on account of G3778 this G5548 [4anointed G1473 5you G3588 1The G2316 2God G3588 G2316 3your God] G1473 G1637 with oil G20 of exultation G3844 above G3588 G3353 your partakers. G1473
“Love righteousness and hate lawlessness though this the Elohim your Elohim anoint you olive oil great joy in the presence of your partners.”
The Son loves righteousness and hates evil. The Elohim of the Son anointed the Son with the oil of joy in the presence of his partners. Let’s look at the words of the Sons of Korah.
Psalms 45:6 G3588 G2362 Your throne, G1473 G3588 O G2316 God, G1519 is unto G3588 the G165 eon G3588 of the G165 eon. G4464 A rod G2118 of straightness G3588 is the G4464 rod G3588 G932 of your kingdom. G1473
7 G25 You loved G1343 righteousness, G2532 and G3404 detested G458 lawlessness; G1223 on account of G3778 this G5548 [3anointed G1473 4you G3588 G2316 1God G3588 G2316 2your God] G1473 G1637 with oil G20 of exultation G3844 beyond G3588 G3353 your fellow partakers. G1473
This Psalm is written for the changings, or to the mixed genos tribes.
“The compound word allos and genos means “another of the same kind of offspring or nation”. The comparison of heteros which means another of a different kind, in heteros genos would be a different kind of offspring, comparatively humans and animals. Therefore allos-genos is an offspring that is similar in terms of origin, but not necessarily the same in exact type.”
The Sons of Korah wrote this as a prophecy of the Messiah who would eradicate the mixed genos or the heirs of the Nephilim. Remember it was angels that came to earth and cohabitated with women. Cherubim didn’t do that, Seraphim didn’t do that, only the angels fell at that time, before the flood.
The Messiah will reign during the millennial kingdom and he will rule the nations with a rod of iron. The oil of joy will be over Him, Jesus, and he will be anointed in the presence of his associates. Who will be his associates? Those who are made kings and priests in the millennial kingdom.
Hebrews 1:10 G2532 And, saying G1473 You G2596 in the G746 beginnings, G2962 O Lord, G3588 [2of the G1093 3earth G2311 1laid the foundation], G2532 and G2041 the works G3588 G5495 of your hands G1473 G1510.2.6 are G3588 the G3772 heavens.
“And you downward ruler Yahweh, the earth lay the foundation and work of your hands are the heavens.”
Again the writer is telling us that Yahweh laid the foundation. The action is from above downward to the earth. The writer is connecting the Creator, to the Messiah, to Yahweh, to Jesus. The writer of Hebrews is trying to make the connection for the Jews because at this time the Jews thought the prophecies were broken, and that the Messiah was not coming. The writer is showing the Jews that the millennial kingdom will a joyful time, and the mixed genos will be gone.
This is a quote from Psalm 102.
Hebrews 1:11 G1473 They G622 shall perish, G1473 but you G1161 G1265 abide; G2532 and G3956 all G5613 as G2440 a garment G3822 shall grow old.
“They destroy utterly but you remain and all like as outer garment make old.”
The Heavens and Earth will pass away. Remember what the disciples asked Jesus as recorded in Matthew 24:3?
Mat 24:3 And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?
Three things:
- When will every stone be thrown down and not left one upon another?
- What will be the sign of your coming, parousia?
- What will be the sign of the end of the world?
Jesus answers the disciples. Here is the answer to number 3.
Mat 24:35 Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.
Mat 24:36 But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.
The angels do not know the day or hour, and no man knows the day or hour of the New Heavens and Earth. The only one who knows the day or hour is the Father, who Jesus came to make known. Jesus’ words will not pass away. If we read Matthew 24 with those three questions in mind, and recognize that they were walking while the disciples were asking questions, the chapter will make sense. Neither the coming of Jesus, the harpazo, or the Day of the Lord, the parousia, are the context here. The context of which no one knows the day or hour is the heaven and earth passing away, which is at the eight thousandth year.
The heavens and earth will become like an old garment, maybe one where moth and dust corrupt it. Isaiah mentions old garments a few times. The idea was that people wore their outer garment until it fell apart. No one bought extra outer garments.
