A commentary on the whole Epistle to the Hebrews. By M. John Calvin. Translated…A commentarie on the vvhole Epistle to the Hebrevves. By M. Iohn Caluin. Translated…

Wherefore holy brethren,] He closeth up and concludeth the former doctrine with a very profitable exhortation: to wit, ye the Jews should be attentive, and bethink themselves well in acknowledging both what Christ is, and how great he is. For when he called him heretofore the Doctor, and sovereign high Priest; in those few words he made comparison between him, Moses, and Aaron: now he comprehends both the members. ¹For he adorns him with two titles, because he also hath two offices, and preeminences in the Church of God. Moses performed the office of a Prophet and Teacher; Aaron the office of the high Priest: but both estates were given to Christ. Wherefore if we will ⟨p. 54⟩receive him as we ought, we must consider what he is: we must I say, clothe him with his virtue and power, least in stead of him we take some vain shadow and imagination of Christ. First of all, this word Consider, hath his weight: for it signifies that diligent attention is to be given to this matter, because it cannot be contemned without a fearful punishment ensuing: and then that the true knowledge of Christ sufficeth to chase away, yea to cause all darkness and errors to vanish Now to the end he might quicken them up to a more earnest affection and study; he admonisheth them of their own vocation; as if he should say, God hath not done you a small favour in calling you to his kingdom. It remains then that you fix your eyes upon Christ, ²as upon your leader and guide in the way. For the calling of the faithful can no other way be secured, unless they wholly gather themselves under Christ. And therefore let us not imagine that this is said only to the Jews, but that it is a general doctrine propounded to all those who desire to come to the kingdom of God. Let such look diligently to Jesus, because he is the only master of our faith, & hath confirmed it by his sacrifice. For Confession is here taken for faith. And it is as much as if he had said, that the faith which we seem to hold is vain and unprofitable, unless it be applied to Christ.

WHerefore holy brethren,] He closeth vp and concludeth the former doctrine with a very profitable exhortation: to wit, ye the Iewes shuld be attentiue, and bethinke themselues well in acknowledging both what Christ is, and how great he is. For when he called him heretofore the Doctor, and soueraigne high Priest; in those few words he made cō parison betweene him, Moses, and Aaron: now he comprehends both the members.