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…

Not that he should offer himself often, Vers. 25 &c.] How is he then a Priest, Objection. may some man say, if he make no sacrifices? I answer, Answer. it is not required in the person or office of a Priest to be always in the continual act of offering sacrifice. For in the law it self there was every year certain days ordained for the chiefest sacrifices: and the sacrifices which were ordinarily performed, had their limits to the morning, and the evening. Now seeing this only sacrifice that Christ once offered hath always his strength and virtue, yea and is perpetual as touching the efficacy thereof, we must not wonder if his eternal Priesthood be established in the virtue of this sacrifice, which never perisheth, or hath an end. And here again he shows what difference there is, and in what things, between Christ and the Levitical Priesthood. As touching the Sanctuary, he hath spoken heretofore: but he notes a difference in the kind of sacrifice, because Christ offered himself, and not a beast. And then he notes another difference, to wit, that he did not often offer this sacrifice, as under the law, where they often, yea and almost continually reiterated their sacrifices.

Not that he should offer himselfe often, Vers. 25 &c.] How is he then a Priest, Obiection. may some man say, if he make no sacrifices? I answere, Answere. it is not required in the person or office of a Priest to be alwaies in the continuall act of offring sacrifice. For in the law it selfe there was euery yeere certaine daies ordained for the chiefest sacrifices: and the sacrifices which were ordinarily performed, had their limits to the morning, and the euening. Now seeing this only sacrifice that Christ once offered hath alwaies his strength and vertue, yea and is perpetuall as touching the efficacie thereof, wee must not wonder if his eternall Priesthood be established in the vertue of this sacrifice, which neuer perisheth, or hath an end. And here againe he shewes what difference there is, and in what things, betweene Christ and the Leuiticall Priesthood. As touching the Sanctuarie, he hath spoken heretofore: but he notes a difference in the kinde of sacrifice, because Christ offered himselfe, and not a beast. And then hee notes another difference, to wit, that he did not often offer this sacrifice, as vnder the law, where they often, yea and almost continually reiterated their sacrifices.