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“Christ Ministers in the Heavenly Sanctuary”· Hebrews 8:1–6
Translation
King James Version
¶ Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens;
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KJV (with Strong's)
Now G1161 of G1909 the things which we have spoken G3004 this is the sum G2774: We have G2192 such G5108 an high priest G749, who G3739 is set G2523 on G1722 the right hand G1188 of the throne G2362 of the Majesty G3172 in G1722 the heavens G3772;
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Complete Jewish Bible
Here is the whole point of what we have been saying: we do have just such a cohen gadol as has been described. And he does sit at the right hand of HaG’dulah in heaven.
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Berean Standard Bible
The point of what we are saying is this: We do have such a high priest, who sat down at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven,
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American Standard Version
Now in the things which we are saying the chief pointis this: We have such a high priest, who sat down on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens,
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World English Bible Messianic
Now in the things which we are saying, the main point is this. We have such a high priest, who sat down on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens,
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Geneva Bible (1599)
Nowe of the things which we haue spoken, this is the summe, that wee haue such an hie Priest, that sitteth at the right hand of the throne of the Maiestie in heauens,
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Young's Literal Translation
And the sum concerning the things spoken of is : we have such a chief priest, who did sit down at the right hand of the throne of the greatness in the heavens,
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In the KJVVerse 30,094 of 31,102 · 96.8%

Study This Verse

Summary

Hebrews 8:1 serves as a pivotal summary, encapsulating the author's preceding arguments concerning the superiority of Jesus Christ's high priesthood and the new covenant he mediates. It declares the ultimate, exalted position of Jesus as our High Priest, who is seated at the right hand of God's majestic throne in the heavens, signifying the completion of his redemptive work and his ongoing, supreme authority. This verse transitions the reader from the theological foundations of Christ's priesthood to its practical implications for the new covenant.

Context

Literary Context

Hebrews 8:1 acts as a crucial hinge in the epistle, directly following an extensive theological exposition (chapters 4-7) on the nature and superiority of Christ's high priesthood. The author has meticulously built a case, first establishing Christ's divine Sonship and superiority over angels and Moses, then transitioning to his role as High Priest. Chapters 5-7 specifically detail Christ's qualifications as a High Priest, his appointment by God, his sinless perfection, and particularly his priesthood "after the order of Melchizedek" (Hebrews 7:17). This Melchizedekian priesthood is shown to be eternal, unchangeable, and superior to the Levitical system, which was temporary and imperfect. Thus, Hebrews 8:1 functions as the grand conclusion to this sustained argument, stating that the "sum" or "main point" of all that has been discussed is the reality of our exalted High Priest. It then sets the stage for the subsequent discussion of the new covenant and the heavenly sanctuary in Hebrews 8 and Hebrews 9.

Historical & Cultural Context

The audience of the book of Hebrews was likely Jewish Christians facing persecution or apostasy, tempted to revert to the familiar traditions and security of Judaism. They were accustomed to the elaborate sacrificial system, the Levitical priesthood, and the earthly temple rituals, which had been central to their religious identity for centuries. The author's argument for Christ's superior priesthood directly addresses these deeply ingrained cultural and religious norms. By emphasizing Christ's heavenly ministry and his exaltation, the author demonstrates that the new covenant, mediated by Christ, is not merely a continuation or slight modification of the old, but a radical, perfect fulfillment that renders the old obsolete. The concept of a high priest was deeply significant, as he was the sole individual permitted to enter the Most Holy Place once a year on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16) to make atonement for the sins of the people. Christ's heavenly session fundamentally redefines this priestly function, moving it from an earthly, temporal, and repetitive ritual to a heavenly, eternal, and once-for-all reality.

Key Themes

Hebrews 8:1 powerfully encapsulates several key themes prevalent throughout the epistle. Foremost is the Supremacy of Christ, particularly his Superior Priesthood. The phrase "such an high priest" underscores Jesus' unique qualifications, unparalleled effectiveness, and eternal nature, contrasting sharply with the temporary, sin-prone, and mortal Aaronic priests (Hebrews 7:23-24). Another dominant theme is Heavenly Reality versus Earthly Shadow. Unlike the Levitical priests who served in an earthly tabernacle or temple, Jesus performs his priestly duties "in the heavens," indicating a shift from the physical, temporary shadows of the old covenant to the spiritual, eternal realities of the new. His position "on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty" signifies ultimate authority, power, and honor, directly connecting to the theme of Divine Exaltation and Enthronement. This enthronement means his work is eternally effective and represents the culmination of his redemptive work, placing him as the ultimate intercessor for believers (Hebrews 7:25). Finally, the verse implicitly introduces the theme of the New Covenant, which will be explicitly developed in the subsequent verses of Hebrews 8, highlighting that Christ's exalted position is the basis for a "better covenant" (Hebrews 8:6).

