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deliverance of Lot, the birth of Isaac, the quest for a wife for Isaac, and the blessing of
Jacob in the book of Genesis. In the book of Exodus the angel of the Lord is intimately
associated with the deliverance of Israel from Egypt and with their guidance through the
wilderness, and so, throughout the Law, the Prophets and the Psalms, the whole course of
Israel's history is accompanied by angelic ministry. Nor does it cease with Malachi
(which means "My messenger" or "My angel"); it is prominent in the Gospels, being
associated with the Birth, the Sufferings, the Resurrection and the prophecies of the
Second Coming of Christ. It is prominent in the Acts from Acts 1:-12:, but, after the
ministry of Paul, which commences with Acts 13:, there are but two references in the
Acts to angelic ministry, namely at Acts 23: 9 and 27: 23. This must be
considered in contrast with the seventeen references that are found in Acts 1:-12: In the
prison ministry of Paul, that is in the five "prison" epistles, angels are only mentioned to
be set aside, i.e., "the worshipping of angels" (Col. 2: 18). In I Tim. 3: 16 angels are
mentioned in connection with the Mystery of godliness, namely "God manifest in the
flesh", and also in the charge of I Tim. 5: 21, where "elect angels" are mentioned.
"Being made so much better than the angels." This passage contains the first of
several comparisons that are made as the theme of the epistle is unfolded:
(1)
"SO MUCH better than the angels . . . . . obtained a more excellent name" (Heb. 1: 4).
(2)
"This Man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, INASMUCH as He Who hath
builded the house hath more honour than the house" (Heb. 3: 3).
(3)
"AND INASMUCH as not without an oath . . . . . by so MUCH was Jesus made a surety of
a better testament (covenant)" (Heb. 7: 20, 22).
(4)
"For SUCH an high priest became us" (Heb. 7: 26).
(5)
"We have SUCH an high priest . . . . . in the heavens" (Heb. 8: 1).
(6)
"But NOW hath He obtained a more excellent ministry, by HOW MUCH also He is the
Mediator of a better covenant" (Heb. 8: 6).
(7)
"He that despised Moses' law died without mercy . . . . . of HOW MUCH sorer punishment,
suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God"
(Heb. 10: 28, 29).
(8)
"They that say SUCH things declare plainly that they seek a country" (Heb. 11: 14).
These comparisons of angel and mediator, of better covenants and better country are
integral links in the chain of Divine unfolding. They are buried deep, perhaps, but
nevertheless there, and visible to the eye of the humble seeker after truth. The following
analysis may be of service.
A | 1: 4. The more excellent name (diaphoros).
(Angels, mediators of the old covenant).
B | 3: 3. Counted worthy (axioo). Above Moses.
C | 8: 1. We have such an High Priest in the heavens.
7: 20, 22. Better covenant.
The Tabernacle pitched by the Lord and not man.
7: 26. Higher than the heavens.
A | 8: 6. A more excellent ministry (diaphoros)
(Mediator of the New Covenant).
B | 10: 29. Thought worthy (axioo). Beneath feet.
C | 11: 10-16. Such things.
The better and heavenly country.
The city whose builder and maker is God.