A commentary on the whole Epistle to the Hebrews. By M. John Calvin. Translated…A commentarie on the vvhole Epistle to the Hebrevves. By M. Iohn Caluin. Translated…

Having in the former verses preferred Christ before Moses and all others; now also by comparing him with the Angels, he further amplifies his glory. It was a ⟨p. 16⟩thing familiarly known to the Jews, that the Law was given by Angels. They heard that which was written of them as touching their honour throughout the whole Scriptures: And as the world is wonderfully inclined to superstition, so also is it wont many times to darken the glory of God, by too much exalting of Angels. Good reason it is then that they should be set in their proper place, least they might any way hinder the brightness of Christ. And first of all the Apostle takes his argument from Christs name: to wit, that he is much more excellent than the Angels, because he is the Son of God. Now he proves by two testimonies of Scripture, that Christ is adorned with this title: which two places we will first examine, and afterward will gather the sum of the matter.

HAuing in the former verses preferred Christ before Moses and all others; now also by comparing him with the Angels, hee further amplifies his glorie. It was a ⟨p. 16⟩thing familiarly knowne to the Iewes, that the Law was giuen by Angels. They heard that which was written of them as touching their honour throughout the whole Scriptures: And as the world is wonderfully enclined to superstition, so also is it wont many times to darken the glorie of God, by too much exalting of Angels. Good reason it is then that they should be set in their proper place, least they might any way hinder the brightnes of Christ. And first of all the Apostle takes his argument from Christs name: to wit, that hee is much more excellent than the Angels, because hee is the Sonne of God. Now he proues by two testimonies of Scripture, that Christ is adorned with this title: which two places wee will first examine, and afterward will gather the summe of the matter.

Thou art my Son, Vers. 5 this day &c.] It cannot be denied but that this is spoken of David: why? because he represented the person of Christ. Therefore that which is written in this second Psalm, was figurative in David: but all was lively accomplished in Christ. For in regard that David by subduing many enemies, did thereby cause the limits of his kingdom to spread round about from one side to another, he therein was a figure of this promise; I will give thee the heathen for thine inheritance. But what was this in respect of that large spreading of Christs kingdom, the bounds whereof stretch from the East to the West? By the same reason David was in like manner called the son of God: that is to say, specially chosen of God to perform excellent things. But this alas was scarce one sparkle of that glory which shined in Christ, in whom the Father hath engraven his own image. So that the name of Son, doth appertain only to Christ by a special privilege: neither can it be transferred unto any other whatsoever, but it shall be profaned. For the Father hath set his seal on him, and upon none else,