Hebrews 1:1-2 reads, “Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world” (ESV). This short passage explains when God spoke, to whom he spoke, how God spoke, and does He continue to speak?
- When Did He Speak? The Hebrew writer contrasts the two phrases, (1) “long ago” (2) and “these last days.” The last days refer to refers to the age of the fulfillment of the redemptive plan and the coming of the Holy Spirit and Messiah (See https://firstcenturyletters.com (/wp-admin/post.php?post=1168&action=edit).
- To whom Did He Speak? In the long ago, He spoke to the Fathers but now in the last days, He speaks to “us,” i.e., to those early disciples to whom He revealed the Father’s will. The apostles and prophets were the foundation of the called-out and the apostles were commissioned by the Lord and inspired by the Holy Spirit who guided them into all truth. All authority was given to Jesus who in turn, commissioned the apostles to take on the role as His ambassadors.
- How Did God Speak? The revelation of “long ago” came in many portions and ways. But, the revelation of the last days came through God’s Son who is the radiance of His glory and exact representation of Deity (Heb. 1:3). Old Testament revelation came through dreams, audible voices, visions, angels, figures like a burning bush, or a donkey. It came at various times and ways, to many different people over thousands of years. The “Last Days” revelation through Christ is the full, complete revelation of God in the person of man, Jesus of Nazareth.
- Does God Continue to Speak? The two eras referenced in this text are very different. The means of revelation were very different (“many ways” vs. “in the Son”). One was partial, while the other was complete. To “us” in these last days, God has spoken (past tense) in His Son. The inferior era of dreams and visions and various other means cannot possibly be used today. That would be going backward and returning to an inferior era of revelation. This very thought defies the entire point of the Hebrew letter.