Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus;
As Moses especially was the prophet by whom 'God in time past spake to the Fathers' (Hebrews 1:1), being mediator of the law, Paul shows that, great as was Moses, the Son of God is greater. Ebrard, 'The angel of the covenant came in the name of God before Israel; Moses in the name of Israel before God; 'whereas the high priest came both in the name of God (bearing the name JEHOVAH on his forehead) before Israel, and in the name of Israel (bearing the name of the twelve tribes on his breast) before God (Exodus 28:9-29; Exodus 28:36-38). Now Christ is above the angels (Hebrews 1:1-14; Hebrews 2:1-18), because:
(1) as Son of God He is higher; and
(2) as Son of man, because manhood, though for a time lower than angels, is in Him exalted above them to the lordship of "the world to come," since He is at once Messenger of God to men, and atoning Priest-Representative of men before God (Hebrews 2:17-18).
Parallel with this argument as to His superiority to angels (Hebrews 1:4) runs that which follows as to His superiority to Moses (Hebrews 3:3):
(1) Because as Son over the house He is above the servant in the house (Hebrews 3:5-6), just as the angels were shown to be but ministering spirits (Hebrews 1:14), whereas He is the Son (Hebrews 3:7-8).
(2) Because the bringing of Israel into the promised rest, not finished by Moses, is accomplished by Him (Hebrews 4:1-11) through His being not merely leader and lawgiver as Moses, but also propitiatory High Priest (Hebrews 4:14; Hebrews 5:10).
Wherefore, х Hothen (G3606)] - 'Whence;' i:e., Seeing we have such a sympathizing Helper, you ought to 'contemplate attentively,' fix your mind on Him, so as to profit by the contemplation (Hebrews 12:2). х Katanoeesate (G2657), often used by Luke, Paul's companion (Luke 12:24; Luke 12:27).]
Brethren - in Christ the common bond of union.
Partakers (Hebrews 3:14; Hebrews 6:4).
Heavenly calling - coming from heaven, and leading to heaven. Philippians 3:14, "the high calling;" Greek, 'the calling above.'
The Apostle and High Priest of our profession. One Greek article to both: 'Him who is at once Apostle and High Priest'-Apostle, as Ambassador (higher than "angel" - messenger) sent by the Father (John 20:21), pleading the cause of God with us; High Priest, as pleading our cause with God. Both His Apostleship and High Priesthood are comprehended in the one title, Mediator (Bengel). Though "Apostle" is nowhere else applied to Christ, it is appropriate in addressing Hebrews, who used the term of delegates sent by the High Priest to collect the temple tribute from Jews in foreign countries, even as Christ was the Father's Delegate to this world, far off from Him (Matthew 21:37). As what applies to Him applies also to His people, the twelve are designated His apostles, even as He is the Father's. He is not designated here "angel," in order to distinguish His nature from that of angels mentioned before, through He is "the Angel of the Covenant." The 'legate of the church' (Sheliach Tsibbur) offered up prayers in the synagogue in the name of and for all. So Jesus, "the Apostle of our profession," is delegated to intercede for the Church before the Father. "Of our profession" marks that it is not of the legal ritual, but of our Christian faith, that He is the High Priest. Paul compares Him as an Apostle to Moses, as High Priest to Aaron. He alone combines both offices which those two brothers held apart. "Profession" corresponds to God having spoken to us by His Son, as Apostle and High Priest. What God proclaims we 'confess.'