So Much Better

Hebrews 1:4 Being made so much better than the angels, as he had by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. 

‘Better’ – Christ is better [Greek: kreitton] stronger, mightier, greater, more excellent. Translated better 13 times in Hebrews, the Book of better things.

Christ is better than the: Prophets (1:1-3), angels (1:4 – 2:18), Moses (3:1-18), Joshua (4:1-13), the High Priest (4:14 – 6:12), Melchizedek (7:1-10), Abraham (6:13 – 7:10), Aaron and other earthly priests (7:11 – 8:6), the old covenant sacrifices (8:7 – 10:39), the old covenant faith-worthies (11:1 – 12:2), parents and others (12:3 – 13:25).

‘Angels’ – The Jews had the highest opinion of angels and even associated them with God. On their own ground, Paul proves to them that Jesus is God, to be worshipped by angels (1:6).

Christ is better than the Angels: He obtained a more excellent name (1:4). He is the only begotten Son of God (1:5). To be worshipped by angels (1:6). He is the Creator of angels (1:7; Col. 1:15-18). A member of the Godhead (1:8; John 1:1). An eternal Being, not a creature (1:8). An eternal King (1:8). God’s only Anointed One (1:9). Creator of the material world (1:10).

The renewer of all creations (1:11-12). The only exalted One (1:13). The Director of angels (1:14). Rejecting His word entails greater punishment than rejecting that of angels (2:1-3). Greater confirmation of the Word (2:3-4). Greater conqueror than angels (2:5, 8). Has greater authority than angels (2:6-7). Greater humiliation than angels (2:9). Greater glory and honour. Greater love than angels. All things are created for Him (2:10). He is the Creator of all things. He is the redeemer of man. Perfected through His sufferings. Sanctifier of man (2:11). Became a brother to man (2:11-13). Preacher of God’s name to man (2:12). Singer of God’s praise amid the congregations. He has perfect trust in God (2:13). Adopts children to God. Partook of human nature (2:14-18). Died to destroy death (2:14). Conquered the devil (2:14; 1Jn. 3:8). Delivered people from hell (2:1-14; Eph. 4:8-10; Matt. 12:40; Ps. 16:10). Made in all things like human beings so that He could redeem them (2:1-14, 17). Suffered temptation and won, so He could help those tempted (2:1-14, 18).

‘By inheritance obtained a more excellent name. Three ways Jesus obtained His great name: By birth (Matt. 1:21). By inheritance (1:4). By achievements (Php. 2:5-11).