Hebrews 1:12 G2532 And G5616 as G4018 a wrap-around garment, G1667 you shall coil G1473 them, G2532 and G236 they shall be changed; G1473 but you G1161 G3588 [2the G1473 3same G1510.2.2 1are], G2532 and G3588 G2094 your years G1473 G3756 shall not G1587 fail.
“And as if covering roll them up and change, but you are He, and the years they not fail.
So when the outer garment is worn through they are rolled up and changed for another one. But Jesus is the one who orders the years and ages and they will not fail. The writer of Hebrews is trying to get the Jews to see that all the prophecies of the Old Covenant apply to Jesus.
This is a quote from Psalm 102. We don’t know who wrote this Psalm but it borrows ideas from Moses, Job, Solomon, and Jeremiah. All those individuals declare it is Yahweh Elohim who created the heavens and the earth.
Psalms 102:25 G2596 At G746 the beginning, G1473 you, G2962 O lord, G3588 [2for the G1093 3earth G2311 1laid a foundation]; G2532 and G2041 the works G3588 G5495 of your hands G1473 G1510.2.6 are G3588 the G3772 heavens.
26 G1473 They G622 shall perish, G1473 but you G1161 G1265 shall abide. G2532 And G3956 all G5613 as G2440 a garment G3822 shall become old; G2532 and G5616 as G4018 a wrap-around garment G1667 you shall coil G1473 them, G2532 and G236 they shall be changed.
27 G1473 But you G1161 G3588 [2the G1473 3same G1510.2.2 1are], G2532 and G3588 G2094 your years G1473 G3756 shall not G1587 cease.
If we remember, the Elohim created the heavens and the earth, but the earth became formless, void, and dark. The earth became corrupted by the fall of some of the other sons of God. The earth was reformed and the adam was placed as ruler over it.
Hebrews 1:13 G4314 [2to G5100 3which G1161 1And] G3588 of the G32 angels G2046 said he G4218 at some time or other? G2521 Sit down G1537 at G1188 my right, G1473 G2193 until G302 whenever G5087 I should put G3588 G2190 your enemies G1473 G5286 as a footstool G3588 G4228 of your feet!
“But from any one the messengers/angels say at some time be seated out from among on my right hand until if I put your hateful a footstool the foot.”
Has there ever been a time when an angel or messenger was offered a seat on the Father’s right hand? This shows us that there is a hierarchy among the spiritual created beings. It also shows us that Jesus has preeminence over the angels. Jesus has enemies, but they will become a footstool for him. David prophesied this.
1 G2036 [3said G3588 1The G2962 2 lord] G3588 to G2962 my Lord, G1473 G2521 Sit down G1537 at G1188 my right hand G1473 G2193 until G302 whenever G5087 I should make G3588 G2190 your enemies G1473 G5286 a footstool G3588 G4228 for your feet. G1473
Notice what Jesus asked the Pharisees.
Mat 22:41 While the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them,
Mat 22:42 Saying, What think ye of Christ? whose son is he? They say unto him, The Son of David.
Mat 22:43 He saith unto them, How then doth David in spirit call him Lord, saying,
Mat 22:44 The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool?
Mat 22:45 If David then call him Lord, how is he his son?
Mat 22:46 And no man was able to answer him a word, neither durst any man from that day forth ask him any more questions.
The Pharisees couldn’t answer Jesus and they didn’t ask any more questions. The writer of Hebrews wants to conclude the beginning of his book with a bang. The writer wants the reader to associate Jesus with David’s prophecies, knowing that some of the people alive at that time may have witnessed Jesus asking the Pharisees this very question. The writer wants the reader to know that Jesus was not an angel, he was the Son of the Most High God who created the heavens and the earth and all the ages of time.
Throughout these thirteen verses, the writer never told us what angels do. He only compared Jesus to angels. showing us what Jesus did, and that he has preeminence over angels. While we know that angels were made spirits, they have a mission. Has the Father ever offered the angels to sit next to him and hang out until he made their enemies a footstool?
Hebrews 1:14 G3780 [2not G3956 3all G1510.2.6 1Are they] G3010 ministering G4151 spirits, G1519 [2in G1248 3service G649 1being sent] G1223 on account of G3588 the ones G3195 being about G2816 to inherit G4991 deliverance?
