Priesthood in the new testament

The priesthood in the New Testament is a significant theme that is closely related to the person and work of Jesus Christ. Here are some key aspects of the priesthood in the New Testament:

  1. The Old Testament Background: The concept of priesthood in the New Testament is rooted in the Old Testament. In the Old Testament, the priests were responsible for offering sacrifices and interceding on behalf of the people before God. The high priest, in particular, was seen as the representative of the people before God.
  2. The Priesthood of Melchizedek: In the New Testament, the book of Hebrews highlights the priesthood of Melchizedek, a figure who appears in Genesis 14:18-20. Melchizedek is described as a priest of God Most High, and his priesthood is seen as a type or foreshadowing of the priesthood of Jesus Christ.
  3. The Priesthood of Jesus Christ: Jesus Christ is described as a high priest in the New Testament. In Hebrews 5:1-10, Jesus is said to be a high priest who is able to sympathize with humanity because he has been tempted in every way. In Hebrews 7:1-28, Jesus is described as a priest who is greater than the Levitical priests because he is a priest after the order of Melchizedek.
  4. The Sacrificial Work of Jesus: The New Testament emphasizes the sacrificial work of Jesus Christ. Jesus is said to have offered himself as a sacrifice for the sins of humanity, and his death is seen as a once-for-all sacrifice that has reconciled humanity to God (Hebrews 9:11-28, 10:1-18).
  5. The Intercessory Work of Jesus: In addition to his sacrificial work, Jesus is also described as an intercessor who prays to the Father on behalf of his people. In John 17, Jesus prays for his disciples and for all those who will believe in him through their testimony.
  6. The Priesthood of All Believers: In the New Testament, all believers are seen as priests who offer spiritual sacrifices to God (1 Peter 2:5, Revelation 1:6). This is because believers have been made priests through their union with Jesus Christ, and they are called to offer their lives as living sacrifices to God (Romans 12:1-2).
  7. The Role of the Church: The New Testament also emphasizes the role of the church as a priestly community. The church is seen as a royal priesthood that offers spiritual sacrifices to God and intercedes on behalf of the world (1 Peter 2:9-10, Revelation 5:8-10).

Some key passages that relate to the priesthood in the New Testament include: