The Perfect High Priest

(Psalm 110:1-7)

1For every high priest taken from amongst men is established for men in things relating to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins; 2being able to exercise forbearance towards the ignorant and erring, since he himself also is clothed with infirmity; 3and, on account of this [infirmity], he ought, even as for the people, so also for himself, to offer for sins. 4And no one takes the honour to himself but [as] called by God, even as Aaron also.

5Thus the Christ also has not glorified himself to be made a high priest; but he who had said to him, Thou art my Son, I have to-day begotten thee.

6Even as also in another [place] he says, Thou [art] a priest for ever according to the order of Melchisedec.

7Who in the days of his flesh, having offered up both supplications and entreaties to him who was able to save him out of death, with strong crying and tears; (and having been heard because of his piety;) 8though he were Son, he learned obedience from the things which he suffered; 9and having been perfected, became to all them that obey him, author of eternal salvation; 10addressed by God [as] high priest according to the order of Melchisedec.

Warning against Drifting Away

11Concerning whom we have much to say, and hard to be interpreted in speaking [of it], since ye are become dull in hearing. 12For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have again need that [one] should teach you what [are] the elements of the beginning of the oracles of God, and are become such as have need of milk, [and] not of solid food. 13For every one that partakes of milk [is] unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe; 14but solid food belongs to full-grown men, who, on account of habit, have their senses exercised for distinguishing both good and evil.