“By no means all ministering spirits for attendance/aid/service sent forth through intend inherit deliverance.
No the Father never offered any angels to sit next to him and wait for their enemies to become a footstool. All ministering spirits are in service or attendance and are sent to the humans who intend to inherit deliverance. Who receives deliverance? Humans. Do any other spiritual sons of God receive deliverance by believing on Jesus? No. The intent of the ages was to bring judgment on the fallen sons of God and to deliver humans. Angels/messengers are sent to minister for aid and service to humans.
Looking at the Book of Acts we see how angels were sent out to serve the people who intended to inherit deliverance. The apostles were ministering to many people and they were seeing many miracles of healings, and this made the high priest mad. He arrested the apostles.
Act 5:12 And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people; (and they were all with one accord in Solomon's porch.
Act 5:13 And of the rest durst no man join himself to them: but the people magnified them.
Act 5:14 And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women.)
Act 5:15 Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them.
Act 5:16 There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one.
Act 5:17 Then the high priest rose up, and all they that were with him, (which is the sect of the Sadducees,) and were filled with indignation,
Act 5:18 And laid their hands on the apostles, and put them in the common prison.
Act 5:19 But the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth, and said,
Act 5:20 Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life.
Act 5:21 And when they heard that, they entered into the temple early in the morning, and taught. But the high priest came, and they that were with him, and called the council together, and all the senate of the children of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought.
An angel opened the prison doors and led the apostles out. The angel told them to go to the temple and speak to the people, teaching them all the words of this life. We know that Peter was among the imprisoned apostles, but we don’t know who else was with him or how many apostles were with him. An angel saved them, showing the high priest and Sadducees that they did not have the power to imprison people who were ministering healing to the masses. Peter’s conclusion to the high priest was that they, the apostles, should obey God rather than men. Then Peter testified of Jesus to the high priest and Sadducees. The Pharisee Gamaliel calmed the religious leaders, pointing out that if this move was from God, then they could not over throw it. Gamaliel was the Pharisee that Paul studied under.
An angel spoke to Philip and told him to go south from Jerusalem to Gaza; Philip obeyed.
Act 8:26 And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert.
Act 8:27 And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship,
Act 8:28 Was returning, and sitting in his chariot read Esaias the prophet.
Act 8:29 Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot.
After Philip obeyed the angel, the Holy Spirit told him to talk to the Ethiopian. Philip did not get all the directions at one time. He was obedient to the revelation from the angel. That was all that he needed to do. He witnessed Jesus to the man and then baptized him. After this we know that Philip was translated to Azotus, about 34 miles away.
An angel came to Cornelius in a vision and told him to send for Peter who was in Joppa at Simon the tanners house. A pious non-Jew was visited by an angel.
Act 10:1 There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band,
Act 10:2 A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway.
Act 10:3 He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius.
Act 10:4 And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God.
Act 10:5 And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter:
We know the rest of the story. Cornelius and his household received the infilling of the Holy Spirit first and then were baptized. Peter realized that the baptism of the Holy Spirit was not subject to water baptism.
Peter ended up in jail again. It seems that he must have had a reputation for escaping so they made Peter sleep between two soldiers.
Act 12:6 And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison.
Act 12:7 And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands.
Act 12:8 And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. And so he did. And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me.
Act 12:9 And he went out, and followed him; and wist not that it was true which was done by the angel; but thought he saw a vision.
Act 12:10 When they were past the first and the second ward, they came unto the iron gate that leadeth unto the city; which opened to them of his own accord: and they went out, and passed on through one street; and forthwith the angel departed from him.
Act 12:11 And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews.
Peter didn’t realize that it was truly happening, he may have thought that he was dreaming. The city gates opened on their own. Generally, there should have been a guard at the gate, and at night that guard would have kept the gates closed until morning. After they passed by one street the angel left. That is when Peter came to, so to speak.
Angels have a ministry to help people who are bringing others to Jesus. But angels also carry out the judgment of the Elohim. Remember how David prayed, demanding death to his enemies? When the judgment is made, the angels may be sent to carry out the sentence.
