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…

BY faith he ordained, &c.] Vers. 28 This also ought to serve much for the recommendation of faith unto the Jews, because they hold this sacrifice of the Passover for the most excellent of all others, and have it in greatest reverence. Now even this so excellent a sacrifice he saith was celebrated by faith: not so much because this Lamb was a figure of Christ, as in regard that when he sprinkled the two door posts with the blood; the fruit thereof did not yet appear. Wherefore, seeing the truth was hidden from him, it was needful that he should wait for it by faith. And yet which more is, it might seem a plain mockery that Moses should oppose a few drops of blood as a remedy against the vengeance of God: but he contenting himself with the only word of God, doubted not but the people should be delivered from the plague which was near at hand to seize upon the Egyptians. It is not without cause therefore you see that the Apostle commends his faith in this behalf. Those who expound that the Passover was celebrated by faith, because Moses looked unto Christ; do say very true: but the Apostle makes mention simply of faith here, because it rested in the word of God alone, when as yet the fruit appeared not. Away with curious speculations therefore, for we have nothing to do with them in this place. Where he saith, that Moses only ordained the Passover, the reason is; because God ordained it by his hand.

BY faith he ordained, &c.] Vers. 28 This also ought to serue much for the recommendation of faith vnto the Iewes, because they hold this sacrifice of the Passeouer for the most excellent of al others, and haue it in greatest reuerence. Now euen this so excellent a sacrifice he saith was celebrated by faith: not so much because this Lambe was a figure of Christ, as in regard that when hee sprinkled the two doore posts with the blood; the fruit thereof did not yet appeare. Wherefore, seeing the truth was hidden from him, it was needfull that he should waite for it by faith. And yet which more is, it might seeme a plain mockerie that Moses should oppose a few drops of blood as a remedie against the vengeance of God: but he contenting himselfe with the onely word of God, doubted not but the people should be deliuered from the plague which was neere at hand to ceaze vpon the Egyptians. It is not without cause therefore you see that the Apostle commends his faith in this behalfe. Those who expound that the Passeouer was celebrated by faith, because Moses looked vnto Christ; doe say very true: but the Apostle makes mention simply of faith here, because it rested in the word of God alone, when as yet the fruite appeared not. Away with curious speculations therefore, for wee haue nothing to doe with them in this place. Where he saith, that Moses onely ordained the Passeouer, the reason is; because God ordained it by his hand.