"In many ways and in many portions." God communicated, first of all, in "many ways." By visions, by the law, by types, and by prophecies.
We can see God chose "many ways" to speak through the 39 books of the Old Testament.
"In former times having spoken to the fathers by means of the prophets." The fathers would be Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joshua, Moses, David, Isaiah, etc.
The instrument God used to communicate His message "in former times" was "by means of the prophets."
2 Peter 1:21: "For no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God" (NASB).
Verse 2: "in the last of these days spoke to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds (ages),"
In verse 1 the key phrase is "in former times He spoke by means of the prophets." Now in verse 2, "in the last of these days [He] spoke to us in His Son." The focus of the whole book is on "His Son."
James Draper says: "In his Son he said it all. He revealed his heart. It was a complete revelation, not just a fragmented part." (Hebrews: The Life That Pleases God, 15)
It makes us appreciate those words that were heard from the heavens at the time of Jesus' baptism and also on the Mount of Transfiguration: "This is My beloved Son, in Whom I am well pleased" (Matt. 17:5 NASB).
In the remainder of verse 2 and all of verse 3 we find the superiority of the Son. "Seven matchless statements," as J. Vernon McGee would say.
There are 2 of them at the conclusion of verse 2. Statement 1 is seen in the phrase "whom He appointed heir of all things." The Son is the sole heir of all the Father has. Sonship qualifies Him to be an heir.
Romans 8:16-17: "The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him in order that we may also be glorified with Him" (NASB).
Statement 2: "through whom also He made the worlds." He is the creator, Not only the creator, but also He planned the program.
Yes, God has changed His message. It's from words to a person. His final revelation is His own Son, Jesus Christ. This final revelation begins at Christmas and ends at Easter. There are 2 things said about His Son here in verse 2: (1) "He appointed [Him] heir of all things" and (2) "through whom also be made the worlds (ages).
