Hebrews 1:1-3 (Part 1)

Series Theme: The Preeminence of Christ.

1) Superiority over all things.
2) Superior to the angels.
3) Superior to Moses.
4) Superior to Joshua.
5) Superior to Aaron and the priesthood.
6) Superior to the Old Covenant.
7) Superiority of His sacrifice to the OT sacrifices.
8) Superiority of His faithful people to the faithless.
9) Superiority of His testimony to any other.
(These nine summary statements of Hebrews are borrowed from John MacArthur)

I. God has spoken.
a. God previously spoke through the prophets.
-many portions = polumeros = many parts, many portions
-"The word points to the fragmentary character of former revelation; it came in multiple segments or portions." The New Linguistic and Exegetical Key to the Greek NT.
-many ways = polutropos = in many ways, in various manners
b. God has now spoken through His Son.
-Greek text literally reads "Many portions and many ways formerly after God spoke to the fathers in the prophets..."
-MacArthur "Just as children are first taught letters, then words, and then sentences, so God gave His revelation. It began with a 'picture book' of types and ceremonies and prophecies and progressed to final completion in Jesus Christ and His New Testament."
-Matt. 11:1-6
-O'Brien "Son, without the definite article, emphasizes the exalted status of the final messenger and may be rendered, 'one who is Son.'"