Act 12:20 And Herod was highly displeased with them of Tyre and Sidon: but they came with one accord to him, and, having made Blastus the king's chamberlain their friend, desired peace; because their country was nourished by the king's country.
Act 12:21 And upon a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat upon his throne, and made an oration unto them.
Act 12:22 And the people gave a shout, saying, It is the voice of a god, and not of a man.
Act 12:23 And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost.
Herod was not a Jew, but he married a Jewish woman. He was not a friend to Jews or Christians. At this oration, the people believed that he was an elohim and not a man. Because he did not correct them, he was judged and died.
Paul was wise and he used his knowledge of the doctrines that the Sadducees and Pharisees believed, to pit them against each other. It caused quite an uproar.
Act 23:6 But when Paul perceived that the one part were Sadducees, and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, Men and brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee: of the hope and resurrection of the dead I am called in question.
Act 23:7 And when he had so said, there arose a dissension between the Pharisees and the Sadducees: and the multitude was divided.
Act 23:8 For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, neither angel, nor spirit: but the Pharisees confess both.
Act 23:9 And there arose a great cry: and the scribes that were of the Pharisees' part arose, and strove, saying, We find no evil in this man: but if a spirit or an angel hath spoken to him, let us not fight against God.
The Sadducees do not believe in the resurrection, angels, or spirit. The Pharisees believe in the resurrection, angels, and spirit. We know by this that the Book of Hebrews was not written for Sadducees, but for Pharisees and those who believe in angels.
On his way to Rome, and after passing Crete, a storm came up from the south east for several days. Paul didn’t speak or talk to anyone for many days. But finally Paul prophesied some good news.
Act 27:21 But after long abstinence Paul stood forth in the midst of them, and said, Sirs, ye should have hearkened unto me, and not have loosed from Crete, and to have gained this harm and loss.
Act 27:22 And now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man's life among you, but of the ship.
Act 27:23 For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve,
Act 27:24 Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee.
Act 27:25 Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me.
An angel of God stood by Paul and told him that he had to go before Caesar, and that all the people on the ship would be spared. Therefore, Paul suggests that they be of good cheer. I’m sure the storm didn’t cease immediately, but the people heard the words that Paul spoke and could reflect back on them as the storm eventually eased. When fear grips experienced sailors, the storm is real.
The following is an incident that has angelic fingerprints all over it. Although angels are not named specifically, there is an earthquake that did some strange things. All the prison doors were opened and all the shackles came off the prisoners. If the shaking was so great as to shake loose shackles, one would think the ceilings would have fallen onto the prisoners. One would think the walls would have fallen down.
Act 16:25 And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.
Act 16:26 And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one's bands were loosed.
Act 16:27 And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled.
Act 16:28 But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here.
Act 16:29 Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas,
Act 16:30 And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?
Act 16:31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.
Act 16:32 And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house.
Act 16:33 And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway.
Act 16:34 And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them, and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house.
Act 16:35 And when it was day, the magistrates sent the serjeants, saying, Let those men go.
Philippi was like a mini Rome, so when Paul and Silas told the jailer that they were Roman citizens, the magistrates were in great fear. Paul and Silas had this unusual experience it seems where they brought the jailer and his household to Christ. While the jailer washed Paul and Silas’ injuries, Paul and Silas baptized the entire household. This jailer and his family were seeking and searching for Yahweh, and Paul and Silas delivered Christ to them. We see the evidence of an angelic earthquake that shook the shackles off the prisoners without knocking down the building because Paul and Silas sang and prayed.
In chapter 2 of Hebrews, the writer brings up Psalms 8. David wrote that the Messiah would be a little lower or short of the angels. What did he mean?
Psalms 8:4 G5100 What G1510.2.3 is G444 man G3754 that G3403 you remember G1473 him? G2228 or G5207 a son G444 of man G3754 that G1980 you visit G1473 him?
