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…

For this man is counted worthy, &c.] Least he might be thought to make Moses equal with Christ, he shows how he is much more excellent then Moses, which he proves by two arguments, for Moses was so appointed over the Church, that himself was always a part and member thereof: But Christ being the master builder, §1was far above the building. Moses in governing of others, was also governed himself, because he was but a servant: §2but Christ because he is the son obtained the principality. It is an usual metaphor both common and familiar in the scripture, to call the Church the house of God, 1. Tim. 3.15. Now because ⟨p. 56⟩it is composed and built of the faithful, therefore every of them is called a living stone. 1. Pet. 2.5. and sometimes also vessels and instruments by which the house is decked and garnished. 2. Tim. 2.20. There is not any one which is so absolute over others, that himself in the mean while should not be a member and comprehended under the body. God only is he which buildeth, and ought to be preferred far above his building and work. Now God dwelleth in Christ, so as whatsoever is said of God, appertains unto him. Objection. If any shall object and say, that Christ also is part of the building, because he is the foundation of it, in regard he is our brother, and hath society with us; moreover in that he is not the master workman, but himself also was formed of God: Answer. we can easily give a solution: to wit, that our faith is so built upon him, that he notwithstanding is established the head over us: that he is so our brother, that yet he is also our Lord: that he is so formed of God, being man, that yet notwithstanding he quickeneth and restoreth all things by his spirit, as he is the eternal God. The Scripture useth divers Metaphors and similitudes to declare what the grace of Christ is towards us: but there is not any one place that doth diminish ought from his honour, whereof the Apostle now speaks. For this is the point; all ought to be governed and made subject, because all must be under the head: Christ is therefore exempt from this condition, because he is the head. Objection. If it be again objected that Moses was no less a master builder than S. Paul, who gives himself this title, Answer.