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…

Who was faithful.] Verse 2 This is a Commendation of the Apostleship of Christ; to the end that the faithful might rest themselves securely in him. Now he commends it two ways: §1first because the heavenly father hath ordained him for our teacher: §2secondly, in that Christ for his part hath faithfully executed the office enjoined him of his father. These two things are always necessary to get authority to the doctrine. ¹For God only ought to be heard, as the whole scriptures doth testify. For this cause Christ protesteth, that the doctrine which he brings is not his, but his fathers: Joh. 7.16. And in another place he saith, he that receiveth me, receiveth him that sent me. Luk. 9.48. For we speak of Christ, who as he is clothed with our flesh, is the minister and servant ⟨p. 55⟩of God, to declare those things unto us which are given him in charge. Now as the calling of Christ is of God, ²so besides that, he doth also carry himself faithfully and sincerely in the same; which is a thing requisite in all true ministers, to the end they may have audience and authority in the Church. Now if both are to be found in Christ, then assuredly we cannot despise them, but God in all of them must of necessity be despised. As Moses was. Leaving a little his speech of the Priesthood, he comes now to deal with the Apostleship. For although the covenant of God contains two parts: to wit, the setting forth of the doctrine, and the real confirmation thereof, if we may so speak: the exact perfection of the Covenant should not otherwise be fulfilled of Christ, unless both of them do appertain unto him. The Author of this Epistle then having made mention of the one, and the other, he hath also at the last by a brief exhortation quickened up the faithful to attention. But he entereth now into a more large treatise, and fuller handling of these things, and beginneth at the charge and office of the Doctor: therefore also he compares him with Moses only. Whereas he saith in all his house, it may be referred to Moses: but I had rather refer it to Christ, to the end he may be said to be faithful to his father in the whole government of his house. From whence it follows that none are to be accounted of the Church of God, but those who acknowledge Christ.