Bible Book of Hebrews | Jesus Our High Priest

An argument for the supremacy of Jesus Christ over the old covenant, as our perfect High Priest and final sacrifice. Hebrews chapters with summary and commentary.

Genre: Epistle. Theme: Jesus Our High Priest

  • Author: Unknown
  • Date: AD 64-68
  • Read Time: 60 mins
  • Purpose: Show superiority of Christ over Old Covenant.
  • Key Verse: Heb 12:2 - Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith.
  • Christ: Great High Priest and Author of faith.
  • Audience: Jewish Christians tempted to return to the Old Covenant to avoid persecution
  • Theme: 'Better' used 13 times describing Christ.
  • Better Than: Argues that Jesus is superior to angels, Moses, Aaron, and all animal sacrifices.
  • High Priesthood: Extensive explanation of Jesus as a Priest after the order of Melchizedek.

Hebrews is a rigorous theological defense of the New Covenant, proving that the Old was merely a shadow of the substance in Christ.

Structured around five severe warnings against drifting, unbelief, and apostasy.

Jesus is our Great High Priest (4:14) and the Mediator of a better covenant (8:6).

Hebrews 1 - The Supremacy of God's Son

In these last days God has spoken by his Son. Of the Son he says, "Let the angels worship him." And, "Your throne, O God, is forever."

Hebrews 2 - Warning Against Neglecting Salvation

We must pay closer attention. The author of salvation tasted death for everyone. He was made like us to make atonement for our sins.

Hebrews 3 - Jesus Greater Than Moses

Jesus has more honour than Moses. He is the Son over God's house. Therefore, "Do not harden your hearts as they did in the rebellion."

Hebrews 4 - Jesus the Great High Priest

Let us fear lest anyone fails to reach the promised rest. The word of God judges the heart. So we boldly approach the throne of grace.

Hebrews 5 - Warning Against Apostasy

Every high priest from among men is subject to weakness. Christ is a high priest in the order of Melchizedek. You still need teaching.

Hebrews 6 - The Certainty of God's Promise

Let us press on to maturity. It is impossible to restore those who fall away. The promise of God is a steadfast anchor for the soul.

Hebrews 7 - The Priestly Order of Melchizedek

Abraham gave a tithe to Melchizedek, who had no end. Our Lord became a priest through indestructible life. He is always able to save.

Hebrews 8 - Jesus, High Priest of a Better Covenant

We have a high priest who ministers in the true tent. He mediates a better covenant. He says, "I will write my laws on their hearts."

Hebrews 9 - The Earthly Holy Place

The high priest enters the Most Holy Place once a year with blood. Christ entered the true holy place once for all by his own blood.

Hebrews 10 - Jesus Christ died once and for all

The law is but a shadow. Animal blood cannot take away sins. Christ offered one sacrifice forever. So let us hold fast to our hope.

Hebrews 11 - Men of old By Faith

Faith is the proof of hope. By faith the world was made. By faith Abraham obeyed. By faith Moses left Egypt. In faith some suffered.

Hebrews 12 - Jesus, Founder and Perfecter of Our Faith

Let us run the race, looking to Jesus. God is disciplining you as sons. See that no one falls short of grace. Let us worship in awe.

Hebrews 13 - Sacrifices Pleasing to God

Let love continue. Marriage should be honoured. Let us bear the reproach Christ endured. Submit to your leaders. Grace be with you.