Hebrews 3:1

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

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};

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.

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

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

Hebrews 3:1 serves as a powerful exhortation to believers, urging them to fix their gaze intently upon Jesus Christ, who holds unique and supreme roles essential to their faith.

Context

The Epistle to the Hebrews was written primarily to Jewish Christians who were tempted to abandon their Christian faith and revert to Judaism, possibly due to persecution or the allure of familiar traditions. Chapters 1 and 2 establish the supremacy of Christ over angels and His full humanity, emphasizing His qualification to be a merciful and faithful high priest (Hebrews 2:17). This verse, therefore, logically follows, calling the readers to consider the one whose superiority has just been so thoroughly demonstrated.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Identity of Believers: The address "holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling" reminds the audience of their new identity and glorious destiny in Christ. They are consecrated by God and share in a divine invitation that transcends earthly concerns. This contrasts sharply with the earthly focus of the Old Covenant.
  • The Central Command: "Consider Christ Jesus": The core message is a direct command to deeply and thoughtfully contemplate Jesus. This isn't a casual glance but an earnest, sustained reflection on His person and work. In times of doubt or temptation, the writer urges them to look to Christ as their anchor.
  • Christ's Dual and Supreme Roles:
    • Apostle: From the Greek apostolos, meaning "one who is sent." 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 1:2).
    • High Priest: From the Greek archiereus, meaning "chief priest." This title is central to the book of 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).
  • "Our Profession": This refers to the Christian confession or acknowledgment of faith. Believers have publicly declared their allegiance to Christ, and this verse calls them to remain steadfast in that declaration by continually focusing on Him.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "consider" (katanoēsate) implies a careful, discerning observation, a thorough understanding, or a deep contemplation. It's not merely thinking about Christ but actively and intently studying His character, His mission, and His perfect work. This deep consideration is meant to strengthen faith and prevent drifting away.

Practical Application

For believers today, Hebrews 3:1 remains a vital call to spiritual focus. In a world full of distractions, challenges, and competing ideologies, we are exhorted to continually "consider Christ Jesus."

  • Stability in Faith: Fixing our eyes on Jesus, our perfect Apostle and High Priest, provides stability and assurance, reminding us that our salvation is secure through His finished work.
  • Guidance for Living: Understanding His roles helps us navigate life's complexities. As God's ultimate messenger, He reveals truth; as our High Priest, He intercedes for us and enables our access to God.
  • Perseverance: When facing trials or temptations to compromise our faith, remembering Christ's faithfulness and ultimate victory empowers us to persevere in our heavenly calling.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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:

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