Hebrews 3:3-6 For this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who has built the house has more honor than the house.… This pronoun (we) may be taken two ways — 1. Jointly, for the whole Catholic Church, which is the society of all that ever did or shall believe in Jesus Christ. 2. Distinctly, for every particular believer. For the body of a particular professor is said to be the temple of the Holy Ghost (1 Corinthians 6:19). Fitly are saints styled a house.For — 1. As stones and timber, they are brought together and fitly laid, and that for God to dwell among them (2 Corinthians 6:16). 2. As a house is set upon a foundation (Luke 6:48), so are saints built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief Corner-stone (Ephesians 2:20). 3. As Solomon's temple was beautified and adorned with silver, gold, variety of pictures, and other ornaments (2 Chronicles 3:4; 1 Kings 6:29), so saints are decked and adorned with the various graces of God s Spirit (Galatians 5:22, 23). 4. As a house inhabited hath a governor over them, so the society of saints have one over them who is called the Master of the house (Matthew 10:25). 5. As in a house there is a household which consisteth of children, servants, and others, so in the Church of God (Matthew 15:26; Luke 11:7). 6. As in a great house there are variety of officers, so in the Church there are stewards, ministers, and others (2 Corinthians 12:28). 7. As in a house all needful provision useth to be stored up, so in this house of Christ there is bread of life, water of life, and needful food and refreshing.Singular comforts must needs hence arise to those that are parts and members of this house; and that by reason of — 1. The sure foundation whereon it is settled (1 Corinthians 3:11). 2. The fast knitting of the parts of the house together (Ephesians 2:21). 3. The excellent ornaments thereof, which are the glorious graces of God's Spirit, 4. The good laws and constitutions for better governing the same, being all contained in the Word of God. 5. The wise Governor thereof. 6. The excellent household. 7. The useful offices in it. 8. The variety and sufficiency of provisions appertaining thereto.That which is expected of such as are of this house is — 1. That they cleanse themselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit (2 Corinthians 7:1; 2 Corinthians 6:16-18). Otherwise this house of Christ may prove the devil's stye. 2. That they deck and adorn themselves with the graces of God's Spirit (Colossians 3:12). 3. That they be subject to their Governor, and to the good orders that He establisheth among them. 4. That they be content with the place and portion which the Master of the household allots unto them. 5. That they maintain unity amongst themselves; for a house divided against itself shall not stand (Matthew 12:25). (W. Gouge.) Parallel Verses KJV: For this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who hath builded the house hath more honour than the house. |
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