Deep Dive

Hebrews 1:14

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Are not the angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?

Commentaries

Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brownv. 14

ministering spirits--referring to Heb 1:7, "spirits . . . ministers." They are incorporeal spirits, as God is, but ministering to Him as inferiors. sent forth--present participle: "being sent forth" continually, as their regular service in all ages. to minister--Greek, "unto (that is, 'for') ministry." for them--Greek, "on account of the." Angels are sent forth on ministrations to God and Christ, not primarily to men, though for the good of "those who are about to inherit salvation" (so the Greek): the elect, who believe, or shall believe, for whom all things, angels included, work together for good (Rom 8:28). Angels' ministrations are not properly rendered to men, since the latter have no power of commanding them, though their ministrations to God are often directed to the good of men. So the superiority of the Son of God to angels is shown. They "all," how ever various their ranks, "minister"; He is ministered to. They "stand" (Luk 1:19) before God, or are "sent forth" to execute the divine commands on behalf of them whom He pleases to save; He "sits on the right hand of the Majesty on high" (Heb 1:3, Heb 1:13). He rules; they serve. Next: Hebrews Chapter 2

Open source ↗
Matthew Henry Bible Commentaryv. 14

In this chapter we have a twofold comparison stated: I. Between the evangelical and legal dispensation; and the excellency of the gospel above that of the law is asserted and proved (Heb 1:1-3). II. Between the glory of Christ and that of the highest creatures, the angels; where the pre-eminence is justly given to the Lord Jesus Christ, and clearly demonstrated to belong to him (Heb 1:4 to the end).

Open source ↗
Tyndale Open Study Notesv. 14

1:14 Therefore, angels are only servants: The author restates his conclusion. God sends out the angels to care for his people, who will inherit salvation at the end of the age (see 9:28).

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Cross-references

Other passages the community most often connects to this one. Tap to read.

Psalms 34:7rank 36

The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him, and he delivers them.

Matthew 18:10rank 24

See that you do not look down on any of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of My Father in heaven.

Daniel 6:22rank 24

My God sent His angel and shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, for I was found innocent in His sight, and I have done no wrong against you, O king.”

Acts 27:23rank 20

For just last night an angel of God, whose I am and whom I serve, stood beside me

Acts 5:19rank 20

But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the jail and brought them out, saying,

Luke 1:19rank 16

“I am Gabriel,” replied the angel. “I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news.

Acts 12:7rank 16

Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He tapped Peter on the side and woke him up, saying, “Get up quickly.” And the chains fell off his wrists.

Matthew 1:20rank 15

But after he had pondered these things, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to embrace Mary as your wife, for the One conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.

Daniel 3:28rank 14

Nebuchadnezzar declared, “Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who has sent His angel and delivered His servants who trusted in Him. They violated the king’s command and risked their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God.

Luke 16:22rank 13

One day the beggar died and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s side. And the rich man also died and was buried.

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