Who Are Christ's Fellows in Hebrews 1:9?

Hebrews 1:9

9 You have loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness above your fellows.

Christ's fellows are His partners and coworkers, which include all believers who are ordained to work together with Him for the salvation of their fellow menCOL 300.4+2.

The Meaning of "Fellows"

The word "fellows" used in Hebrews 1:9 is synonymous with "partners," the same term used to describe those in the other ship with Peter in the Gospel of Luke Luke 5:7GCDB January 31, 1893, page 62.18. In the context of the plan of salvation, we are these partners; we are laborers together with God and fellow-workers in His vineyardTSA 81.2+2. All who receive the life of Christ are ordained to this high calling of working for the salvation of humanityWM 111.3+2.

Why Christ Was Anointed Above His Fellows

While believers are His partners, Christ was anointed with the "oil of gladness" above His associates for specific reasons:

• Love of Righteousness: He loved righteousness and hated iniquity with a perfect hatred, maintaining a life without sin in all things Hebrews 1:918MR 276.3+1.

• Self-Sacrifice: Although He hated sin, He voluntarily gathered to Himself the results of sin and put Himself in the place of the sinner to bear the consequences of transgression Galatians 3:13GCDB January 31, 1893, page 62.18.

• Divinity and Authority: Christ was invested by the Father with authority equal to His own, being acknowledged as the sovereign of heaven before the angelic host Hebrews 1:8ST January 9, 1879, par. 2+1.

The Nature of the Anointing

The anointing mentioned is the "oil of gladness," which represents the Holy Spirit and the joy found in the kingdom of GodGCDB January 31, 1893, page 62.18+2.

• The Holy Spirit: This anointing is the gift of the Holy Spirit and power with which God anointed Jesus of Nazareth Acts 10:38GCDB January 31, 1893, page 62.18+1.

• The Oil of Joy: Because the kingdom of God consists of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost, this anointing brings a sunshiny experience and healthfulness of soul to those who follow His example Romans 14:179LtMs, Ms 62, 1894, par. 17+1.

• A Seal of Character: Christ received the Spirit without measure because He perfectly manifested the character of God John 3:34+1GCDB February 24, 1893, page 387.7.

Our Role as Partners

As His fellows, we are called to follow the pattern He set in His daily life1888 131.2+1.

• Co-operation: The human agency must cooperate with the divine purpose, straining every spiritual muscle to lay hold of power from aboveTSA 81.2+1.

• Service: Every gift and talent bestowed upon us is to be employed for the advancement of His kingdom and the blessing of our fellow menLLM 336.2+1.

• Union with Christ: When self is hidden with Christ in God, we become inspired laborers who reflect His love and power to the world1888 131.2+1.

By practicing the principles of love and righteousness that Christ taught, our experience becomes like His, and we share in the joy of His mission9LtMs, Ms 62, 1894, par. 17+1. We are pledged to be co-workers with Him, carrying the gospel to every creature until the end of time Mark 16:15COL 300.4+1.