Exposition and Analysis

Key Word Analysis

sum kephálaion' G2774

This word, meaning "a principal thing" or "main point," signifies that the author is presenting the culmination or essential conclusion of all his preceding arguments. It's not merely a summary, but the head or chief point of what has been said, emphasizing its critical importance.

high priest archiereús' G749

This term refers to the chief priest, the highest priestly office in the Jewish system. By applying it to Jesus, the author establishes Christ's supreme priestly authority, but then immediately elevates it beyond the earthly model by describing his heavenly session and perfect ministry.

set kathízō' G2523

This verb means "to seat down" or "to set." In this context, it implies a deliberate, completed action of enthronement. It's not merely a casual sitting, but a permanent, established position of power and authority, signifying Christ's completed work of atonement and his ongoing reign.

Majesty megalōsýnē' G3172

Literally meaning "greatness" or "magnificence," this term is used here as a metonymy for God Himself, emphasizing His supreme glory, sovereignty, and transcendent power. Christ's placement at the right hand of this "Majesty" underscores His shared divine nature and unparalleled honor.

Verse Breakdown

"Now of the things which we have spoken [this is] the sum:"

This opening clause acts as a powerful transition and a clear declaration of purpose. The author signals to the reader that he is about to present the essential, crowning truth derived from all the preceding detailed arguments about Christ's priesthood. It is the "main point" or "chief thing" that everything else has been building towards.

"We have such an high priest,"

This is the core declaration. The "we" refers to believers, emphasizing the personal and communal benefit of Christ's ministry. "Such an high priest" highlights Jesus' unique and unparalleled qualifications, perfection, and superiority compared to any earthly priest. He is not just a high priest, but the ultimate High Priest, perfectly suited for his role.

"who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens;"

This clause describes the exalted position and ongoing ministry of this High Priest. "Set on the right hand" signifies a position of ultimate authority, power, and honor, shared with God the Father. The "throne of the Majesty" refers to God's sovereign throne, emphasizing His supreme glory and rule. The phrase "in the heavens" contrasts sharply with the earthly tabernacle or temple where Levitical priests served, indicating that Christ's ministry is heavenly, spiritual, and eternal, not bound by earthly limitations. This is a statement of Christ's completed work, divine enthronement, and perpetual intercession.

Literary Devices

The author of Hebrews employs several powerful Literary Devices in this concise verse. The most prominent is Summary Statement, where the verse functions as a clear and emphatic encapsulation of the extensive preceding arguments, drawing the reader's attention to the central truth. There is also significant Contrast, implicitly comparing Christ's heavenly, exalted priesthood with the earthly, temporary Levitical priesthood that has been discussed at length. The phrase "such an high priest" uses Emphasis to highlight Christ's unique and incomparable nature. Furthermore, the description of Christ being "set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens" is rich in Symbolism. "Right hand" symbolizes ultimate authority, power, and honor. "Throne" symbolizes sovereignty and kingship. "Majesty" is a Metonymy for God Himself, representing His inherent glory and transcendent greatness. The "heavens" symbolize the spiritual, eternal realm, contrasting with the earthly. This symbolic language elevates Christ's status and the nature of his ministry.

Theological and Thematic Connections

Hebrews 8:1 is a theological anchor, establishing the ultimate reality of Christ's completed redemptive work and his ongoing, authoritative intercession. It underscores the profound shift from the temporary, shadow-like provisions of the Old Covenant, centered on an earthly priesthood and sanctuary, to the eternal, perfect reality of the New Covenant, mediated by Christ in the heavenly sanctuary. This verse asserts Christ's divine authority and supreme position, affirming that his sacrifice was not only sufficient but also eternally effective, securing perfect access to God for believers. His session at the right hand of God signifies not only his triumph over sin and death but also his continuous role as our advocate and intercessor, ensuring the security and permanence of our salvation.

