Dictionary of Bible Themes: 7414 priesthood, in NT

7414 priesthood, in NT

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Dictionary of Bible Themes » 7000 God's people » 7300 Institutions and culture of OT » 7412 priesthood » 7414 priesthood, in NT

Jesus Christ recognised the function of the OT priesthood, but the gospel belief in Christ as high priest and the priesthood of all believers superseded the earlier concept.

Jesus Christ acknowledged the role of the Jerusalem priesthood

See also

Matthew 8:4 pp Mark 1:44 pp Luke 5:14

Characteristics of the Levitical priesthood

It was equivalent to the order of Aaron

Hebrews 7:11

It was incompatible with membership of the tribe of Judah

Hebrews 7:14

It was not established by divine oath

Hebrews 7:20

Characteristics of the Melchizedek priesthood

Hebrews 7:15-16

How Jesus Christ's priesthood resembled the OT priesthood

He fulfilled the requirement of humanity

Hebrews 2:17 See also Hebrews 5:1

He was not self-appointed

Hebrews 5:4-5

He resembled Melchizedek

Hebrews 5:10

How Jesus Christ's priesthood contrasts with the Levitical priesthood

It involves a change in the applicability of the law

Hebrews 7:12-13

It lasts for ever

Hebrews 7:23-24 See also Hebrews 10:11-12

It was based on a once-for-all sacrifice, not of animals but of himself

Hebrews 9:26 See also Hebrews 9:12

It is effective, not simply illustrative

Hebrews 10:14 See also Hebrews 8:5; Hebrews 10:1,4

It is not that of a mere man, but of the Son of God

Hebrews 7:28 See also Hebrews 4:14; Hebrews 7:26

Characteristics of the priesthood of all believers

1 Peter 2:9

They are to reflect the holiness of their great high priest

1 Peter 1:15 See also Hebrews 10:10

They are to offer spiritual sacrifices

1 Peter 2:5 See also Romans 12:1; Philippians 4:18; Hebrews 13:15

They are to intercede for others before God

1 Timothy 2:1 See also Revelation 5:8,10

They are to represent God before other human beings

2 Corinthians 5:20 See also Ephesians 3:7-11