Hebrews
Summary
The author explains the nature and necessity of the high priestly office, noting that an earthly high priest must be taken from among men to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. He asserts that Christ did not glorify Himself to become a High Priest but was appointed by the Father, being "called of God an high priest after the order of Melchizedek." The chapter describes Christ's perfect obedience and His suffering, through which He became the "author of eternal salvation." Paul concludes with a rebuke to the readers for their lack of spiritual growth, noting they have become "dull of hearing" and still require "milk" rather than the "strong meat" intended for the mature.
For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins:
Who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on those who are out of the way; for that he himself also is surrounded with weakness.
And by reason hereof he ought, as for the people, so also for himself, to offer for sins.
And no one takes this honour to himself, but he who is called of God, as was Aaron.
So also Christ glorified not Himself to be made an high priest; but He who said to Him, "You are My Son, today I have begotten You."
As He says also in another place, "You are a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek."
Who in the days of His flesh, when He had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears to Him who was able to save Him from death, and was heard in that He feared;
Though He were a Son, yet learned He obedience by the things which He suffered;
And being made perfect, He became the author of eternal salvation to all those who obey Him;
Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchizedek.
Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing you are dull of hearing.
For when for the time you ought to be teachers, you have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.
For every one who uses milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe.
But strong meat belongs to those who are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.