Reflection and Application

Hebrews 8:1 offers profound comfort and assurance to believers. To know that "we have such an high priest" who is not merely present, but "set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens," transforms our understanding of access to God and the security of our faith. This truth means that our salvation is not dependent on our fluctuating performance or the imperfect efforts of human mediators, but on the perfect, completed, and eternally effective work of Jesus Christ. His exalted position guarantees that his intercession for us is constant and powerful, providing grace in times of need and ensuring our perseverance. It invites us to live with confidence, boldness, and hope, knowing that our ultimate advocate reigns supreme, and that our future is secured by his unshakeable authority. This heavenly reality should inspire worship, cultivate resilience in trials, and motivate us to live lives worthy of the glorious High Priest we serve.

Questions for Reflection

  1. How does the truth of Jesus being "set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty" impact your confidence in prayer and your access to God?
  2. In what ways does understanding Christ's exalted position as High Priest provide assurance and security for your salvation?
  3. How might focusing on Christ's heavenly ministry, as described in this verse, shift your perspective on earthly challenges and the temporary nature of this world?

FAQ

What is the significance of Jesus being "set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty"?

The phrase "set on the right hand" signifies a position of ultimate authority, power, and honor. In ancient cultures, sitting at the right hand of a king or ruler indicated a place of supreme favor, shared authority, and intimate counsel. For Jesus, it means his redemptive work is complete, his victory over sin and death is absolute, and he now reigns with God the Father in full divine authority. "The throne of the Majesty" emphasizes the supreme glory and sovereignty of God, underscoring that Christ's position is one of divine exaltation and co-regency. This is not a temporary assignment but a permanent, established reality, affirming his eternal reign and ongoing intercession for believers.

How does Hebrews 8:1 relate to the Old Testament sacrificial system?

Hebrews 8:1 directly contrasts with and fulfills the Old Testament sacrificial system. The Old Covenant system, with its earthly tabernacle/temple, Levitical priests, and animal sacrifices, was a "shadow" or "copy" of heavenly realities (Hebrews 8:5). The high priest under the Old Covenant performed repetitive, imperfect rituals that could not permanently cleanse sin. By declaring that "we have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens," the author asserts that Jesus' priesthood is superior because it operates in the true, heavenly sanctuary. His single, perfect sacrifice has permanently atoned for sin, rendering the Old Covenant system obsolete and establishing a "better covenant" (Hebrews 8:6) based on better promises.

Christ-Centered Fulfillment

Hebrews 8:1 stands as a triumphant declaration of Christ's ultimate fulfillment of all Old Testament types and shadows, particularly the high priestly office. The Levitical high priests, with their annual entry into the Most Holy Place, were mere earthly reflections of the true, heavenly High Priest to come. Jesus, as the "such an high priest" of this verse, transcends and perfects their ministry. His session "on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens" signifies his completed work of atonement on the cross, his glorious resurrection, and his triumphant ascension, as recorded in passages like Mark 16:19 and Acts 2:33. This exalted position is not merely one of rest, but of active, ongoing intercession for his people, as Romans 8:34 affirms, ensuring our access to God and the security of our salvation. He is the one who has entered "into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us" (Hebrews 9:24), forever serving as our perfect mediator and advocate, thereby fulfilling the deepest longing for a High Priest who is both divine and human, perfectly holy, and eternally effective.

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Public-domain commentary

Matthew Henry

From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Hebrews 8:1–5. His three-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.

1662–1714 · 5 verses
Passage under commentHebrews 8:1–5
I. II. Main points1. 2. Sub-points(1.) (2.) Details

Here is, I. A summary recital of what had been said before concerning the excellency of Christ's priesthood, showing what we have in Christ, where he now resides, and what sanctuary he is the minister of, Heb 8:1, Heb 8:2. Observe, 1. What we have in Christ; we have a high priest, and such a high priest as no other people ever had, no age of the world, or of the church, ever produced; all others were but types and shadows of this high priest. He is adequately fitted and absolutely sufficient to all the intents and purposes of a high priest, both with respect to the honour of God and the happiness of men and himself; the great honour of all those who have an interest in him. 2. Where he now resides: He sits on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty on high, that is, of the glorious God of heaven. There the Mediator is placed, and he is possessed of all authority and power both in heaven and upon earth. This is the reward of his humiliation. This authority he exercises for the glory of his Father, for his own honour, and for the happiness of all who belong to him; and he will by his almighty power bring every one of them in their own order to the right hand of God in heaven, as members of his mystical body, that where he is they may be also. 3. What is that sanctuary of which he is a minister: Of the true tabernacle, which the Lord hath pitched, and not man, Heb 8:2. The tabernacle which was pitched by man, according to the appointment of God. There was an outer part, in which was the altar where they were to offer their sacrifices, which typified Christ dying; and there was an interior part within the veil, which typified Christ interceding for the people in heaven. Now this tabernacle Christ never entered into; but, having finished the work of satisfaction in the true tabernacle of his own body, he is now a minister of the sanctuary, the holy of holies, the true tabernacle in heaven, there taking care of his people's affairs, interceding with God for them, that their sins may be pardoned and their persons and services accepted, through the merit of his sacrifice. He is not only in heaven enjoying great dominion and dignity, but, as the high priest of his church, executing this office for them all in general, and every member of the church in particular.

