Hebrews 3:1

KJV

¶ Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus;

KJV (with Strong's)

Wherefore {G3606}, holy {G40} brethren {G80}, partakers {G3353} of the heavenly {G2032} calling {G2821}, consider {G2657} the Apostle {G652} and {G2532} High Priest {G749} of our {G2257} profession {G3671}, Christ {G5547} Jesus {G2424};

Complete Jewish Bible

Therefore, brothers whom God has set apart, who share in the call from heaven, think carefully about Yeshua, whom we acknowledge publicly as God’s emissary and as cohen gadol.

Berean Standard Bible

Therefore, holy brothers, who share in the heavenly calling, set your focus on Jesus, the apostle and high priest whom we confess.

American Standard Version

Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of a heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our confession, evenJesus;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Hebrews 3:1 serves as a profound exhortation to believers, urging them to fix their gaze intently and thoughtfully upon Jesus Christ. Addressing them as "holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling," the author directs their attention to Christ's unique and supreme roles as both the "Apostle" and "High Priest" of their Christian confession, thereby anchoring their faith and providing a steadfast object for their contemplation amidst trials and temptations to waver.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Hebrews 3:1 marks a pivotal transition in the Epistle to the Hebrews. The preceding chapters (Hebrews 1-2) meticulously establish the absolute [supremacy of Christ](/hebrews/1 "Hebrews 1 - Christ's Superiority") over angels and His full humanity, emphasizing His qualification to be a merciful and faithful high priest ([Hebrews 2:17](/hebrews/2-17 "Hebrews 2:17 - Christ as High Priest")). Having laid this robust theological foundation, the author now pivots from exposition to direct exhortation, calling the readers to actively "consider" the very Christ whose unparalleled superiority and redemptive work have just been so thoroughly demonstrated. This verse sets the stage for the sustained argument in chapters 3 and 4 concerning Christ's superiority to Moses and the importance of holding fast to faith.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Epistle to the Hebrews was written to a community of Jewish Christians, likely in Rome, who were facing significant pressure—possibly persecution or the allure of reverting to the more familiar and tangible rituals of Judaism. They were tempted to abandon their Christian faith, which might have seemed less established or more precarious without a visible temple or an earthly priesthood. The author's repeated emphasis on Christ's superiority to Old Testament figures and institutions (angels, Moses, the Levitical priesthood) directly addresses this temptation, urging them to recognize that Christianity is not a lesser or incomplete form of Judaism, but its divine fulfillment. The concept of a "heavenly calling" would contrast sharply with the earthly, tangible focus of the Old Covenant's temple worship and legal system.
* **Key Themes:** This verse encapsulates several major themes central to the book of Hebrews. Firstly, it underscores the **identity of believers** as "holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling," reminding them of their consecrated status and divine destiny in Christ, which transcends earthly concerns and Jewish traditions. Secondly, the core command to **"consider Christ Jesus"** highlights the supreme importance of Christology—a deep, sustained contemplation of Jesus' person and work—as the anchor for faith and perseverance. This theme of steadfastness is crucial throughout the epistle, particularly in passages urging believers not to [drift away](/hebrews/2-1 "Hebrews 2:1 - Do Not Drift Away") or [harden their hearts](/hebrews/3-7-8 "Hebrews 3:7-8 - Do Not Harden Your Hearts"). Finally, the verse introduces Christ's **dual and supreme roles** as "Apostle" and "High Priest," titles that are foundational to the author's argument for Christ's unique mediatorial work and His ultimate authority, which will be expounded upon in subsequent chapters, especially regarding His [superior priesthood](/hebrews/7 "Hebrews 7 - Christ's Superior Priesthood").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **consider (Greek, _katanoéō'_):** From G2657, meaning "to observe fully." This is not a casual glance but an earnest, sustained reflection, a deep and thoughtful contemplation. It implies careful discernment, thorough understanding, and active study of Christ's character, mission, and perfect work. The command is to fix one's mind intently upon Him.
* **Apostle (Greek, _apóstolos'_):** From G652, meaning "a delegate; specially, an ambassador of the Gospel; officially a commissioner of Christ." Christ is presented as God's ultimate messenger, uniquely "sent" from the Father to reveal His will and accomplish salvation. He is the supreme prophet, the one through whom God has spoken definitively ([Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1-2 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Has Spoken Through His Son")).
* **High Priest (Greek, _archiereús'_):** From G749, meaning "the high-priest (literally, of the Jews, typically, Christ); by extension a chief priest." This title is central to Hebrews, highlighting Christ's role as the perfect mediator between God and humanity. Unlike the Levitical high priests who offered animal sacrifices repeatedly, Christ offered Himself once for all time, making Him the eternal and superior High Priest ([Hebrews 7:26-27](/hebrews/7-26-27 "Hebrews 7:26-27 - Christ, the Perfect High Priest")).

