§. 22. Of the meaning of the first part of the sixt verse.
but now hath he obtained a more excellent ministery, by how much also he is the Me∣diator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises.
THe third point wherein and whereby the excellency of Christs Priest-hood a∣bove the Leviticall is in this Chapter set forth, is the preheminency of the cove∣•…•… which was sealed thereby. This is largely handled, even to the end of this Chapter. See §. 1.
The Apostle bringeth in this point with a conjunction and with an adverb (1) 〈◊〉〈◊〉 now) which imply an opposition to something formerly delivered. He had* 1.1 〈◊〉〈◊〉 before, that in former times, under the Law, the Priests served to a shadow. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 opposit•…•…on thereunto, he useth these two particles, But, Now: as if he had said, But now under the Gospell, our Priest hath a more excellent service.
Of the conjunction But, see Chap. 2. v. 6. §. 50.
Of the adverb Now, see Chap. 2. v. 8. §. 68.
This may have a speciall reference to the fourth verse, where it is said, If he were 〈◊〉〈◊〉 earth, he should not be a Priest: but here it is inferred, that he is not only a Priest, but a more excellent Priest then any other.
This relative, HE, is not expressed in the Greek: but comprised under b 1.2 the verb of the third person. It hath reference to the person whose excellency is before set forth: even to the high-Priest, whom he described, v. 1, 2. and whom he meant under this word, c 1.3 This man, v. 3. Our former Eng∣lish, and d 1.4 sundry other translators, expresse this person under these words, Our •…•…igh-Priest. Or these, or the like are understood. For here Christ is apparent∣ly meant.
Of this comparative * 1.5 more excellent. See Chap. 1. v. 4. §. 42.
The verb which we translate, e 1.6 obtained, is the same that is used, Heb. 11. 35. It is translated to enjoy, Act. 24. 2. Christ continueth to enjoy what he hath obtained.
By this word obtained, is implyed that Christ assumed not that ministery to him∣self. He was appointed and deputed to it, Chap. 3. v. 2. So he obtained it.
The noun translated f 1.7 ministery, is derived from the same stemme that g 1.8 Mini∣•…•…er was. See v. 2. §. 3. There is shewed how Christ disdained not to become a Mi∣nister, and to undertake a ministery for our sake.
The comparative translated, h 1.9 by how much, is the same that was used to set •…•…t the excellency of Christs name above Angels, Chap. 1. v. 4. §. 42. Here this •…•…parison hath reference to the service or ministery of legall Priests: which Christs •…•…stery or office farre excelleth.
The excellency of Christs office hath before been set down by many arguments, as,
- 1. By the order whence it was: the order of Melchisedeck, Chap. 7. v. 6. §, 42.
- 2. By the manner of instituting it: by a solemne oath, Chap 7. v. 20 §. 91.
- 3. By the perfection of it, Chap. 7. v. 19. §. 87.
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