II.The apostle sets before the Hebrews the necessary parts of Christ's priesthood, or what it was that belonged to that office, in conformity to what every high priest is ordained to, Heb 8:3, Heb 8:4.

1.Every high priest is ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices. Whatever was brought by the people to be presented to God, whether expiatory sacrifices, or peace-offerings, or thank-offerings, must be offered by the priest, who was to expiate their guilt by the blood of the sacrifice, and perfume their gifts and services by his holy incense, to render their persons and performances typically acceptable; so then it necessarily belongs to the priesthood of Christ that he should have somewhat to offer; and he, as the antitype, had himself to offer, his human nature upon the altar of his divine nature, as the great atoning sacrifice that finished transgression, and made an end of sin once for all; and he has the incense of his own righteousness and merits too to offer with all that his people offer up to God by him, to render them acceptable. We must not dare to approach to God, or to present any thing to him, but in and through Christ, depending upon his merits and mediation; for if we are accepted, it is in the Beloved.

2.Christ must now execute his priesthood in heaven, in the holy of holies, the true tabernacle which the Lord hath fixed. Thus the type must be fully answered; having finished the work of sacrificing here, he must go into heaven, to present his righteousness and to make intercession there. For,

(1.)If Christ were on earth, he would not be a priest (Heb 8:4), that is, not according to the Levitical law, as not being of the line of that priesthood; and so long as that priesthood continued there must be a strict regard paid to the divine institution in everything.

(2.)All the services of the priest, under the law, as well as every thing in that tabernacle which was framed according to the pattern in the mount, were only exemplars and shadows of heavenly things, Heb 8:5. Christ is the substance and end of the law for righteousness. Something therefore there must be in Christ's priesthood that answers to the high priest's entering within the veil to make intercession, without which he could not have been a perfect priest; and what is this but the ascension of Christ into heaven, and his appearance there in the sight of God for his people, to present their prayers, and plead their cause? So that, if he had still continued on earth, he could not have been a perfect priest; and an imperfect one he could not be.

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Historical interpretation

Eight Centuries of Reception

12 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.

12 quotes · AD 220–990
Ante-NicenePost-NiceneEarly Medieval
2003004005006007008009001000

Select a marker to jump to its quote. Markers stagger vertically where authors wrote within a few decades of each other.

