Hebrews 5:4

And no man taketh the honor to himself, but when he is called of God, even as was Aaron.

Only God had the right to appoint such a thing as a high priest who would represent his people before the presence on high; and only God has the right to name a High Priest for all mankind. This verse lays the premise for showing that Christ too was called and appointed by God to the great office which he exercises on behalf of all people. The misuse of this verse is that of making it apply to the "call" of gospel ministers, or claiming it as a support of so-called lines of succession, or chain-like perpetuation of ecclesiastical authority. No such thoughts are in the verse. Barnes declared that "This has no reference to the call of Christian ministers, and should not be applied to it."[4] Adam Clarke also noted the efforts of some to make such a use of the verse, saying,

For the uninterrupted succession of popes and their bishops in the church who alone have the authority to ordain for the sacerdotal office; and whosoever is not thus appointed is, with them, illegitimate.

But he concluded, "The verse has nothing to do with clerical office, with preaching God's holy word, or administering the sacraments."[5]

The Aaronic priesthood itself did not have an unbroken succession, nor was the appointment of the high priest always by the rules God gave. Herod the Great, Archelaus, and various Roman governors usurped the right of naming the high priest, even deposing Annas and appointing another in his place. Further, the office of the Jewish high priest was divinely scheduled to expire and disappear with the coming of Christ.

[4] Albert Barnes, Notes on the New Testament (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Book House, 1963), Vol. Hebrews, p. 113.

[5] Adam Clarke, Commentary on the Holy Bible (New York: Carlton and Porter, 1829), p. 717.