Comparison In Hebrews
Throughout the course of Hebrews chapter one, the reoccurring theme is Jesus, the Son of God is placed higher up then the angels. (Hebrews 1:4). Usually, when one thinks of a comparison, people think of how one is better than the other. However, Thompson rebuttals this theory by pointing out, “The author’s comparison can best be understood when we consider the role of comparison in Hebrews and in ancient rhetoric.” (Thompson, p. 40). When a comparison is used as a rhetorical device during this time period, it is done so to show honor to the object being compared, not to devalue its’ counterpart. This has altered my own perception of comparison, normally when I have either heard it, or used it myself in the past it has been done so to show how
one is more important than the other. Which is not the case in Hebrews, for the audience already has the knowledge that Jesus is greater than all of the angels, yet the author of Hebrews does not want to make the angels appear unimportant in comparison. In Hebrews 2:3 it is written, “How shall we escape if we ignore so great a salvation?” The passage goes on to even say salvation is in fact confirmed by those who have heard him. (Hebrews 2:3). God has confirmed his gift of salvation for his people in so many ways. The passage confirms this even, “God also testified to it by signs, wonders, and various miracles,” Meaning the audience should know exactly what will happen if they ignore this gift that their Heavenly Father has presented to them. Which leads me to wonder exactly how will this help or hinder the author’s audience? Of course they already know what Jesus has done for them, yet they are still struggling to stay strong in the midst of their own persecution. Yet will this warning of what will happen if they go against God encourage them to stay in the faith, or lead them to become more discouraged?
one is more important than the other. Which is not the case in Hebrews, for the audience already has the knowledge that Jesus is greater than all of the angels, yet the author of Hebrews does not want to make the angels appear unimportant in comparison. In Hebrews 2:3 it is written, “How shall we escape if we ignore so great a salvation?” The passage goes on to even say salvation is in fact confirmed by those who have heard him. (Hebrews 2:3). God has confirmed his gift of salvation for his people in so many ways. The passage confirms this even, “God also testified to it by signs, wonders, and various miracles,” Meaning the audience should know exactly what will happen if they ignore this gift that their Heavenly Father has presented to them. Which leads me to wonder exactly how will this help or hinder the author’s audience? Of course they already know what Jesus has done for them, yet they are still struggling to stay strong in the midst of their own persecution. Yet will this warning of what will happen if they go against God encourage them to stay in the faith, or lead them to become more discouraged?