AD 220TertullianAnte-NiceneSourceOn Modesty
For to this end had He come, that, being Himself pure from sin, and in all respects holy, He might undergo death on behalf of sinners.
AD 325Lucius Caecilius Firmianus LactantiusPost-NiceneSourceDIVINE INSTITUTES 4.25
Let people therefore learn and understand why the Most High God willed that he should be clothed with mortal flesh, afflicted with torture and sentenced to death when he sent his ambassador and messenger to instruct mortals with the precepts of his righteousness. For since there was no righteousness on earth, he sent a teacher, as it were, a living law to found a new name and temple so that, by his words and example, he might spread throughout the earth a true and holy worship. However, in order that people might know for sure that he was sent by God, it was fitting that he should not be born as human beings are born, composed of a mortal on both sides. Rather, so that it might appear that he was heavenly even in the form of man, he was born without the office of a father. For he had a spiritual Father—God. And, as God was the Father of his spirit without a mother, so a virgin was the mother of his body without a father. He was therefore both God and man, being placed in the middle between God and man. From which the Greeks call him Mesitēs, that he might be able to lead humankind to God—that is, to immortality. For if he had been God only (as we have before said), he would not have been able to afford to people examples of goodness; if he had been man only, he would not have been able to compel people to righteousness, unless there had been added an authority and virtue greater than that of man.
AD 373Ephrem the SyrianPost-NiceneSourceCOMMENTARY ON THE EPISTLE TO THE HEBREWS
“The point in what we are saying,” that is, the discussion which we have undertaken with regard to priesthood and the law, is now presented to you according to what I have said above. “We have such a high priest” of the high priests, who does not stand before the ark of alliance but “who,” by ascending, “is seated at the right hand of the throne of the majesty in heaven.”Moreover, he, who was so entirely praised, was “a minister in the sanctuary” in the very tabernacle of truth—that is, either in the kingdom of heaven, as he promised, or in this world, as he actually did by washing the feet of his disciples.
AD 379Basil of CaesareaPost-NiceneSourceON THE SPIRIT 6.15
If one assigns to the Father the upper place by way of precedence and asserts that the only begotten Son sits below, he will find that all the consequent conditions of body attach to the creature of his imagination. And if these are the imaginations of drunken delusion and frenzied insanity, can it be consistent with true religion for people taught by the Lord himself that “he that honors not the Son honors not the Father” to refuse to worship and glorify with the Father him who in nature, in glory and in dignity is conjoined with him? What shall we say? What just defense shall we have in the day of the awful universal judgment of all creation, if, when the Lord clearly announces that he will come “in the glory of his Father”;9 when Stephen beheld Jesus standing at the right hand of God; when Paul testified in the Spirit concerning Christ “that he is at the right hand of God”;11 when the Father says, “Sit at my right hand”; when the Holy Spirit bears witness that he has sat down on “the right hand of the majesty” of God—what defense shall we have when we attempt to degrade him, who shares the honor and the throne, from his condition of equality to a lower state? Standing and sitting, I apprehend, indicate the permanence and entire stability of the nature, as Baruch, when he wishes to exhibit the immutability and immobility of the divine mode of existence, says, “For you sit forever and we perish utterly.” Moreover, the place on the right hand indicates, in my judgment, equality of honor. It is rash, then, to attempt to deprive the Son of participation in the doxology, as though worthy only to be ranked in a lower place of honor.
Paul mixes the lowly things with the lofty, ever imitating his Master, so that the lowly become the path to the lofty, and through the former we are led to the latter, and when we are amid the great things we learn that these lowly ones were a condescension. This accordingly he does here also. After declaring that "He offered up Himself," and showing Him to be a "High Priest," what does he say? "Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: we have such an High Priest who is set down on the right hand of the throne of the majesty." And yet this is not the office of a Priest, but of Him whom the Priest should serve.

"A minister of the sanctuary," not simply a minister, but "a minister of the sanctuary. And of the true Tabernacle, which the Lord pitched and not man." Thou seest the condescension. Did he not a little before make a separation, saying: "Are they not all ministering spirits?" (supra, i. 14) and therefore (he says) it is not said to them, "Sit thou on my right hand," (supra, i. 13) for He that sitteth is not a minister. How is it then that it is here said, "a minister," and "a minister of the Sanctuary"? for he means here the Tabernacle.

See how he raised up the minds of the believing Jews. For as they would be apt to imagine that we have no such tabernacle as they had, see here (he says) is the Priest, Great, yea, much greater than the other, and who has offered a more wonderful sacrifice. But is not all this mere talk? is it not a boast, and merely said to win over our minds? on this account he established it first from the oath, and afterwards also from "the tabernacle." For this difference too was manifest: but the Apostle thinks of another also, "which" (he says) "the Lord pitched [or "made firm"] and not man." Where are they who say that the heaven whirls around? where are they who declare that it is spherical? for both of these notions are overthrown here.

