I. Introduction*

1In times past, God spoke in partial and various ways to our ancestors through the prophets; 2in these last days, he spoke to us through a son, whom he made heir of all things and through whom he created the universe,a

3who is the refulgence of his glory,

the very imprint of his being,

and who sustains all things by his mighty word.

When he had accomplished purification from sins,

he took his seat at the right hand of the Majesty on high,b

4as far superior to the angels

as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.c

II. The Son Higher Than the Angels

Messianic Enthronement.* 5For to which of the angels did God ever say:

“You are my son; this day I have begotten you”?d

Or again:

“I will be a father to him, and he shall be a son to me”?

6And again, when he leads* the first-born into the world, he says:

“Let all the angels of God worship him.”e

7Of the angels he says:

“He makes his angels winds

and his ministers a fiery flame”;f

8but of the Son:

“Your throne, O God,* stands forever and ever;

and a righteous scepter is the scepter of your kingdom.g

9You loved justice and hated wickedness;

therefore God, your God, anointed you

with the oil of gladness above your companions”;

10and:

“At the beginning, O Lord, you established the earth,h

and the heavens are the works of your hands.

11They will perish, but you remain;

and they will all grow old like a garment.

12You will roll them up like a cloak,

and like a garment they will be changed.

But you are the same, and your years will have no end.”

13But to which of the angels has he ever said:

“Sit at my right hand

until I make your enemies your footstool”?i

14Are they not all ministering spirits sent to serve, for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation?j

Book Introduction

Footnotes

Scripture texts, prefaces, introductions, footnotes and cross references used in this work are taken from the New American Bible, revised edition © 2010, 1991, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., Washington, DC All Rights Reserved. No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

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