Hebrews 4:14

A great high priest (arcierea megan). The author now takes up the main argument of the Epistle, already alluded to in Romans 1:3 ; Romans 2:17 ; Romans 3:1 , the priestly work of Jesus as superior to that of the Levitical line ( Romans 4:14-12:3 ). Jesus is superior to the prophets ( Romans 1:1-3 ), to angels ( Romans 1:4-2:18 ), to Moses ( Romans 3:1-4:13 ), he has already shown. Here he only terms Jesus "great" as high priest (a frequent adjective with high priest in Philo) but the superiority comes out as he proceeds. Who hath passed through the heavens (dielhluqota tou ouranou). Perfect active participle of diercomai, state of completion. Jesus has passed through the upper heavens up to the throne of God ( Romans 1:3 ) where he performs his function as our high priest. This idea will be developed later ( Romans 6:19 ; Romans 7:26-28 ; Romans 9:11 Romans 9:24 ). Jesus the Son of God (Ihsoun ton uion tou qeou). The human name linked with his deity, clinching the argument already made ( Romans 1:1-4:13 ). Let us hold fast our confession (kratwmen th omologia). Present active volitive subjunctive of kratew, old verb (from krato, power), with genitive to cling to tenaciously as here and Romans 6:18 and also with the accusative ( 2 Thessalonians 2:15 ; Colossians 2:19 ). "Let us keep on holding fast." This keynote runs all through the Epistle, the exhortation to the Jewish Christians to hold on to the confession ( Colossians 3:1 ) of Christ already made. Before making the five points of Christ's superior priestly work (better priest than Aaron, Colossians 5:1-7:25 ; under a better covenant, Colossians 8:1-13 ; in a better sanctuary, Colossians 9:1-12 ; offering a better sacrifice, Colossians 9:13-10:18 ; based on better promises, Colossians 10:19-12:3 ), the author gives a double exhortation ( Colossians 4:14-16 ) like that in Colossians 2:1-4 to hold fast to the high priest ( Colossians 14 ) and to make use of him ( Colossians 16 ).