[XXVII. Lectures, or Readings, upon Part of the Epistle Written to the Hebrews; London: Imprinted by H. Middleton for Lucas Harison, 1577]
The Argument of the Whole Epistle:
Now, as briefly as I can, I will show you the argument of the whole Epistle, and that is this: that only in Jesus Christ is the forgiveness of our sins. Which argument he handleth thus. First setting out our saviour Christ, who he is, in the ten first chapters: Then how salvation is through him, in the residue of the Epistle.
In setting forth our saviour Christ who he is, he showeth first the nature of his person, in the two first chapters: then what is his office, in the next eight. Touching his person, he teacheth first that he is perfect God in the first chapter: then, that he is perfect man, in the second Chapter, of which we will speak more particularly in expounding of the text.
Christ’s Threefold Office:
Of his office whereof we said he intreateth in the viii. next chapters, he teacheth this first, that he is our Prophet, from the beginning of the iii. chapter, to the xiiii. verse of the fourth: then that he is our priest, from thence to the xix. verse of the x. chapter. And though the Apostle of purpose and with great care, do plainly teach that Christ is our king: yet because this necessarily followeth of the other, & there was no doubt but that Messiah, their priest and prophet, should be also their prince and king, therefore, he seemeth not to make any particular treaty of this, as of the other offices: but as he was a kingly prophet, a kingly priest, and the son of God, so in proof of all these he maketh with them, manifest proofs of his kingdom; as in the text more plainly (God willing) I will show, when I shall more particularly speak of them.
Christ as Prophet:
Now of his prophecy in the iii. & iiii. chapters he teacheth this, that he is our only prophet, proving it first, because the son of God took upon him our nature, the excellency of his person is warrant enough, that God ordained him our only prophet. Secondarily, he was faithful in his ministry, neither needeth any to be joined with him. Thirdly, he was more honorable than Moses himself, and therefore much more should rule in the house of God alone. Fourthly, the Prophet sayth: To day if you will hear his voice &c. Therefore by the Prophet commended to us as our only prophet. Last of all, the nature of the word, agreeable only to his person, maketh that he is our prophet alone: and thus he endeth this treaty.
Christ as Priest:
Of his priesthood he speaketh more at large, showing first in the end of the fourth chapter, what manner of Priest he is, even such a one as by his own virtue hath entered into the heavens, and made a way for us, that we might boldly through him come unto God. After this he beginneth a comparison of the priesthood of Christ with Aaron, and so more clearly showeth, both his priesthood and the excellency of it.
This comparison he maketh in these points. First, that the priest of the law was a natural man, like unto his brethren. Secondarily, that he hath not a private work, but doeth all the people’s service in things appertaining to God. Thirdly, that he appeared not before God in his own virtue & righteousness, but with offerings & sacrifices for sin. Fourthly, that he was full of compassion toward his brethren, to pity them in their weakness. Fifthly, that he had his calling of God: in all which things, Christ exceeded all that were before him, & this he teacheth in the ten first verses of the fifth Chapter.
Then beginneth (by occasion) an exhortation which continueth to the vii. chapter. After that, he setteth out at large the example of Melchizedek, and the comparison of the first covenant, with the tabernacle & sacrifices appertaining unto it, so teaching at the last our saviour Christ to be our only priest.
The Application of Salvation: