Hebrews 1:4-14 Being made so much better than the angels, as he has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.… I. SOME GENERAL REMARKS CONCERNING ANGELS. 1. They possess high natural perfections. (1) Extensive knowledge. Said to be full of eyes. Doubtless have distinguished capacities" for knowledge and wisdom. Dwell in the clear, cloudless region of celestial light. (2) Amazing power. Said to "excel in strength." Scripture presents several striking proofs. The immense slaughter of the firstborn in Egypt, and the destruction of the 185,000 of the Assyrian army were effected by an angel. The various judgments described in the revelations are to be executed by angels. (3) Astonishing activity. Doubtless they can move swifter than light; perhaps as rapidly as thought (Daniel 9:3; 20:23). 2. They possess great moral perfections. (1) Spotless purity. Often called holy angels. Compared to light, morning stars, Sons of God, &c. (Revelation 14:10). (2) Exalted goodness. They love God, and they have displayed the greatest interest in the affairs of men. (3) They are all perfectly obedient. They Lest not, but serve God incessantly. They do His work perfectly. 3. Let us notice some general things connected with angels. (1) They dwell in God's holy presence. The highest and most gracious station occupied by created intelligences. (2) They are evidently diversified in rank and order. Hence we read of angels, archangels, seraphims, cherubims, thrones, powers, &c. (3) They are exceedingly numerous (Daniel 7:10; Psalm 68:17; Hebrews 12:22.)(4) They are all glorious and happy. Possessed of perfect harmony of powers, of moral goodness, and of resplendent beams of the favour of God's favour. II. THE OBJECTS AND CHARACTER OF THEIR MINISTRY. 1. Their ministry is by Divine appointment. "Sent forth." They stand in God's presence, ready to obey His commands. They go at H,s bidding, and are entirely subjected to His wise and benevolent appointments. 2. The objects of their ministry. "Heirs of salvation." The children of God, "who are heirs of God," &c. (Romans 8:17; 1 Peter 1:2). 3. The character of their ministry. To minister is to serve. Hence they wait upon and communicate to these heirs according to the Divine will and pleasure. They have sometimes — (1) Been instructors (Genesis 16:7; Genesis 48:2; 2 Kings 1:16; Luke 1:10; Matthew 1:20; Acts 8:16; Acts 10:3). (2) As deliverers (Genesis 22:12; Genesis 19:29; Daniel 6:22; Acts 5:19, 20; Acts 12:7). (3) As comforters (Daniel 10:19; Acts 27:24). (4) They rejoice at the conversion of sinners (Luke 15:10). (5) They bear the souls of the pious to glory (Luke 14:22). (6) Angels will assist at the saints' coronation, and be their companions for ever (Revelation 5:9-13).Application. — 1. How dignified and happy are believers. 2. Let us be circumspect, on account of the presence of angels. 3. Let us try to imitate them as far as possible; be as wise. holy, good, and humble as angels. 4. Bless God for the service of angels. 5. Not trust in them, or pray to them, but in Jesus and in God only. (J. Burns, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. |
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