Agreed! I love the reminders of how long this plan has been in motion and how perfectly it was executed. It seems like these first few verses are a thesis statement for what the rest of the letter will unpack and analyze.
There’s no doubt in my mind that we serve an almighty and awesome God who has done all He could to ensure that we can be reconciled to Him through our Saviour Jesus Christ if we believe Them.
Ironic that an elder here suggested reading Hebrews before Passover. Had started this morning!! It’s so deep, can’t speed read. So much to chew on. Thanks for the additional nudge to us all.
These opening sentences are just packed with theology. The first paragraph has four words that appear nowhere else in the Bible, and two of them describe who Christ is in relation to God the Father. He is the ἀπαύγασμα of God’s glory and the χαρακτήρ of His nature.
The first word can either mean “reflection” or “source”—reflection sends to make the most sense in this context—and the second word (which gives us our modern word “character”) describes an exact representation, either through an impression or an engraving. The Son of God who has spoken to us is a perfect reflection and representation of God’s glory and nature.
“Upholding all things by the word of His power” is such an incredible phrase. Creation continues to exist because He wills it. Reminds me of Job 34:14-15.
Interesting how heavily the author relies on Psalms to prove his point. I tend to look at them through the lens of what the author was dealing with in the moment—I often forget how prophetic God inspired them to be!
I liked this chapter and it reminds me WORD is what created all we see and don’t see now, also unleaven when it comes we take in HE wants us as family!
One of Sarah's daughters
on March 10, 2026 at 6:03 AM
Reflecting on this passage, it absolutely punches on the fact that the Word/ Jesus Christ has been with (and created!) mankind from the start. A lot of false Christianity implies that all the stuff before the Gospels really doesn’t matter, but when Jesus steps in, that’s when we need to start listening.
Nothing can be further from the truth!
I have had people say to me, “Jesus never commanded to keep the 7th day Sabbath. He implied all the other commandments, but that one is done away”. Ignoring the fact that the New Testament says he was there from the start, ignoring that He kept the Sabbath without fail on earth, ignoring the very sign of His people.
A couple years ago, I had a candid casual conversation with a pastor while waiting to pick up our children. As we discussed out weekend plans I mentioned our Sabbath day activities. She admitted to me that we should, theologically, be celebrating the 7th day Sabbath, but she was afraid it would shake her congregation too much to teach the truth.
This chapter gives so much to think on! Im glad I found this study with you all 😁
Yes! Even from a literary standpoint, the New Testament expects you to be operating with all the context of the Old Testament—there are so many allusions and references that make no sense without that backdrop!
Kind of wild to have someone tell you they don’t think they can teach the truth because they’re worried about the consequences. What’s the point of it all, then?
Reminder that we are not Angels never have been never will be. Also that our Lord and savior has always been with His Father and given authority over creation.
“when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,”
Reminded me of Christ saying – It is finished. All He went thru for me! And all mankind, even His enemies. I have a hard time even handling a paper cut, and He was torn to shreds for me and even His enemies. Monumental
, such love and commitment. I must grow spiritually to love my enemies – those blind & deceived people in the world who hate and want to kill us.
How can you read that and not be in awe of God, His plan and creation.
Agreed! I love the reminders of how long this plan has been in motion and how perfectly it was executed. It seems like these first few verses are a thesis statement for what the rest of the letter will unpack and analyze.
There’s no doubt in my mind that we serve an almighty and awesome God who has done all He could to ensure that we can be reconciled to Him through our Saviour Jesus Christ if we believe Them.
Absolutely!
Ironic that an elder here suggested reading Hebrews before Passover. Had started this morning!! It’s so deep, can’t speed read. So much to chew on. Thanks for the additional nudge to us all.
Ha! Talk about serendipity! Yes, it’s definitely a book that rewards slow and careful reading 🙂
Mr. Hampton suggest the same this past week
These opening sentences are just packed with theology. The first paragraph has four words that appear nowhere else in the Bible, and two of them describe who Christ is in relation to God the Father. He is the ἀπαύγασμα of God’s glory and the χαρακτήρ of His nature.
The first word can either mean “reflection” or “source”—reflection sends to make the most sense in this context—and the second word (which gives us our modern word “character”) describes an exact representation, either through an impression or an engraving. The Son of God who has spoken to us is a perfect reflection and representation of God’s glory and nature.
“Upholding all things by the word of His power” is such an incredible phrase. Creation continues to exist because He wills it. Reminds me of Job 34:14-15.
Interesting how heavily the author relies on Psalms to prove his point. I tend to look at them through the lens of what the author was dealing with in the moment—I often forget how prophetic God inspired them to be!
I liked this chapter and it reminds me WORD is what created all we see and don’t see now, also unleaven when it comes we take in HE wants us as family!
Reflecting on this passage, it absolutely punches on the fact that the Word/ Jesus Christ has been with (and created!) mankind from the start. A lot of false Christianity implies that all the stuff before the Gospels really doesn’t matter, but when Jesus steps in, that’s when we need to start listening.
Nothing can be further from the truth!
I have had people say to me, “Jesus never commanded to keep the 7th day Sabbath. He implied all the other commandments, but that one is done away”. Ignoring the fact that the New Testament says he was there from the start, ignoring that He kept the Sabbath without fail on earth, ignoring the very sign of His people.
A couple years ago, I had a candid casual conversation with a pastor while waiting to pick up our children. As we discussed out weekend plans I mentioned our Sabbath day activities. She admitted to me that we should, theologically, be celebrating the 7th day Sabbath, but she was afraid it would shake her congregation too much to teach the truth.
This chapter gives so much to think on! Im glad I found this study with you all 😁
Yes! Even from a literary standpoint, the New Testament expects you to be operating with all the context of the Old Testament—there are so many allusions and references that make no sense without that backdrop!
Kind of wild to have someone tell you they don’t think they can teach the truth because they’re worried about the consequences. What’s the point of it all, then?
Welcome to Read & Reflect! Glad you found it!
Reminder that we are not Angels never have been never will be. Also that our Lord and savior has always been with His Father and given authority over creation.
“when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,”
Reminded me of Christ saying – It is finished. All He went thru for me! And all mankind, even His enemies. I have a hard time even handling a paper cut, and He was torn to shreds for me and even His enemies. Monumental
, such love and commitment. I must grow spiritually to love my enemies – those blind & deceived people in the world who hate and want to kill us.