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…

As touching this word compassion, I will not stand disputing too subtly about it. For the question which some make is no less frivolous than curious, to wit, whether Christ is now moved with our miseries or not? Truly the Apostle had no intent to busy our heads with such idle speculations: but only shows that we need not seek far for a Mediator, because Christ reacheth forth his hand unto us before we enquire after him. Secondly, that we need not be terrified in regard of his Majesty, for he is our brother. Thirdly, that we have no occasion to fear that he should not be touched with any compassion to do us good as if himself had never tasted of miseries; for he hath borne our infirmities, to the end he might be the better inclined to succour us.

As touching this word compassion, I will not stand disputing too subtilly about it. For the question which some make is no lesse friuolous than curious, to wit, whether Christ is now mooued with our miseries or not? Truly the Apostle had no intent to busie our heads with such idle speculations: but onely shewes that we neede not seeke farre for a Mediator, because Christ reacheth forth his hand vnto vs before we enquire after him. Secondly, that we need not be terrified in regard of his Maiestie, for he is our brother. Thirdly, that we haue no occasion to feare that he should not be touched with any compassion to doe vs good as if himselfe had neuer tasted of miseries; for he hath borne our infirmities, to the ende he might be the better inclined to succour vs.

The whole speech then of the Apostle ought to be referred to the sense of faith, because he doth not so much dispute what Christ is in himself, but rather what he is in regard of us. By this word of likeness, he means the agreement of the nature; thereby signifying that Christ by putting on our nature, hath also taken our affections, not only to the end he might declare himself to be true man, but also that he might learn by experience to give succour to the afflicted. Not that the son of God had need of such rudiments or instructions, but because we could not otherwise comprehend in our minds the care which he hath of our salvation. As often then as we are burdened and faint under the infirmities of our flesh, let us remember that the Son of God hath both felt, and had experience of the like; to the end he might sustain us by his power, that we should not be overwhelmed under them. But here it may be asked, what he means by infirmities: for this word is taken in divers