5 G1639.2 You lessened G1473 him G1024 short of G5100 any G3844 of G32 the angels; G1391 with glory G2532 and G5092 honor G4737 you crowned G1473 him;
6 G2532 and G2525 you placed G1473 him G1909 over G3588 the G2041 works G3588 G5495 of your hands. G1473 G3956 All things G5293 you submitted G5270 underneath G3588 G4228 his feet -- G1473
We gain further understanding by looking backward. Jesus did many miracles, including opening blind eyes and raising the dead. He walked on water and the rose from the dead himself. Yet he had to enter death and overcome death as a man, taking back the keys to death and hades so that we would not have to enter death or hades. Let’s read the Murdock translation.
Heb 2:5 For to the angels he hath not subjected the world to come, of which we speak.
Heb 2:6 But as the scripture testifieth, and saith: What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou attendest to him?
Heb 2:7 Thou hast depressed him somewhat lower than the angels: glory and honor hast thou put on his head; and thou hast invested him with authority over the work of thy hand.
Heb 2:8 And all things hast thou subjected under his feet. And in this subjecting of all things to him, he omitted nothing, which he did not subject. But now, we do not yet see all things subjected to him.
Heb 2:9 But we see him, who was depressed somewhat lower than the angels, to be this Jesus, because of the passion of his death; and glory and honor are placed on his head; for God himself, in his grace, tasted death for all men.
Jesus had to be human to die. Angels don’t die. Jesus had flesh and blood like us.
Heb 2:10 For it became him, by whom are all things, and on account of whom are all things, and who bringeth many sons unto his glory, to perfect the prince of their life by suffering.
Heb 2:11 For he that sanctifieth, and they who are sanctified, are all of one nature. Therefore he is not ashamed to call them brethren;
Heb 2:12 as he saith, I will announce thy name to my brethren; in the midst of the assembly, I will praise thee.
Heb 2:13 And again, I will confide in him. And again, Behold me, and the children whom thou, God, hast given to me.
Heb 2:14 For because the children participated in flesh and blood, he also, in like manner, took part in the same; that, by his death, he might bring to naught him who held the dominion of death, namely Satan;
Who had dominion over death? The satan, the incorporeal satan. The one who appears like a borealis, but can transform his look as an angel of light. This is how Jesus was able to release the humans held in Abraham’s Bay, he had to overcome the one who had dominion.
Heb 2:15 and might release them, who, through fear of death, are all their lives subject to bondage.
Heb 2:16 For he did not assume a nature from angels, but he assumed a nature from the seed of Abraham.
Heb 2:17 Wherefore it was right, that he should be in all respects like his brethren; that he might be merciful, and a high priest faithful in the things of God, and might make expiation for the sins of the people.
Heb 2:18 For, in that he himself hath suffered, and been tempted, he is able to succor them who are tempted.
There is an interesting point here in verse 15. Jesus came to release those who fear death. The Pharisees had a sin and judgment outlook, believing that one false step would land them in hell. The Pharisees were all in bondage to this belief system. The Essenes did not believe in focusing on sin, but in focusing on the Lord. They found that living holy was easier from a positive outlook rather than the Pharisaical negative sin conscious outlook. When people live their lives in sin consciousness, they point fingers at other people who they perceive are in sin, and try and to elevate themselves by believing they don’t sin like others. Jesus tried to set people free with the story of the beam in ones own eye. Yet now, by way of the cross, he sets people free from the fear of death that keeps them in bondage because of sin consciousness.
Jesus did not assume the nature of angels. He could have, but he didn’t. This is the entire point that the writer of Hebrews has been trying to make. The context shows us the comparison between Jesus and angels. And as we saw, the Pharisees were the ones who believed in angels, while the Sadducees did not. Is it possible that the writer of Hebrews was a converted Pharisee like Paul, Gamaliel, or Nicodemus? Could Paul have taken the time during his fourteen years of desert learning with the Essene Damascus Community, to present a document for the conversion of Pharisees? Or could the writer have been a Pharisee like Gamaliel or Nicodemus who came to the understanding that Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah of Israel? As we know, the Book of Hebrews is deep and detailed. It seems to untie traditions and the works of the law.
Jesus is a merciful and faithful High Priest who saves humans from death by becoming a human, not an angel, and took back dominion over death from the satan. Angels or messengers are sent to serve humans. Jesus came to earth short of angelic abilities, but has always had preeminence over angels as the Creator of Heaven and Earth.