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling,"**: The introductory "Wherefore" (G3606, _hóthen'_) links this exhortation directly to the preceding theological arguments about Christ's superiority. The address "holy brethren" affirms the believers' consecrated status (G40, _hágios'_) and their familial bond in Christ (G80, _adelphós'_). "Partakers" (G3353, _métochos'_) emphasizes their shared participation in a divine "heavenly calling" (G2032, _epouránios'_ and G2821, _klēsis'_), a summons from God that originates in heaven and leads to eternal life, contrasting with earthly pursuits.
* **"consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession,"**: This is the core command. "Consider" (G2657, _katanoéō'_) urges a deep, sustained, and analytical focus. Jesus is presented with two crucial titles: "Apostle" (G652, _apóstolos'_), signifying His role as God's ultimate messenger sent to humanity, and "High Priest" (G749, _archiereús'_), denoting His mediatorial role between God and humanity. These roles are "of our profession" (G3671, _homología'_), referring to the Christian confession or acknowledgment of faith that believers have publicly declared.
* **"Christ Jesus;"**: This final phrase identifies the specific person to be considered. "Christ" (G5547, _Christós'_) is His title, meaning "Anointed One" or Messiah, emphasizing His divine appointment and fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. "Jesus" (G2424, _Iēsoûs'_) is His personal name, highlighting His humanity and historical reality. Together, "Christ Jesus" points to the incarnate Son of God, the Messiah, who perfectly embodies both the divine commission and the priestly mediation.

#### Literary Devices
The author employs several powerful literary devices in this concise verse. Primarily, it functions as a direct **Exhortation**, a forceful command ("consider") designed to elicit a specific response from the audience. The use of **Appellations** for the believers ("holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling") serves as a reminder of their elevated status and shared identity in Christ, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose. This also employs **Inclusive Language**, drawing the readers into the shared experience of faith. The central focus is achieved through the use of significant **Titles** for Jesus ("Apostle and High Priest"), which are not merely descriptive but are loaded with theological meaning, setting the stage for the extensive Christological arguments that follow in the epistle. The juxtaposition of "Apostle" (one sent *from* God to humanity) and "High Priest" (one who represents humanity *to* God) forms a powerful **Antithesis** or **Complementary Pair**, highlighting the comprehensive scope of Christ's mediatorial work.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hebrews 3:1 serves as a theological anchor, drawing together themes of Christology, ecclesiology, and soteriology. By calling believers to "consider" Christ as both Apostle and High Priest, the author emphasizes His unique and unparalleled authority as God's ultimate revelation and His perfect efficacy as the mediator of a new covenant. This contemplation is not merely intellectual but is intended to fortify faith, provide assurance of salvation, and empower perseverance in the face of apostasy. The "heavenly calling" underscores the eschatological hope and divine origin of the Christian life, contrasting sharply with the earthly limitations of the old covenant. The verse thus sets the stage for a deeper exploration of Christ's superior priesthood and the implications for a life lived by faith.

