Topical Bible: Faith: Priests

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In the biblical context, priests hold a significant role as mediators between God and His people, serving in various capacities to maintain the spiritual and ceremonial life of the community. The concept of faith is intricately woven into the priestly duties and responsibilities, as priests are called to exemplify unwavering trust and obedience to God.

Old Testament Priests

The priesthood in the Old Testament is primarily associated with the tribe of Levi, particularly the descendants of Aaron, who was appointed as the first high priest. The Levitical priests were entrusted with the sacred duties of offering sacrifices, maintaining the Tabernacle (and later the Temple), and teaching the Law to the Israelites. Their faith was demonstrated through strict adherence to the commandments and rituals prescribed by God.

In Leviticus 8-9, the consecration of Aaron and his sons as priests underscores the importance of faith in their calling. The meticulous process of ordination, involving sacrifices and anointing, signifies their dedication and trust in God's covenant. The priests' faith is further highlighted in their role as intercessors, as seen in Numbers 16:46-48, where Aaron stands between the living and the dead to stop a plague, demonstrating his faith in God's mercy and power.

Faith and the High Priest

The high priest held a unique position, entering the Holy of Holies once a year on the Day of Atonement to make atonement for the sins of the people (Leviticus 16). This act required profound faith, as the high priest relied on God's promise of forgiveness and the efficacy of the sacrificial system. The high priest's faith was a model for the nation, symbolizing the hope of reconciliation with God.

New Testament Priests

In the New Testament, the concept of priesthood evolves with the coming of Jesus Christ, who is described as the ultimate High Priest. Hebrews 4:14-16 presents Jesus as the "great high priest who has passed through the heavens," emphasizing His role in providing direct access to God through faith. Jesus' priesthood is characterized by His perfect obedience and sacrificial death, fulfilling the requirements of the Law and establishing a new covenant.

The New Testament also introduces the idea of the "priesthood of all believers," as seen in 1 Peter 2:9, which states, "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession." This passage highlights the faith of believers who, through Christ, are called to offer spiritual sacrifices and proclaim the excellencies of God.

Faith in Priestly Ministry

Throughout the Bible, the faith of priests is evident in their commitment to God's commands and their role in guiding the spiritual life of the community. Their faith is not only personal but also communal, as they lead the people in worship and intercession. The priests' faithfulness serves as a testament to God's faithfulness, reinforcing the covenant relationship between God and His people.

In summary, the faith of priests in the Bible is a foundational aspect of their ministry, reflecting their trust in God's promises and their dedication to serving Him and His people. Through their example, the biblical narrative underscores the importance of faith in maintaining a vibrant and obedient relationship with God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Acts 6:7
And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Greek

4442. pur -- fire
... become true to Him as we obey this imparted faith from God by His power. [This is
illustrated by at the entrance of the Tabernacle where the priests made sweet ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4442.htm - 7k

3008. leitourgeo -- to serve the state, ie by anal. to perform ...
... some special public religious service, but also of the service of priests and Levites. ...
is equally profound with every "living sacrifice" offered up in faith (cf ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3008.htm - 7k

Library

Concerning Paulinus and Meletius, Chief-Priests of Antioch; How ...
... Concerning Paulinus and Meletius, Chief-Priests of Antioch; how Eusebius and Lucifer
antagonized One Another; Eusebius and Hilarius defend the Nicene Faith. ...
/.../chapter xiii concerning paulinus and meletius.htm

The Bishops of the Party of Julius and Hosius Held Another Session ...
... Chapter XII."The Bishops of the Party of Julius and Hosius held another Session
and deposed the Eastern High Priests, and also made a Formulary of Faith. ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of sozomenus/chapter xii the bishops of the.htm

Soldier Priests
... of the world"who wears on His head the mitre and the diadem, and bears in His hand
the sceptre and the censer; and He makes us priests, if faith in His only ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/soldier priests.htm

On Faith.
... On Faith. ... is the Fashioner of man; He who is all in all; He who among the patriarchs
is Patriarch; He who in the law is the Law; among the priests, Chief Priest ...
//christianbookshelf.org/unknown/the decretals/iv on faith.htm

The Charge of the Pilgrim Priests
... far more brightly under the stimulus of Christian faith and the possession of God's
truth, are the rich deposit committed to our charge. You priests of the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/the charge of the pilgrim.htm

How the Province of the Midland Angles Became Christian under King ...
... monastery which is called At the Goat's Head.^8The aforesaid priests, arriving in ...
the abominations of idolatry, were daily washed in the fountain of the faith. ...
/.../bede/bedes ecclesiastical history of england/chap xxi how the province.htm

(Of those who Ought not to be Admitted to Prefer an Accusation, or ...
... who are suspected in the matter of the right faith, should by no means be admitted
to prefer charges against priests, and against those of whose faith there is ...
//christianbookshelf.org/unknown/the decretals/v of those who ought.htm

Hymns on the Nativity. Hymn i. This is the Day that Gladdened Them ...
... This is the day that gladdened them, the Prophets, Kings, and Priests, for in it ...
longed, and when Him on earth he saw not, he, through faith most throughly ...
/.../ephraim/hymns and homilies of ephraim the syrian/hymns on the nativity hymn.htm

How under King Sigbert, through the Preaching of Cedd, the East ...
... the work he had begun with more ample authority, built churches in divers places,
and ordained priests and deacons to assist him in the Word of faith, and the ...
/.../bede/bedes ecclesiastical history of england/chap xxii how under king.htm

Touch or Faith?
... not confined to the Roman Catholic Church, and is not the work of priests. ... The blessing
that comes to an erroneous faith."The woman here was too 'ritualistic ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/touch or faith.htm