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…

6 But now our high Priest hath obtained a more excellent office, in as much as he is the Mediator of a better Testament which is established upon better promises.

6 But now our high Priest hath obtained a more excellent office, in as much as he is the Mediator of a better Testament which is established vpon better promises.

Now the sum of that we have spoken, &c] To the end the readers might know what the matter is, which he now handleth, he shows it is his intent to prove that the Priesthood of Christ is spiritual, by which the Priesthood of the law was abolished. True it is, that he always holds on his purpose: but because he contends with divers arguments, he interlaced this admonition, that he might always keep the readers attentive to the end and scope of his speech. He hath heretofore proved Christ to be the high Priest: now he strives to prove further that his Priesthood is heavenly, whereby it follows, that by his coming, that which Moses instituted under the law is abolished, in regard it was earthly. Now because Christ suffered in the baseness of the flesh, and by taking upon himself the form of a servant, made himself of no reputation in the world, Philip. 2.7. The Apostle sends us to his ascension, by which not only the shame of the cross was swallowed up, but also that base and abject condition which he had by clothing himself with our flesh. For we must esteem of the dignity of Christ his Priesthood, by the virtue of the holy Spirit, which was manifested in his resurrection, and ascension. Thus then stands his argument, Seeing Christ is ascended to the right hand of God, to reign triumphantly in heaven, he is not a minister of the earthly sanctuary, but of the heavenly.

NOw the summe of that we haue spoken, &c] To the ende the readers might know what the matter is, which he now handleth, he shewes it is his intent to proue that the Priesthood of Christ is spirituall, by which the Priesthood of the law was abolished. True it is, that he alwaies holds on his purpose: but because he contends with diuers arguments, he interlaced this admonition, that hee might alwaies keepe the readers attentiue to the ende and scope of his speech. He hath heretofore prooued Christ to be the high Priest: now he striues to prooue further that his Priesthood is heauenly, wherby it follows, that by his comming, that which Moses instituted vnder the law is abolished, in regard it was earthly. Now because Christ suffered in the basenesse of the flesh, and by taking vpon himselfe the forme of a seruant, made himselfe of no reputation in the world,