Hebrews 3:1-4

1 Therefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our confession, Christ Jesus,

2 who was faithful to Him who appointed Him, as Moses also was faithful in all His house.

3 For this One has been counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as He who built the house has more honor than the house.

4 For every house is built by someone, but He who built all things is God.

holy (v.1) — set apart for God

partakers (v.1) — same word as “companions” (1:9) and “partners” (Luke 5:7) — associated with others in a common task or (here) condition

consider (v.1) = fix one’s mind upon

Apostle (v.1) — one sent, with credentials, to accomplish something — used of Moses (Exodus 3:7) and Jesus Christ (Luke 10:16; John 3:17; 5:36; 6:29; and here)

Apostle and High Priest (v.1) — refer to Christ’s ministry rather than to His deity

confession (v.1) = to agree with someone else

was faithful (v.2 — first use) = IS faithful

appointed (v.2) = made — NOT “God made Christ,” but “God made Him an Apostle and High Priest”

Moses was faithful (Numbers 12:7) … but Christ is worthy of more glory because He built the house of Israel. Since Christ has more honor than the house of Israel, He has more honor than Moses who was a member of that house.

The subject of the comparison of Messiah with Moses, was a most delicate one. Moses was the object of deepest veneration to these Jewish readers. The writer displays great tact by showing that both Messiah and Moses were faithful, before showing that while Moses was faithful as a servant, Messiah was faithful as the Son. — Wuest, page 69.

house (v.2) = household, family — here, Israel

The point of verse 4 is to show that Jesus Christ is God.

built (v.4) — constructed and established — God established Israel

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