Homilist 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. THEY ARE SPIRITS. 1. The features in which they differ from man. Greater vitality, power, knowledge. 2. Some of the features which distinguish them from each other. They differ in the amount of faculty, in the form of talent, in the date of their existence, in the sphere of their agency. II. THEY ARE MINISTERING SPIRITS. This implies — 1. Activity. 2. Activity for others. III. THEY ARE MINISTERING SPIRITS DIVINELY COMMISSIONED. How great must He be who directs the movements of these countless hosts, at whose throne the loftiest of their number bow in humblest homage, and whose behests each counts it his highest honour and blessedness to obey. IV. THEY ARE MINISTERING SPIRITS DIVINELY COMMISSIONED TO HELP A CLASS OF MANKIND. 1. Their ministry to man implies that there is some method by which they can help us. 2. It implies that man's salvation is of paramount importance. 3. It implies that service to the lowest is consonant with the highest greatness. 4. It argues the obligation of man to seek the spiritual good of his fellows. (Homilist.) 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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