"Now" (he says) "of the things which we have spoken this is the sum." By "the sum" is always meant what is most important. Again he brings down his discourse; having said what is lofty, henceforward he speaks fearlessly.
AD 458Theodoret of CyrusPost-NiceneSourceINTERPRETATION OF HEBREWS 8
He left till last the greatest honor, presenting him seated at the right hand of the throne of majesty. Aaron, the forebear of priests, remember, who was the first to receive the role of high priesthood, entered the divine sanctuary with fear and trembling, whereas this person has a seat at the right hand. He included the word minister, of course, because he is speaking of a high priest. What ministry does he discharge after offering himself once and for all, and no longer offering a further sacrifice? How is it possible for him at one and the same time to be seated and to minister? Only if you were to say the ministry is the salvation of human beings, which he procures in lordly fashion.
AD 458Theodoret of CyrusPost-NiceneSourceINTERPRETATION OF HEBREWS 8
By “tent” he referred to heaven, where the apostle said he was ministering as man, though being its creator.
AD 893Photios I of ConstantinopleEarly MedievalSourceFRAGMENTS ON THE EPISTLE TO THE HEBREWS 8.1
When he serves and ministers, it is for this purpose: to cleanse humans from their sins and to make them holy. For it is fitting for the minister and creator of the saints to sit at the right hand of the Father as true God and his Son.
AD 900Arethas of CaesareaEarly MedievalSourceFRAGMENTS ON THE EPISTLE TO THE HEBREWS 8.2
He calls the heavens “the tent” in this passage. In my opinion he seems to then call the flesh of the Lord “the true tent,” which also the Lord himself fashioned when he was not yet man, considering that immaculate flesh did not come into existence by human coupling but by the Holy Spirit.
"Moreover, the main point.” He always calls that which is greatest the main point. Whenever someone intends to summarize the main points briefly, he says that the discourse is made into a point; just as the head, though small, is the most important part of the body. Therefore, the apostle also says now: "Moreover, the main point of what we say is this"—that is, to say the greatest and most comprehensive, we have a God as high priest; for the priesthood belongs to no one else but God.
“we have such a high priest.” This mixes the humble with the awe-inspiring in this place, so that through the humble it may prepare the way for the awe-inspiring. The humble are to be a priest and an administrator; the awe-inspiring is to sit at the right hand of God and in the heavens.
“of the throne of majesty.” He calls it the throne of majesty, the paternal throne, or that majesty might also be said to belong to the Father; or simply thus, the throne of majesty, the greatest throne.
"a minister of the sanctuary." The High Priest, he says, is of men who have been sanctified by him. For he is our High Priest. If he sat at the right hand of the Father, how is he a minister? For it is proper for ministers to stand and serve; but to sit is the role of God to whom the ministry is rendered. But, as has been said, the humble mingles with the awe-inspiring, so that by sitting he may show divinity, and by ministering the guardianship and humanity concerning us.
For this is the ministry and this is the priesthood, to cleanse men from sins and to make them holy. For such a minister and worker of the saints must sit at the right hand of the Father as the true God and Son.
"and of the true tabernacle." Here, he refers to the heavens as the tabernacle. For they were saying, perhaps, the believers from Judea: If he is a high priest, where is the tabernacle in which he performs his priestly duties? He indicates that there is also a tabernacle, and the difference of it compared to the Jewish tabernacle, wanting to show that it was established by the Lord and not by man.
"For every high priest." For he says, it is proper for the high priests to offer gifts and sacrifices (for this is why they are established), it is necessary for the Christ also to offer something, I mean sacrifices. Therefore, he took on his own flesh, which he also offered. He said this, so that no one would say, If he is a high priest forever, why did he die? Why? So that he might offer himself as a sacrifice. For without sacrifices, he would not even be a high priest.
"thus it is necessary for this one also to have something to offer." Such as Christ.
"For if he were on earth." This was the case, if he had not died, nor had he been taken up after rising.
“he would not be a priest at all.” For there would be others, even a rebellion would be present. But now he has died, so that he may offer the sacrifice. Rising from the dead, he was taken up, so that he might have a place in heaven, where he must serve as a priest. To serve as a priest means to intercede for us. All these humble words were said, both because of humanity and because of the childishness of those who hear.
"who serve a copy and shadow of the heavenly things." Those who are priests of the Jews, he says. And how do they serve as a copy and shadow of the heavenly things? For he says,
"See that you make everything according to the pattern that was shown to you on the mountain." And the things shown to him were heavenly. There were also services, and prayers, and sacrifices, and the construction of the tabernacle.
“just as Moses was instructed.” "He has heard, he knows."
"According to the pattern shown to you." Since the sight is easier to learn than hearing, for this reason God showed Moses everything, not only the construction of the tabernacle, but also concerning the sacrifices and the other worship.
"But now he has obtained a more excellent ministry." Now, he says, since it is not on earth, but in heaven, a better ministry has been attained, that is, the high priest is for a better ministry. See how he engages with the humble because of the weakness of those who are listening. But if he were to say something awe-inspiring, he would immediately be dismissed, fearing that it would not be accepted.
"inasmuch as he is also the mediator of a better covenant." Thus, he says, the ministry is better than the old, as the new covenant, of which Christ is the mediator, is new, I say, the covenant of faith in Him, in which He mediated for Himself and for the Father,
"which was established on better promises." This covenant, he says, was enacted on better promises. For the old promised the good things of the earth; but the new, the kingdom of heaven. And thus the promises from this are better, because the former has been abolished. Therefore, the new triumphs, because it is better, and is given on better promises. And the better one has the promises, for it is better, is evident everywhere.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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