Who serve unto, &c. The priesthood of the law and its functions were a kind of an example, and shadow of what is done by Christ in his Church militant [on earth] and triumphant [in heaven], of which the tabernacle was a pattern. (Challoner) read more
But now Christ, the Messias, being come, hath ordained a more excellent ministry and priesthood, being the great Mediator betwixt God and man of a better and more excellent testament, accompanied with greater graces and blessings, and established with better and more ample promises, not of temporal blessings, as the former, but of eternal happiness. (Witham) read more
For if that first testament had been faultless: if it had not been imperfect, and all those sacrifices and ceremonies insufficient for the justification, salvation, and redemption of mankind, there would have been no need of a second. (Witham) read more
1-6 The substance, or summary, of what had been declared was, that Christians had such a High Priest as they needed. He took upon himself human nature, appeared on earth, and there gave himself as a sacrifice to God for the sins of his people. We must not dare to approach God, or to present any thing to him, but in and through Christ, depending upon his merits and mediation; for we are accepted only in the Beloved. In all obedience and worship, we should keep close to God's word, which is the... read more
7-13 The superior excellence of the priesthood of Christ, above that of Aaron, is shown from that covenant of grace, of which Christ was Mediator. The law not only made all subject to it, liable to be condemned for the guilt of sin, but also was unable to remove that guilt, and clear the conscience from the sense and terror of it. Whereas, by the blood of Christ, a full remission of sins was provided, so that God would remember them no more. God once wrote his laws to his people, now he will... read more
Hebrews 8 CHAPTER 7 HAVING set before us in full detail the contrast between the temporary priesthood of Aaron and the abiding priesthood of Christ, chapter 8 opens with a summary of the whole matter. In this summary, occupying verses Heb_8:1 and 2 there are four things which we shall do well to note. Firstly, the Lord Jesus is “such an High Priest,” that is such an One as chapter 7 has shown Him to be. We need therefore to refresh our minds as to all those points of contrast which show... read more
Christ's Eternal Priesthood has Superseded the Temporary Priesthood of Aaron. The more excellent ministry of Christ: v. 1. 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; v. 2. a minister of the sanctuary and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man. v. 3. For every high priest is ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices; wherefore it is of necessity that this... read more
The proof that Christ's ministry has fully replaced that of the Levitical priesthood: v. 6. (But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry,) by how much also he is the Mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises. v. 7. For if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second. v. 8. For, finding fault with them, he saith, Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of... read more
THIRD SECTION______THIS PRIESTHOOD CHRIST ACCOMPLISHES, AS HEAVENLY KING AND MEDIATOR OF THE NEW COVENANT, A COVENANT PREDICTED IN THE OLD TESTAMENTIAs High-priest of the true sanctuary which God reared and not man, Christ hath taken His seat at the right hand of Majesty in the heavensHebrews 8:1-51Now of the things which we have [are being] spoken this is the sum [chief point]: We have such a high priest, who is set [took his seat, ἐχάθισεν] on the right hand of the throne of the [om. the]... read more
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George Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary - Hebrews 8:4
If then he were on earth, he would not be a priest. He speaks of a priest according to the custom of the Jews, where none were priests but of the tribe of Levi, and Jesus Christ was of the tribe of Juda: and if the law of Moses was to continue, there would not be wanting priests to offer sacrifices according to their worship, though such priests were only employed about things that were types[2] and shadows of heavenly things in the new law after Christ's coming, and of the sacrifices by... read more