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…

And to say as the thing is, &c.] He proceeds on further, Vers. 9 saying, that Levi himself who was then in the loins of Abraham, was not exempt from this subjection, because Abraham in paying of tithes, did subject both himself, and his posterity also to the Priesthood of Melchizedek. But an objection may be thus framed to the contrary, Objection. that by the like reason Judah also, of whose seed Christ was begotten, paid tithes. But this difficulty will be easily removed, Answer. when we shall consider two things, which amongst Christians ought to be out of question. §1For Christ is not simply reputed among the children of Abraham, as one amongst the rest, but by a special privilege is exempt from the common order. And that is it which himself saith, Mat. 22.42. If he be the son of David, how then doth David call him Lord? We see now that this argument from Levi to Christ holds not. Moreover, seeing Melchizedek is the figure of Christ, what reason is there that he should be set to fight (as you would say) against him? For this common principle is to be held, That which is placed beneath, doth not oppose it self against the principal to which it is referred. Wherefore, seeing the figure is less than the truth, it cannot, neither ought it to be opposite against it. For this combat ought to have place among things of equality. Now the Apostle hath fully showed by these five members, what comparison there is between Christ and Melchizedek. And ⟨p. 144⟩hereby is refuted the brainsick speculation of those who seek the principal similitude in the offering of Bread and Wine. We see that the Apostle examines all things here very carefully and curiously (as it were) one after another. ¹He observes the name of the man, the place of his kingdom, the perpetuity of his life, the right of tithes, and the right of blessing. Surely these things were of less importance than the oblation. Shall we say that the Spirit of God had forgotten himself, so as to stay in these lesser things, and to omit that which is the principal, and wherein the pith of the matter lay? And I do the more wonder that so many of the ancient Doctors of the Church have been so far besotted with this opinion, as to stand disputing here about the oblation of the Bread & Wine. Thus they say; Christ is a Priest after the order of Melchizedek: