1. The introduction of the assertion is by the panei vv) 08,— “but now.” Noy, “now,” is a note of time, of the pre- sent time. But there are instances where these adver- bial particles, thus conjoined, do not seem to denote any time or season, but are merely adversative, Rom. vi. 17; 1 Cor. v. 11, vu. 14, But even in those places there seems a respect unto time also; and therefore I know not why it should be here excluded. As, therefore, there is an opposition intended unto the old covenant, and the Levitical priesthood; so the season is intimated of the in-
Nov) 06.
troduction of the new covenant, and the better ministry wherewith.
it was accompanied ;—‘ “ now,” at this time, which is the season that God hath appointed for the introduction of the new covenant and ministry. To the same purpose the apostle expresseth himself, treating of the same subject, Rom. ili. 26: “To declare év r@ vi» nope, 7 «ot, this. instant season,” now the gospel is preached, “ his righteousness.” For,—
Obs. I. God, in his infinite wisdom, gives proper times and sea- sons unto all his dispensations unto and towards the church.—So the accomplishment of these things was in “ the fulness of times,” Eph. i. 10; that is, when all things rendered it seasonable and suitable unto the condition of the church, and for the manifestation of his own glory. He hasteneth all his works of grace in their own appointed time, Isa. lx. 22. And our duty it is to leave the order- ing of all the concerns of the church, in the accomplishment of pro- mises, unto God in his own time, Acts i 7.
2. That os is ascribed unto the Lord Christ is As:roupyia,—a
“ministry.” The priests of old had a ministry; they ministered at the altar, as in the foregoing verse. And the Lord Christ was “‘a minister” also; so the apostle had said before, he was Aziroupyos réiv dyiwy, verse 2,—“ a minister of the holy
Asiroupyins.
VER. 6.] EPISTLE TO THE HEBREWS. 51
things.” Wherefore he had a “liturgy,” a “ministry,” a service, committed unto him. And two things are included herein :—
- (1.) That it was an office of ministry that the Lord Christ under- took. He is not called a minister with respect unto one particular act of ministration ;—so are we said to “ minister unto the necessity of the saints,” which yet denotes no office in them that do so. But he had a standing office committed unto him, as the word imports. In that sense also he is called d:éxovos, a “ minister” in office, Rom. xv. 8.
(2.) Subordination wnto God is included herein. With respect unto the church his office is supreme, accompanied with sovereign power and authority; he is “ Lord over his own house.” But he _ holds his office in subordination unto God, being “ faithful unto him
that appointed him.” So the angels are said to minister unto God, , Dan. vii. 10; that is, to do all things according unto his will, and at his command. So had the Lord Christ a ministry. And we may observe,—
Obs. II. That the whole office of Christ was designed unto the accomplishment of the will and dispensation of the grace of God.— For these ends was his ministry committed unto him. We can never sufficiently admire the love and grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, in undertaking this office for us. The greatness and glory of the duties which he performed in the discharge thereof, with the benefits we receive thereby, are unspeakable, being the immediate cause of all grace and glory. Yet we are not absolutely to rest in them, but to ascend by faith unto the eternal spring of them. This is the grace, the love, the mercy of God, all acted in a way of sovereign power.
“These are everywhere in the Scripture represented as the original spring of all grace, and the ultimate object of our faith, with respect unto the benefits which we receive by the mediation of Christ. His office was committed unto him of God, even the Father; and his will did he do in the discharge of it. Yet also,—
Obs. III. The condescension of the Son of God to undertake the office of the ministry on our behalf is unspeakable, and for ever to be admired.—Hspecially will it appear so to be, when we consider who it was who undertook it, what it cost him, what he did and underwent in the pursuance and discharge of it, as it is all expressed, Phil, ii. 6-8. Not only what he continueth to do in heaven at the right hand of God belongeth unto this ministry, but all that he suf- fered also upon the earth. His ministry, in the undertaking of it, was not a dignity, a promotion, a revenue, Matt. xx. 28, It is true, it is issued in glory, but not until he had undergone all the evils that human nature is capable of undergoing. And we ought to undergo any thing cheerfully for him who underwent this ministry for us.
b2 AN EXPOSITION OF.THE [CHAP. VIII.
Obs. IV. The Lord Christ, by undertaking this office of the ministry, hath consecrated and made honourable that office unto all that are rightly called unto it, and do rightly discharge it.—It is true, his minis- try and ours are not of the same kind and nature; but they agree in this, that they are both of them a ministry unto God in the holy things. of his worship. And considering that Christ himself was God’s minister, we have far greater reason to tremble in ourselves on an apprehension of our own insufficiency for such an office, than to be discouraged with all the hardships and contests we meet withal in the world upon the account of it.