* [Hebrews 2:17](/hebrews/2-17 "Hebrews 2:17 - Christ as Merciful High Priest")
* [Hebrews 4:14](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Our Great High Priest")
* [Hebrews 12:2-3](/hebrews/12-2-3 "Hebrews 12:2-3 - Looking to Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of Our Faith")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hebrews 3:1 remains a vital and timeless call to spiritual focus for believers today. In an age saturated with distractions, competing ideologies, and personal challenges, the exhortation to "consider Christ Jesus" is more relevant than ever. This is not a passive thought but an active, intentional, and sustained contemplation of who Jesus is and what He has accomplished. By fixing our gaze on Him as our perfect Apostle and High Priest, we find stability for our faith, guidance for our lives, and strength for perseverance. His role as Apostle reminds us that He is God's ultimate message to humanity, revealing truth and the path to salvation. His role as High Priest assures us of His constant intercession on our behalf, providing access to God and empowering us to approach the throne of grace with confidence. This deep consideration of Christ fosters a resilient faith, enabling us to navigate trials, resist temptations to compromise, and remain steadfast in our heavenly calling, knowing that our salvation is secure through His finished work.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does it mean for me, practically, to "consider" Christ Jesus in my daily life?**
* **How do the titles "Apostle" and "High Priest" deepen my understanding of Jesus' unique role and work for me?**
* **In what specific areas of my life am I being tempted to drift away from my "heavenly calling," and how can focusing on Christ help me persevere?**

### FAQ
**Why is Jesus called "Apostle" in this verse, a title usually given to His disciples?**

Answer: While the term "apostle" (G652, _apóstolos'_) is commonly used for the twelve disciples whom Jesus sent out, its root meaning is "one who is sent" or "a messenger." In Hebrews 3:1, Jesus is called the "Apostle" in a unique and supreme sense. He is not merely *an* apostle, but *the* Apostle, because He is God's ultimate and definitive messenger, uniquely sent from the Father to reveal His will and accomplish salvation. Unlike human apostles who deliver a message from God, Jesus *is* the message. He is the one through whom God has spoken definitively to humanity ([Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1-2 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Has Spoken Through His Son")). This title emphasizes His divine commission and the authority of His revelation.

**What is the significance of "our profession" in this verse?**

Answer: "Our profession" (G3671, _homología'_) refers to the Christian confession or acknowledgment of faith. It signifies the public declaration and allegiance that believers have made to Christ. This is not merely a private belief but a shared, communal confession of faith in Jesus as Lord and Savior. The author is reminding the readers of the foundational truth they have embraced and publicly affirmed. To "consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession" is therefore to remain steadfast and consistent with the very faith they have confessed, reinforcing the call to perseverance in the face of challenges. It implies that their confession is rooted in the person and work of Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hebrews 3:1 powerfully directs our gaze to Christ as the ultimate fulfillment of God's redemptive plan, embodying roles that no other could. As the "Apostle," Jesus is the supreme messenger of God, the very Word made flesh ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), perfectly revealing the Father's character and will. He is the one sent from heaven, not merely to speak *about* God, but to *be* God's definitive and final revelation to humanity ([Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1-2 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Has Spoken Through His Son")). His entire earthly ministry, culminating in His death and resurrection, was the Father's message of salvation to a lost world ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")). Concurrently, as the "High Priest," Jesus fulfills and transcends the entire Levitical priesthood. Unlike earthly priests who offered repeated sacrifices and were themselves imperfect, Christ offered Himself as the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice for sin ([Hebrews 9:26-28](/hebrews/9-26-28 "Hebrews 9:26-28 - Christ's Sacrifice Once for All")). He is our sympathetic and merciful High Priest who intercedes for us eternally at the right hand of God ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ Intercedes for Us")), granting us bold access to the throne of grace ([Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace with Confidence")). Thus, in Christ Jesus, the roles of divine revelation and perfect mediation converge, providing the complete and sufficient foundation for our "heavenly calling" and enabling us to hold fast to our confession without wavering.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Timothy 1:9

Who hath saved us, and called [us] with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,

Philippians 3:14

I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

Hebrews 4:14

Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast [our] profession.

Hebrews 4:15

For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as [we are, yet] without sin.

Hebrews 7:26

For such an high priest became us, [who is] holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;

Ephesians 4:1

¶ I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,

1 Peter 2:9

But ye [are] a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: