A continuation of the exposition of the Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the…

2. That which is inferred to be in this Priest, is Power and Ability. [Greek or Hebrew]. He is able; He can. This is the second time the Apostle ascribeth Power or Ability ¹unto this Priest; see Chap. 2. ver. 18. and the Exposition thereof. And it is, not an Ability of nature, but of Office that is intended. An Ability of nature in Christ he had proved sufficiently in the first Chapter of the Epistle, and that accompanied with Supreme Power or Authority over all; But whereas, as our Mediator, he hath undertaken such Offices for us, he is, as such, able to do no more, than he is so by virtue of them or in the discharge of those Offices. If therefore there be any thing needful for us, which although it may be supposed within the compass of the Divine Power of the Son of God, is yet not to be effected in a way of Office, that as our Mediator he, is not able for. Hence doth our Apostle press his Ability not ⟨p. 235⟩absolutely, but as the High Priest of the Church: As if a man who is mighty in Wealth, Riches, and Power be also made a Judge. It is one thing what he can do by his Might and Power, another what he is able for, and can do as a Judge. And he who hath to deal with him as a Judge, is to consider only what he is able for in the Discharge of that Office. And he doth this partly to evince his preeminence above the High Priests of the Law. For by reason of their personal Infirmities and the limited nature of their Office, they were really unable to effect many things which the Church stood in need of from those that discharged that Office, supposing them the only way of our approach unto God. Were they never so ready, Willing, diligent and watchful, yet they were not Able to do all that was necessary for the Church. Being themselves sinful Men, made Priests by the Law of a carnal Commandment and subject unto Death, they had no Ability to effect in the Church what is expected from the Priestly Office. But the Lord Christ our High Priest being free from all these Imperfections, as he was a Priest, He is Able. But principally he insists upon it to encourage and confirm the Faith of the Church, in him with respect unto this Office. Wherefore having by many Demonstrations assured us of his Love and Compassion, Chap. 2. and Chap. 5, there remains nothing but to satisfy us also of his Power and Ability.

2. That which is inferred to be in this Priest, is Power and Ability. . He is able; He can. This is the second time the Apostle ascribeth Power or Ability