Addressing an angelomorphic christological myth in Hebrews?

Abstract

In this article, the hypothesis of a possible angelomorphic christology, as addressed by the author of Hebrews, is investigated. It is argued that when Jesus was proclaimed as “Son of God”, he was probably identified by some of the early believers as an angel. Evidence of similar angelomorphic views held by certain groups in Jewish and early Christian apocalyptic circles at the time of the composition of Hebrews, is listed. The arguments in Hebrews 1 in particular are investigated against this background. It is concluded that, although no explicit polemic against a viewpoint of Jesus as an angel is found in the text, certain angelomorphic elements were applied to him.