In the New Testament, Jesus Christ is uniquely identified as both Apostle and High Priest, roles that underscore His divine mission and mediatorial work. These titles are particularly highlighted in the Epistle to the Hebrews, which provides a profound theological exposition of Christ's person and work.

Apostle

The term "apostle" (Greek: ἀπόστολος, apostolos) generally refers to one who is sent with a commission. In Hebrews 3:1, Jesus is explicitly called "the Apostle and High Priest of our confession." This designation emphasizes His role as the one sent by God to reveal His will and accomplish His redemptive purposes. As the Apostle, Jesus is the ultimate messenger of God's covenant, surpassing the prophets and even Moses, who was revered as a foundational leader and lawgiver in Israel. Jesus Himself declared, "For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me" (John 6:38). His apostolic mission was to bring the message of salvation and to inaugurate the Kingdom of God.

High Priest

The role of High Priest is central to understanding Jesus' work of atonement and intercession. In the Old Testament, the high priest was the chief religious leader of the Israelites, responsible for offering sacrifices and entering the Holy of Holies on the Day of Atonement to make atonement for the sins of the people. Jesus, however, is described as a High Priest "in the order of Melchizedek" (Hebrews 5:10), indicating a priesthood that is eternal and superior to the Aaronic priesthood. Hebrews 4:14-15 states, "Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who was tempted in every way that we are, yet was without sin."

Jesus' priesthood is characterized by His perfect sacrifice, offered once for all. Unlike the repeated sacrifices of the Levitical priests, Jesus' sacrifice on the cross was sufficient to atone for the sins of humanity. Hebrews 9:12 affirms, "He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, not by the blood of goats and calves, but by His own blood, thus securing eternal redemption." As High Priest, Jesus not only offered the sacrifice but was Himself the sacrifice, fulfilling the requirements of the law and establishing a new covenant.

Furthermore, Jesus continues His priestly work through intercession. Hebrews 7:25 declares, "Therefore He is able to save completely those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to intercede for them." This ongoing intercession assures believers of their access to God and the efficacy of Christ's atoning work.

In summary, the titles of Apostle and High Priest ascribed to Jesus in the New Testament encapsulate His divine mission and mediatorial role. As the Apostle, He is the ultimate messenger and embodiment of God's revelation. As the High Priest, He is the perfect mediator who offers Himself as the sacrifice for sin and continually intercedes for His people. These roles highlight the uniqueness and supremacy of Christ in the divine plan of salvation.