Christ's Priesthood in Hebrews Chapter Seven

The concept of Christ's priesthood is a central theme in Hebrews 7, where the author establishes Jesus as a high priest in the order of Melchizedek. The chapter begins by introducing Melchizedek, a figure from Genesis 14, who was both king of Salem and priest of God Most High ^[3].

The author of Hebrews argues that Melchizedek's priesthood is superior to the Levitical priesthood because Abraham, the patriarch of the Israelites, paid tithes to Melchizedek, indicating that Melchizedek is greater than Abraham and, by extension, the Levitical priests who descended from Abraham ^[1]. This argument is based on the principle that "the lesser is blessed by the greater" ^[1].

The superiority of Christ's priesthood is further established by the fact that it is not based on a "carnal commandment" or a mere outward statute, but on "the power of an indissoluble life" ^[5]. Christ's priesthood is not limited by the requirements of the Levitical law, which demanded a specific genealogical lineage. Instead, Christ is a priest "after the order of Melchizedek" because he is a priest "with an oath" and "for ever" ^[5].

The change in priesthood from the Levitical order to the order of Melchizedek implies a change in the law, as the author of Hebrews notes: "For the priesthood being changed, there is of necessity a change made also in the law" ^[2]. This change is seen as a fulfillment of Psalm 110:4, which prophesies a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.

The nature and implications of Christ's priesthood have been interpreted in various ways across Christian traditions. Some, like John Calvin, emphasize that Christ's priesthood involves his role as a mediator who procures God's favor for humanity through his own holiness ^[4]. Others, such as Thomas Aquinas, discuss the effect of Christ's priesthood, arguing that it not only benefits others but also Christ himself, as he is able to intercede for humanity ^[6].

The patristic tradition also reflects on Christ's priesthood. For example, Lactantius and other early Church Fathers see the priesthood of Christ as a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and a key aspect of his role in establishing the Church ^[7].

The Reformed tradition, represented by theologians like Charles Hodge, emphasizes that Christ's priesthood involves his qualification for the office, his appointment by God, and the efficacy of his sacrifice, which does not need to be repeated ^[8].

In contrast, the Jewish tradition, as represented in the Midrash Rabbah, understands the priesthood in the context of the Levitical order and the role of figures like Moses and Aaron ^[9].

The concept of Christ's priesthood remains a significant aspect of Christian theology, with different traditions offering distinct interpretations of its nature and implications. The author of Hebrews presents Christ's priesthood as a fulfillment of Old Testament types and a central aspect of his role as mediator between God and humanity.

The historical development of the doctrine of Christ's priesthood is closely tied to the interpretation of Hebrews 7 and related biblical passages. The early Church Fathers and subsequent Christian traditions have drawn on this text to articulate the significance of Christ's priestly role.

The understanding of Christ's priesthood has significant implications for Christian theology, particularly in relation to soteriology and the nature of Christ's work. As the author of Hebrews argues, Christ's priesthood provides a superior means of accessing God's presence and securing salvation ^{[1, 2, 3]}.

Sources

Hebrews “Hebrews 7:7 (BSB) — And indisputably, the lesser is blessed by the greater.”
Hebrews “For the priesthood being changed, there is of necessity a change made also in the law. -- Hebrews 7:12”
Hebrews (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Hebrews 7:1: 7:1-28 Hebrews 7 develops the main topic introduced in 5:1-10: Jesus’ appointment as a high priest in the order of Melchizedek. 7:1-10 This section proclaims the superiority of Melchizedek’s priesthood over that of the Levites, based primarily on Gen 14:17-20. 7:1 king of . . . Salem: See Gen 14:18 and corresponding study note. • also a priest of God Most High: Unlike the Hebrew kings, Melchizedek combined the offices of king and priest, thus foreshadowing the Messiah. • winning a great battle against the kings: See Gen 14:1-17.”
CCEL (Reformed) “John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion, section 51: final judgment, which may be properly regarded as the last act of his reign. 6. With regard to his Priesthood, we must briefly hold its end and use to be, that as a Mediator, free from all taint, he may by his own holiness procure the favour of God for us. But because a deserved curse obstructs the entrance, and God in his character of Judge is hostile to us, expiation must necessarily intervene, that as a priest employed to appease the wrath of God, he may reinstate us in his favour. Wherefore, in order that Christ might fulfil th”
Hebrews (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Hebrews 7:15: Another proof that the law, or economy, is changed, namely, forasmuch as Christ is appointed Priest, "not according to the law of a carnal (that is, a mere outward) commandment," but "according to the power of an indissoluble (so the Greek) life." The hundred tenth Psalm appoints Him "for ever" (Heb 7:17). The Levitical law required a definite carnal descent. In contrast stands "the power"; Christ's spiritual, inward, living power of overcoming death. Not agreeably to a statute is Christ appointed, but according to an inward living power. it--the ch”
theology (Catholic (Scholastic)) “Aquinas, Summa Theologica, Third Part (Tertia Pars), Of the Priesthood of Christ, Art. 4: Article: Whether the effect of the priesthood of Christ pertained not only to others, but also to Himself? I answer that, As stated above (Article [1]), a priest is set between God and man. Now he needs someone between himself and God, who of himself cannot approach to God; and such a one is subject to the priesthood by sharing in the effect thereof. But this cannot be said of Christ; for the Apostle says (Heb. 7:25): "Coming of Himself to God, always living to make intercession for us [Vulg.: 'He is abl”
Schaff ANF/NPNF (Patristic) “ANF Vol 7: Lactantius, Venantius, Asterius, Victorinus, Dionysius — CHAP. XIV.--OF THE PRIESTHOOD OF JESUS FORE- (part 1): TOLD BY THE PROPHETS. From which things it is evident that all the prophets declared concerning Christ, that it should come to pass at some time, that being born with a body(12) of the race of David, He should build an eternal temple in honour of God, which is called the Church, and assemble all nations to the true worship of God. This is the faithful house, this is the everlasting temple; and if any one hath not sacrificed in this, he will not have the reward of immortali”
CCEL (Reformed (Old Princeton)) “Charles Hodge, Systematic Theology, Vol. 2, section 94: Christ is declared to have been. 4. Christ is not only called a priest in Hebrews, but the Apostle throughout that Epistle proves, ( a .) That He had all the qualifications for the office. ( b .) That He was appointed by God. ( c .) That He was a priest of a higher order than Aaron. ( d .) That his priesthood superseded all others. ( e .) That He performed all the functions of the office, — mediation, sacrifice, and intercession. 466 ( f .) That such was the efficacy of his sacrifice that it needs not to be repeated. By the one offering o”
Midrash Rabbah (Jewish (Rabbinic)) “Midrash Rabbah, Vayikra Rabbah 11:6: Rabbi Yudan in the name of Rabbi Yosei bar Yehuda, and Rabbi Berekhya in the name of Rabbi Yehoshua ben Korḥa: All forty years that Israel was in the wilderness, Moses did not refrain from serving in the High Priesthood. That is what is written: “Moses and Aaron among His priests” (Psalms 99:6). Rabbi Berekhya in the name of Rabbi Simon cites it from this verse: “The sons of Amram: Aaron and Moses; Aaron was set apart to sanctify him as most holy, he and his sons forever, to burn offerings before the Lord, to serve Him, and to bless in His name forever. Mos”

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