Analysis Of The Chapter In this chapter Hebrews 5:1 the subject of the priestly office of Christ is continued and further illustrated. It had been introduced Hebrews 2:16, Hebrews 2:18; Hebrews 3:1; Heb 4:14-17. The Jews regarded the office of high priest as an essential feature in the true religion... [ Continue Reading ]
FOR EVERY HIGH PRIEST - That is, among the Jews, for the remarks relate to the Jewish system. The Jews had one high priest who was regarded as the successor of Aaron. The word “high priest” means “chief priest;” that is, a priest of higher rank and office than others. By the original regulation the... [ Continue Reading ]
WHO CAN HAVE COMPASSION - Margin, “Reasonably bear with.” The idea is that of “sympathizing with.” The high priest is taken from among men, in order that he may have a fellow-feeling for those on whose behalf he officiates. Sensible of his own ignorance, he is able to sympathize with those who are i... [ Continue Reading ]
AND BY REASON HEREOF - Because he is a sinner; an imperfect man. “As for the people, so also for himself, to offer for sins.” To make an expiation for sins. He needs the same atonement; he offers the sacrifice for himself which he does for others; Leviticus 9:7. The same thing is true of the ministe... [ Continue Reading ]
AND NO MAN TAKETH THIS HONOR TO HIMSELF - No one has a right to enter on this office unless he has the qualifications which God has prescribed. There were fixed and definite laws in regard to the succession in the office of the high priest, and to the qualifications of him who should hold the office... [ Continue Reading ]
SO ALSO CHRIST GLORIFIED NOT HIMSELF; - see the notes at John 8:54. The meaning is, that Jesus was not ambitious; that he did not obtrude himself into the great office of high priest; he did not enter upon its duties without being regularly called to it. Paul claimed that Christ held that office; bu... [ Continue Reading ]
AS HE SAITH ALSO IN ANOTHER PLACE - Psalms 110:4. “Thou art a priest forever.” It is evident here that the apostle means to be understood as saying that the Psalm referred to Christ, and this is one of the instances of quotation from the Old Testament respecting which there can be no doubt. Paul mak... [ Continue Reading ]
WHO - That is, the Lord Jesus - for so the connection demands. The object of this verse and the two following is, to show that the Lord Jesus had that qualification for the office of priest to which he had referred in Hebrews 5:2. It was one important qualification for that office that he who sustai... [ Continue Reading ]
THOUGH HE WERE A SON - Though the Son of God. Though he sustained this exalted rank, and was conscious of it, yet he was willing to learn experimentally what is meant by obedience in the midst of sufferings. YET LEARNED HE OBEDIENCE - That is, he learned experimentally and practically. It cannot be... [ Continue Reading ]
AND BEING MADE PERFECT - That is, being made a “complete” Saviour - a Saviour suited in all respects to redeem people. Sufferings were necessary to the “completeness” or the “finish” of his character as a Saviour, not to his moral perfection, for he was always without sin; see this explained in the... [ Continue Reading ]
CALLED OF GOD - Addressed by him, or greeted by him. The word used here does not mean that he was “appointed” by God, or “called” to the office, in the sense in which we often use the word, but simply that he was “addressed” as such, to wit, in Psalms 110:1; AN HIGH PRIEST - In the Septuagint Psalms... [ Continue Reading ]
OF WHOM WE HAVE MANY THINGS TO SAY - There are many things which seem strange in regard to him; many things which are hard to be understood. Paul knew that what be had to say of this man as a type of the Redeemer would excite wonder, and that many might be disposed to call it in question. He knew th... [ Continue Reading ]
FOR WHEN FOR THE TIME - Considering the time which has elapsed since you were converted. You have been Christians long enough to he expected to understand such doctrines. This verse proves that those to whom he wrote were not recent converts. YE OUGHT TO BE TEACHERS - You ought to be able to instru... [ Continue Reading ]
FOR EVERY ONE THAT USETH MILK - Referring to the food of children. The apostle has in view here those Christians who resemble children in this respect, that they are not capable of receiving the stronger food adapted to those of mature age. IS UNSKILFUL - Inexperienced; who has not skill to perform... [ Continue Reading ]
STRONG MEAT - Solid food pertains to those of maturer years. So it is with the higher doctrines of Christianity. They can be understood and appreciated only by those who are advanced in Christian experience. OF FULL AGE - Margin, “Perfect.” The expression refers to those who are grown up. WHO BY RE... [ Continue Reading ]