Hebrews 5 Exposition and Jesus Christ as High Priest
Hebrews 5 and Jesus Christ as High Priest
Hebrews 5:5 states, "So also Christ did not glorify himself to become high priest, but was appointed by him who said to him, 'You are my Son, today I have begotten you'" [1]. This verse emphasizes that Jesus Christ was called by God to be a High Priest, just like the Aaronic high priests of the Old Testament.
The literary context of Hebrews 5 is crucial in understanding Jesus' role as High Priest. The chapter begins by describing the qualifications and duties of a high priest, highlighting that they are chosen from among men and appointed by God (Heb 5:1, 4) [5]. The author then applies this description to Jesus Christ, demonstrating that He meets these qualifications and was appointed by God (Heb 5:5-6) [1, 2].
The historical setting of Hebrews is also significant. The letter was written to Jewish Christians who were familiar with the Levitical priesthood and the Aaronic order [7]. The author argues that Jesus Christ is a High Priest of a different order, namely, the order of Melchizedek (Heb 5:6, 10) [2, 3]. This order is distinct from the Aaronic priesthood, as Melchizedek was both a priest and a king (Gen 14:18-20) [8].
The key terms in Hebrews 5 include "high priest" (ἀρχιερεύς), "appointed" (καλέω), and "Melchizedek" (Μελχισεδέκ). The author uses these terms to emphasize Jesus' divine appointment and His unique priestly order [1, 2, 3].
The major exegetical decision in Hebrews 5 revolves around the interpretation of Jesus' priesthood. Some traditions interpret Jesus' priesthood as a fulfillment of the Levitical priesthood, while others see it as a distinct order [5, 6, 7]. According to Adam Clarke, Jesus Christ was appointed by God to be the High Priest of the human race, offering His own life as a sacrifice [6].
The range of interpretations on Jesus' priesthood is evident in the various commentaries. John Gill notes that the description of the high priest in Hebrews 5 is taken from the Levitical priesthood, but is applied to Jesus Christ, who is of a different order [5]. Jamieson, Fausset & Brown argue that Jesus' priesthood is superior to the Aaronic priesthood, as He is a Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek [7, 8].
The concept of Jesus Christ as High Priest has functioned significantly in Christian tradition. It has been used to emphasize Jesus' role as Mediator between God and humanity, and His sacrifice as a once-for-all offering for sin [3, 4]. The image of Jesus as High Priest has also been linked to His kingly office, as seen in Revelation 5:10, where believers are described as a Kingdom of priests who will reign with Christ [10].
The significance of Jesus' priesthood is further highlighted by its connection to the heavenly Tabernacle, where Jesus ministers as a superior High Priest (Heb 8:1-2) [9]. This understanding underscores the superiority of Jesus' offering and His ongoing intercession for believers.
Sources
- Hebrews “Hebrews 5:5 (BBE) — In the same way Christ did not take for himself the glory of being made a high priest, but was given it by him who said, You are my Son, this day I have given you being:”
- Hebrews “Hebrews 5:10 (LITV) — having been called out by God as a High Priest according to the order of Melchizedek.”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Christ, the High Priest — Appointed and called by God -- Heb 3:1,2; 5:4,5. After the order of Melchizedek -- Ps 110:4; Heb 5:6; 6:20; 7:15,17. Superior to Aaron and the Levitical priests -- Heb 7:11,16,22; 8:1,2,6. Consecrated with an oath -- Heb 7:20,21. Has an unchangeable priesthood -- Heb 7:23,28. Is of unblemished purity -- Heb 7:26,28. Faithful -- Heb 3:2. Needed no sacrifice for himself -- Heb 7:27. Offered himself a sacrifice -- Heb 9:14,26. His sacrifice superior to all others -- Heb 9:13,14,23. Offered sacrifice but once -- Heb 7:27; 9:25,26. Made reconcili”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Excellency and Glory of Christ, The — As God -- Joh 1:1-5; Php 2:6,9,10. As the Son of God -- Mt 3:17; Heb 1:6,8. As one with the Father -- Joh 10:30,38. As the First-born -- Col 1:15,18. As the First-begotten -- Heb 1:6. As Lord of lords, &c -- Re 17:14. As the image of God -- Col 1:15; Heb 1:3. As creator -- Joh 1:3; Col 1:16; Heb 1:2. As the Blessed of God -- Ps 45:2. As Mediator -- 1Ti 2:5; Heb 8:6. As Prophet -- De 18:15,16; Ac 3:22. As Priest -- Ps 110:4; Heb 4:15. As King -- Isa 6:1-5; Joh 12:41. As Judge -- Mt 16:27; 25:31,33. As Shepherd -- Isa 40:10,11; Joh”
- Hebrews (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Hebrews 5 (introduction): INTRODUCTION TO HEBREWS 5 The apostle having made mention of Christ as an high priest, in the preceding chapter, proceeds in this to give an account of an high priest, and applies the character of him to Christ; and shows that he is of another order of priesthood than that of Aaron, even of the order of Melchisedec; of whom he could say many things, but the Hebrews were dull of hearing them; which leads him to blame them for their rudeness, and non-proficience. The description of the high priest is taken from his relation to men, separation from them, a”
- Hebrews (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Hebrews 5:5: Christ glorified not himself - The man Jesus Christ, was also appointed by God to this most awful yet glorious office, of being the High Priest of the whole human race. The Jewish high priest represented this by the sacrifices of beasts which he offered; the Christian High Priest must offer his own life: Jesus Christ did so; and, rising from the dead, he ascended to heaven, and there ever appeareth in the presence of God for us. Thus he has reassumed the sacerdotal office; and because he never dies, he can never have a successor. He can have no vicars, either in hea”
- Hebrews (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Hebrews 5 (introduction): CHRIST'S HIGH PRIESTHOOD; NEEDED QUALIFICATIONS; MUST BE A MAN; MUST NOT HAVE ASSUMED THE DIGNITY HIMSELF, BUT HAVE BEEN APPOINTED BY GOD; THEIR LOW SPIRITUAL PERCEPTIONS A BAR TO PAUL'S SAYING ALL HE MIGHT ON CHRIST'S MELCHISEDEC-LIKE PRIESTHOOD. (Heb 5:1-14) For--substantiating Heb 4:15. every--that is, every legitimate high priest; for instance, the Levitical, as he is addressing Hebrews, among whom the Levitical priesthood was established as the legitimate one. Whatever, reasons Paul, is excellent in the Levitical priests, is also i”
- Hebrews (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Hebrews 5:6: He is here called simply "Priest"; in Heb 5:5, "High Priest." He is a Priest absolutely, because He stands alone in that character without an equal. He is "High Priest" in respect of the Aaronic type, and also in respect to us, whom He has made priests by throwing open to us access to God [BENGEL]. "The order of Melchisedec" is explained in Heb 7:15, "the similitude of Melchisedec." The priesthood is similarly combined with His kingly office in Zac 6:13. Melchisedec was at once man, priest, and king. Paul's selecting as the type of Christ one not of th”
- Hebrews (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Hebrews 8:1: 8:1–10:18 This passage on Jesus’ superior offering argues that his ministry as the heavenly High Priest is superior to that of earthly priests. 8:1-2 The first two verses of ch 8 transition from the discussion just completed and anticipate the discussion to come. • Here is the main point: The author is referring back to the appointment of Jesus as a superior High Priest (5:1-10; 7:1-28). • he ministers in the heavenly Tabernacle (or tent; also in 8:5): This anticipates the theme of Jesus’ superior offering that is covered in the rest of this section (8:3–10:18). U”
- Revelation (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Revelation 5:10: 5:10 The description of God’s people as a Kingdom of priests who will enjoy ultimate victory and will reign with Christ reflects the images of Jesus as both King (Rom 1:3) and High Priest (Heb 6:20).”