Hebrews 3:1 Why, holy brothers, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus; I. THE CHARACTERS HERE PECULIARLY ADDRESSED. 1. "Holy brethren." Every one must possess holiness, not indeed in perfection: but, as it were, the Christian's element, where he breathes with freedom and with peace. Sin is the Christian's aversion, and therefore he looks forward with joy to that period when he shall put off this body of sin, and be in possession of a holy and blessed state in heaven. 2. The characters here addressed are described as "Partakers of the heavenly calling." Here we speak of the manner in which such are brought to this brotherly love. II. THE HIGH CHARACTER GIVEN IN THE TEXT OF CHRIST JESUS 1. "Apostle." The Redeemer of mankind, though one with the Father and the Holy Spirit, is declared to have come out from God in the capacity of a servant. In His commission to His disciples after the Resurrection, He acknowledged His own apostleship. He says, "As My Father hath sent Me, so send I you." 2. "High Priest." The high priest was to offer up the evening sacrifice and prayer. Christ Jesus appears offering Himself a perfect sacrifice for sin. III. THE DUTY RECOMMENDED. "Consider." As if he had said, do not turn away from Him, as though you had no interest in this great subject; but let your attention be drawn off from everything else, that your soul may be found resting here. (F. H. Fell, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus; |
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