Read the New Testament in 24 Weeks

God’s Final Word: His Son

1 In the past God spoke^(A) to our ancestors through the prophets^(B) at many times and in various ways,^{(C) 2} but in these last days^(D) he has spoken to us by his Son,^(E) whom he appointed heir^(F) of all things, and through whom^(G) also he made the universe.^{(H) 3} The Son is the radiance of God’s glory^(I) and the exact representation of his being,^(J) sustaining all things^(K) by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins,^(L) he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.^{(M) 4} So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs.^(N)

The Son Superior to Angels

⁵ For to which of the angels did God ever say,

Or again,

⁶ And again, when God brings his firstborn^(Q) into the world,^(R) he says,

⁷ In speaking of the angels he says,

⁸ But about the Son he says,

¹⁰ He also says,

¹³ To which of the angels did God ever say,

¹⁴ Are not all angels ministering spirits^(AF) sent to serve those who will inherit^(AG) salvation?^(AH)

Warning to Pay Attention

2 We must pay the most careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away.^{(AI) 2} For since the message spoken^(AJ) through angels^(AK) was binding, and every violation and disobedience received its just punishment,^{(AL) 3} how shall we escape if we ignore so great a salvation?^(AM) This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord,^(AN) was confirmed to us by those who heard him.^{(AO) 4} God also testified to it by signs, wonders and various miracles,^(AP) and by gifts of the Holy Spirit^(AQ) distributed according to his will.^(AR)

Jesus Made Fully Human

⁵ It is not to angels that he has subjected the world to come, about which we are speaking. ⁶ But there is a place where someone^(AS) has testified:

In putting everything under them,^[k] God left nothing that is not subject to them.^[l] Yet at present we do not see everything subject to them.^{[m] 9} But we do see Jesus, who was made lower than the angels for a little while, now crowned with glory and honor^(AV) because he suffered death,^(AW) so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.^(AX)

¹⁰ In bringing many sons and daughters to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists,^(AY) should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through what he suffered.^{(AZ) 11} Both the one who makes people holy^(BA) and those who are made holy^(BB) are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters.^{[n](BC) 12} He says,

¹³ And again,

And again he says,

¹⁴ Since the children have flesh and blood,^(BG) he too shared in their humanity^(BH) so that by his death he might break the power^(BI) of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil^(BJ)— ¹⁵ and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear^(BK) of death. ¹⁶ For surely it is not angels he helps, but Abraham’s descendants.^{(BL) 17} For this reason he had to be made like them,^[r](BM) fully human in every way, in order that he might become a merciful^(BN) and faithful high priest^(BO) in service to God,^(BP) and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people.^{(BQ) 18} Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.^(BR)