tioned, the term pontiff (pontif&s), used by the Vulgate and other translations, will not, I think, offend any one ; but in this epistle, in which Christ is the principal subject, I do not know whether that term may be as well suited to the style of Paul as to the institutions of Numa. At least Seb. Schmidius uses it with reluctance, and occasionally substitutes for it chief priest (princeps sacerdos) ; but a single word is better, especially when other epithets are added, as here merciful and faithful ; for we cannot conveniently say, ch. iv. 14, a great chief (greatest) pontiff (pontificem maximum magnum). High priest (archisacer- dos) is the most convenient term which the learned have long used, and which sounds as well as archigubernus, in the writings of Jabolenus, archiflamen, archiprcesul, archipontifex, and various other terms, which Vossius stigmatizes in his work, De vitiis Latini Sermonis, p. 371, and some other writers. With respect to the subject now before us, this glorious title of High Priest occurs presently again, ch. iii. 1. But nowhere, except in the 110th Psalm, and Zech. vi. 13, and in this epistle, is Christ expressly called a Priest ; and it is only in this epistle that the priesthood of Christ is professedly discussed. Whence it is evident, how extraordinary in its character, and how neces sary, is this book of the New Testament. However, in all these passages, which are even of the Old Testament, there is added the mention of the kingdom, which is oftener spoken of elsewhere without the priesthood. Nay, on the Cross, on which this Priest offered His sacrifice, He had the title (inscription) of King. The priesthood, as well as the kingdom, is appropriate (belongs fittingly) to this First-begotten. — rot, <rpb$ rbv Qebv, towards God) So ch. v. 1. — tie rb iXatxiffQui) to make atonement or reconciliation. — rag apaprtas, the sins) which bring death and the fear of it. — roD XaoD, of the people) the people, whom he called the seed of Abraham, ver. 16. He Himself knew no sin. He made atonement for the sins of the people, Isa. liii. 8.
18. 'Ev f>, in that) This is like an adverb ; Rom. ii. 1. — dwurai, He is able) This ability of mind (viz. His power to sympathize) is treated of, ch. iv. 15, v. 2. — /3o^?j<ra/, to succour) Hence Paul infers the poqdeiav, help, ch. iv. 16.