Hebrews 5
BSB1 Every high priest is appointed from among men to represent them in matters relating to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. 2 He is able to deal gently with those who are ignorant and misguided, since he himself is beset by weakness. 3 That is why he is obligated to offer sacrifices for his own sins, as well as for the sins of the people. 4 No one takes this honor upon himself; he must be called by God, just as Aaron was. 5 So also Christ did not take upon Himself the glory of becoming a high priest, but He was called by the One who said to Him: “You are My Son; today I have become Your Father." 6 And in another passage God says: “You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek." 7 During the days of Jesus’ earthly life, He offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the One who could save Him from death, and He was heard because of His reverence. 8 Although He was a Son, He learned obedience from what He suffered. 9 And having been made perfect, He became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey Him 10 and was designated by God as high priest in the order of Melchizedek. 11 We have much to say about this, but it is hard to explain, because you are dull of hearing. 12 Although by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to reteach you the basic principles of God’s word. You need milk, not solid food! 13 For everyone who lives on milk is still an infant, inexperienced in the message of righteousness. 14 But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained their senses to distinguish good from evil.
Study Notes — Hebrews 5
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Hebrews 5
- Themes from Hebrews 5
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Hebrews 5
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
Hebrews chapter 5 begins by describing the role of the high priest in the Old Testament, highlighting their responsibility to offer sacrifices for the people's sins. The author then applies this concept to Jesus Christ, who has become the ultimate High Priest through His sacrifice on the cross. The chapter also discusses the importance of spiritual maturity, warning against complacency and encouraging believers to press on towards perfection. Key verses include Hebrews 5:1, which introduces the concept of the high priest, and Hebrews 5:8-9, which emphasizes Christ's learning of obedience through suffering. Additionally, Hebrews 5:11-14 urges believers to move beyond basic teachings and strive for spiritual maturity.
Context for the Chapter
Hebrews chapter 5 is part of a larger discussion on the superiority of Christ's priesthood and the importance of perseverance in the face of trials. The chapter follows the author's description of Christ's role as the mediator of the new covenant (Hebrews 4:14-16) and precedes the discussion on the dangers of apostasy (Hebrews 6:1-8). The chapter is also connected to the broader biblical narrative, which emphasizes the importance of faith, obedience, and perseverance in the face of adversity, as seen in the lives of Old Testament figures such as Abraham and Moses.
Heart Application
As believers, we can draw near to God with confidence, knowing that Christ has become our High Priest and has offered Himself as a sacrifice for our sins. We should strive for spiritual maturity, moving beyond basic teachings and seeking a deeper understanding of God's word, even in the face of suffering and trials. By fixing our eyes on Christ, we can find the strength and perseverance needed to press on towards perfection.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Hebrews chapter 5 talks about Jesus Christ as our High Priest, who sacrificed Himself for our sins and now helps us in our time of need. The chapter also encourages believers to grow in their faith and not remain immature, as seen in Hebrews 5:11-14. By looking to Christ, we can find the strength to persevere and trust in God's goodness, even in difficult times, as emphasized in Hebrews 5:8-9.
Voices from the Church
“ "The high priesthood of Christ is the greatest comfort of the Christian Church, for it is the pledge of our acceptance with God, and the guarantee of our eternal salvation."”
— Charles Spurgeon
“ "Christ, as our High Priest, has not only offered Himself as a sacrifice for our sins, but also intercedes for us before the Father, that we may be preserved from all evil and kept safe until the day of our glorification."”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- The Role of the High Priest (Hebrews 5:1-4) — The author describes the role of the high priest in the Old Testament, highlighting their responsibility to offer sacrifices for the people's sins.
- Christ as the Ultimate High Priest (Hebrews 5:5-10) — The author applies the concept of the high priest to Jesus Christ, emphasizing His superiority over the Old Testament priesthood and His role as the mediator of the new covenant.
- The Importance of Spiritual Maturity (Hebrews 5:11-14) — The author urges believers to move beyond basic teachings and strive for spiritual maturity, warning against complacency and the dangers of falling away.
- The Danger of Apostasy (Hebrews 5:11-14) — The author warns against the danger of falling away from the faith, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and spiritual growth.
- Conclusion (Hebrews 5:14) — The author concludes the chapter by emphasizing the importance of spiritual maturity and the need for believers to press on towards perfection.
Core Doctrines
- The Priesthood of Christ
- This chapter teaches that Christ has become the ultimate High Priest, offering Himself as a sacrifice for the sins of the world and interceding for believers before the Father.
- The Importance of Spiritual Maturity
- The chapter emphasizes the need for believers to move beyond basic teachings and strive for spiritual maturity, warning against complacency and the dangers of falling away.
- The Role of Suffering in Spiritual Growth
- The chapter suggests that suffering can be a means of spiritual growth, as seen in Christ's experience of learning obedience through suffering.
- The Danger of Apostasy
- The chapter warns against the danger of falling away from the faith, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and spiritual growth.
Lessons from Hebrews 5
- The Importance of Perseverance — This chapter teaches us the importance of persevering in our faith, even in the face of trials and hardships, and trusting in God's goodness.
- The Role of Christ as Our High Priest — The chapter emphasizes Christ's role as our High Priest, who has offered Himself as a sacrifice for our sins and now intercedes for us before the Father.
- The Danger of Complacency — The author warns against the danger of complacency and the importance of striving for spiritual maturity.
- The Value of Suffering — The chapter suggests that suffering can be a means of spiritual growth, as seen in Christ's experience of learning obedience through suffering.
- The Importance of Trusting in God's Goodness — The chapter encourages believers to trust in God's goodness, even in difficult times, and to find strength and perseverance in their faith.
Themes from Hebrews 5
- The Superiority of Christ's Priesthood — The chapter emphasizes the superiority of Christ's priesthood over the Old Testament priesthood, highlighting His sacrifice and intercession as the ultimate means of salvation.
- The Importance of Spiritual Growth — The author urges believers to move beyond basic teachings and strive for spiritual maturity, warning against complacency and the dangers of falling away.
- The Role of Suffering in Spiritual Growth — The chapter suggests that suffering can be a means of spiritual growth, as seen in Christ's experience of learning obedience through suffering.
- The Danger of Apostasy — The chapter warns against the danger of falling away from the faith, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and spiritual growth.
- The Importance of Trusting in God's Goodness — The chapter encourages believers to trust in God's goodness, even in difficult times, and to find strength and perseverance in their faith.
Questions for Meditation
- What does it mean for Christ to be our High Priest, and how does this impact our relationship with God?
- How can we, as believers, strive for spiritual maturity and move beyond basic teachings?
- What role does suffering play in our spiritual growth, and how can we learn from Christ's experience of suffering?
- What are the dangers of apostasy, and how can we persevere in our faith despite trials and hardships?
- How can we, as believers, apply the teachings of this chapter to our daily lives and trust in God's goodness?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. The Role of the High Priest (Hebrews 5:1-4)
| Hebrews 5:1 | The author describes the role of the high priest in the Old Testament, highlighting their responsibility to offer sacrifices for the people's sins. |
| Hebrews 5:2 | The high priest is able to deal gently with those who are ignorant and going astray, as he himself is also subject to weakness. |
| Hebrews 5:3 | Because of this, the high priest must offer sacrifices not only for the sins of the people but also for himself. |
| Hebrews 5:4 | No one takes this honor upon himself, but he must be called by God, just as Aaron was. |
2. Christ as the Ultimate High Priest (Hebrews 5:5-10)
| Hebrews 5:5 | So also Christ did not glorify Himself to become High Priest, but God who said to Him, "You are My Son, today I have begotten You"; |
| Hebrews 5:6 | as He also says in another place, "You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek." |
| Hebrews 5:7 | During His earthly life, He offered prayers and appeals with loud cries and tears to the One who was able to save Him from death, and He was heard because of His reverence. |
| Hebrews 5:8 | Although He was a Son, He learned obedience from what He suffered. |
| Hebrews 5:9 | And having been made perfect, He became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey Him. |
| Hebrews 5:10 | and was designated by God as High Priest in the order of Melchizedek. |
3. The Importance of Spiritual Maturity (Hebrews 5:11-14)
| Hebrews 5:11 | We have much to say about this, but it is hard to explain, since you have become dull in your hearing. |
| Hebrews 5:12 | For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God's word all over again. You need milk, not solid food. |
| Hebrews 5:13 | Anyone who lives on milk is still an infant and does not know the teaching about righteousness. |
| Hebrews 5:14 | But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the role of the high priest in the Old Testament?
The high priest in the Old Testament was responsible for offering sacrifices for the people's sins and interceding on their behalf before God, as seen in Hebrews 5:1-4.
How does Christ's priesthood differ from the Old Testament priesthood?
Christ's priesthood is superior to the Old Testament priesthood, as He has offered Himself as a sacrifice for the sins of the world and now intercedes for believers before the Father, as emphasized in Hebrews 5:5-10.
What is the danger of apostasy, and how can believers avoid it?
The danger of apostasy is the danger of falling away from the faith, which can be avoided by persevering in faith, trusting in God's goodness, and striving for spiritual maturity, as warned against in Hebrews 5:11-14.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hebrews 5:1 → Leviticus 4:3 | The Old Testament high priest was responsible for offering sacrifices for the people's sins, as seen in Leviticus 4:3. |
| 2 | Hebrews 5:5 → Psalm 2:7 | God the Father says to Christ, "You are My Son, today I have begotten You," which is a reference to Psalm 2:7. |
| 3 | Hebrews 5:6 → Psalm 110:4 | Christ is a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek, as referenced in Psalm 110:4. |
| 4 | Hebrews 5:8 → Philippians 2:8 | Christ learned obedience through suffering, which is also referenced in Philippians 2:8. |
| 5 | Hebrews 5:11 → 1 Corinthians 3:2 | The author warns against becoming dull in hearing, which is also a warning given in 1 Corinthians 3:2. |
| 6 | Hebrews 5:12 → 1 Peter 2:2 | Believers need to move beyond basic teachings and strive for spiritual maturity, as also encouraged in 1 Peter 2:2. |
| 7 | Hebrews 5:13 → 1 Corinthians 3:1-3 | Those who live on milk are still infants and do not know the teaching about righteousness, which is also a theme in 1 Corinthians 3:1-3. |
| 8 | Hebrews 5:14 → Matthew 5:48 | Believers are encouraged to strive for spiritual maturity and to distinguish good from evil, which is also a theme in Matthew 5:48. |
| 9 | Hebrews 5:1 → Exodus 28:1 | The Old Testament high priest was appointed by God, as seen in Exodus 28:1. |
| 10 | Hebrews 5:10 → Genesis 14:18 | Melchizedek was a priest of God Most High, as seen in Genesis 14:18. |
Sermons on Hebrews 5
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Deeper Spiritual Life): Deeper Spiritual Life - What Is It? by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher describes a group of people who are hungry for a deeper relationship with God. These individuals are not interested in false doctrines or extreme excit |
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(The Law of the Holy Spirit) Jesus Stayed Away Sin by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of moving beyond the basic teachings of Christianity and pursuing a deeper level of spiritual maturity. He uses the analogy of |
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Meet Your Psychiatrist: He Helps You Make Decisions by Warren Wiersbe | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of knowing and doing the will of God. He emphasizes that knowing God's will is not just about making practical decisions, but a |
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Hearts Set on Pilgrimage by Elisabeth Elliot | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of facing trials and challenges while doing missionary work in a remote area. He mentions reading from 1 Peter, where it ta |
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Road to Reality - the Fear of the Lord - Part 1 by K.P. Yohannan | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of living a radical lifestyle rather than just acquiring knowledge about theology and the Bible. He challenges the audience to |
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God's Burden for Zion by George Warnock | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of God's judgment and the need for Him to eradicate evil in the world. He emphasizes that God cannot rest until righteousness and |
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Dvd 07 - Growing Unto Sonship by Art Katz | This sermon emphasizes the importance of obedience and growth in grace through moral choices and obedience to God. It highlights the pattern of Jesus as a son who laid aside his de |
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Who Shall Prolong His Days? by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of proclaiming and declaring the generation of Jesus Christ. He uses the example of Philip preaching to the Ethiopian eunuch, |
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The Cross in God's Heart by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the weariness and heartache that is prevalent in the world today. He emphasizes that God sent His Son to speak a word of comfort and encourage |
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The Terms of the New Convenant by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of seeking God's guidance and following His will in our lives. He compares it to starting a new job, where we must first under |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Hebrews 5
In Hebrews chapter 5, the author describes the role of the high priest in the Old Testament and applies this concept to Jesus Christ, who has become the ultimate High Priest through His sacrifice and intercession. The chapter emphasizes the importance of spiritual maturity and warns against the danger of apostasy, encouraging believers to persevere in their faith and trust in God's goodness. As Matthew Henry notes, Christ's priesthood is the greatest comfort of the Christian Church, for it is the pledge of our acceptance with God and the guarantee of our eternal salvation. Through Christ's priesthood, believers can draw near to God with confidence and find strength in their weaknesses, as seen in Hebrews 4:14-16 and Hebrews 5:1-10. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The Contrast Between the Old and New Covenants
The chapter highlights the superiority of Christ's priesthood over the Old Testament priesthood, emphasizing the finality and completeness of His sacrifice. This contrast is seen in Hebrews 5:1-3, where the Old Testament high priest is compared to Christ.
The Emphasis on Spiritual Growth
The author urges believers to move beyond basic teachings and strive for spiritual maturity, warning against complacency and the dangers of falling away (Hebrews 5:11-14).
The Role of Suffering in Spiritual Growth
The chapter suggests that suffering can be a means of spiritual growth, as seen in Christ's experience of learning obedience through suffering (Hebrews 5:8).