Hebrews 1:7 "The Great Contrast"

και προς μεν τους αγγελους λεγει ο ποιων τους αγγελους αυτου πνευματα και τους λειτουργους αυτου πυρος φλογα

But about the angels he says, “the one who makes his angels spirits, and his ministers flame of fire”.

The “but” in the original Greek is intensive. This “but” is a very particular term which in the Greek is used to highlight the contrast between what has been said and that which follows.

The author documents his conviction on the scriptures, quoting Psalm 104:4. This psalm exalts the greatness of God. God’s greatness is partly revealed in his angels. These beings are God’s breath, they are described as scattering the winds which emerge from God. They spread about God’s breath, and propagate it like fire. If this description of angels is taken literally, that they are like “spirits, wind, breath, fire”, these metaphors point to their ability to materialize in various forms as a means of manifesting God’s involvement all over creation. However their own existence is outside any level of existence known to humanity. Notwithstanding their function as supernatural representatives of the Deity, as messengers from God, these beings cannot even be compared to Jesus Christ. This is the reason why the grammatical particle “men” (but) is used, to highlight the contrast.

These beings worship Jesus Christ. It is not Jesus Christ who renders service to these beings.