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 it became us to have such an high Priest, &c.] Vers. 26 He now frames his argument which we call Ab annexis, that is to say, by things joined together. These qualities or conditions of being just, innocent, and without spot, are necessarily ⟨p. 156⟩required to be in a Priest. Now this honour agrees to none but to Christ. It follows then that that which was required to be in the Priests under the Law for the right exercising of their function, was wanting in them. We may therefore conclude that there was no perfection in the Levitical Priesthood: and that of it self it was unlawful, further than it was serviceable unto Christ, and was a figure or representation of him. For even the very outward ornaments of the high Priest showed this imperfection: otherwise to what end served so rich and costly garments, wherewith God caused Aaron to be adorned when he was to perform the divine service; were they not signs of an angelical holiness and excellency, far exceeding all humane virtues? Now these signs were applied unto him, because the substance was not present there in effect. It appears then that there was no other sufficient Priest but Christ.

For it became vs to haue such an high Priest, &c.] Vers. 26 He now frames his argument which wee call Ab annexis, that is to say, by things ioyned together. These qualities or conditions of being iust, innocent, and without spot, are necessarily ⟨p. 156⟩required to be in a Priest. Now this honour agrees to none but to Christ. It followes then that that which was required to be in the Priests vnder the Law for the right exercising of their function, was wanting in them. We may therefore conclude that there was no perfection in the Leuiticall Priesthood: and that of it selfe it was vnlawful, further than it was seruiceable vnto Christ, and was a figure or representation of him. For euen the very outward ornaments of the high Priest shewed this imperfection: otherwise to what end serued so rich and costly garments, wherewith God caused Aaron to be adorned when he was to performe the diuine seruice; were they not signes of an angelicall holinesse and excellencie, farre exceeding all humane vertues? Now these signes were applied vnto him, because the substance was not present there in effect. It appeares then that there was no other sufficient Priest but Christ.