Wednesday 7 October 2026
- Bible Book:
- Hebrews
Therefore, brothers and sisters, holy partners in a heavenly calling, consider Jesus, the apostle and high priest of our confession. (v. 1)
Background
In this passage, the author moves from exposition to exhortation. Having previously explained that Jesus is a ‘merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God’ (Hebrews 2:17), the author now encourages his readers to ‘consider Jesus the ‘apostle and ‘high priest of our confession’ (v. 1). This is the only place in the New Testament where the term 'apostle' is applied to Jesus, highlighting that Jesus is sent from God. While the theme of Jesus’ high priesthood has been previously introduced, the letter to the Hebrews later expands on the theme at great length (Hebrews 4:14-5:10; 7:1-28).
The heart of this passage is the comparison the author draws between Jesus and Moses. Moses, the author notes, was ‘faithful in God’s house', a reference to Numbers 12:7. Moses, of course, was highly regarded in Jewish tradition. It is Moses who encountered God at the burning bush (Exodus 3), Moses who led the people of Israel out of slavery in Egypt (Exodus 6-15), and Moses who received the law on Mount Sinai (Exodus 19-31).
And yet, the author of today's passage argues that Jesus is ‘worthy of more glory’ even than Moses (v. 3). In a further comparison – and an indication of the significance of Jesus – the author suggests that the builder of the house has more honour than the house itself. While Moses was a servant of God’s house, Jesus is the son over God’s house!
In the final verse, the author makes the bold claim that ‘we are his house’ if we hold firm to the faith. Astonishingly, the small Christian community to which the author writes replaces the Temple as the house of God.
The author also tells his readers to hold ‘firm the confidence and the pride inspired by hope’ (v. 6). Confidence can also be translated ‘boldness’, and – for the author of Hebrews – we can be bold in coming to God because of what Jesus has done on our behalf.
To Ponder:
- In what ways might the terms ‘apostle’ and ‘high priest’ shape your understanding of Jesus?
- What encourages you to be ‘bold’ and ‘confident’ when approaching God?
Bible notes author: The Revd Dr Ed Mackenzie
Ed Mackenzie works at Cliff College as the Programme Lead for the BA in Theology and Mission and the Senior Lecturer in New Testament Studies and Biblical Theology.