In the early church, the concept of priesthood underwent a significant transformation. While the Old Testament priesthood was highly structured, with the Levitical priests playing a central role in the religious life of Israel, the New Testament introduces a revolutionary shift. The apostles taught that priesthood was no longer an office limited to a select few but something that extended to all believers in Jesus. Let’s explore this development by looking at key apostolic teachings.
The Priesthood of All Believers
One of the most profound teachings of the New Testament is that every believer is a priest. This idea is clearly articulated by the apostle Peter, who emphasizes the communal nature of the Christian faith. In 1 Peter 2:9, Peter writes, “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” Here, Peter is saying that all Christians, not just a particular group of clergy, are called to be priests.
This democratization of priesthood means that every believer has direct access to God through Jesus and is called to proclaim the gospel. It’s a stark contrast to the Old Testament system where priests acted as intermediaries between God and the people. Now, every follower of Jesus is empowered to take on this priestly role.
Spiritual Sacrifices, Not Ritual Offerings
Peter continues this theme in 1 Peter 2:5, explaining that believers are “being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” In this new model of priesthood, the sacrifices are not physical—like the offerings of animals or grain found in the Old Testament—but spiritual. These include acts of worship, service, praise, and good deeds that are pleasing to God.
This new understanding of priesthood shifts the focus from external rituals to internal devotion and the fruits of that devotion in the lives of believers.
Jesus as the Ultimate High Priest
The book of Hebrews provides a more in-depth exploration of Jesus’ role as the ultimate High Priest. In Hebrews 4:14-16, the author declares that Jesus has ascended into heaven and sympathizes with our weaknesses, having been tempted just as we are, yet without sin. This establishes Jesus as the perfect mediator between God and humanity.
Unlike the Levitical priesthood, where priests had to continually offer sacrifices for both their own sins and the sins of the people, Jesus offered Himself once and for all. His priesthood is eternal and unblemished, and through Him, believers have direct access to God. This is a central theme in the apostolic teaching: Jesus' priesthood replaces the need for an earthly, institutional priesthood, offering something far greater—a direct relationship with God.
Living Sacrifices in the New Covenant
The apostle Paul also touches on this concept in Romans 12:1, where he encourages believers to offer their bodies as “a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God.” This passage is often interpreted as an extension of the priesthood of all believers, in which each person’s life becomes an offering to God, encompassing everything from daily actions to larger commitments of faith.
A New Model of Priesthood
In the apostolic writings, the shift from the Old Testament priesthood to the New Testament’s spiritual priesthood is clear. The apostles laid the groundwork for a church where all believers are called to a priestly role, offering spiritual sacrifices and proclaiming the gospel. Through Jesus, the ultimate High Priest, the need for earthly mediators is removed, giving each believer the privilege of direct access to God.
As Peter puts it so eloquently: "You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood." This call to live out our faith as priests challenges us to consider how we can embody this role in our everyday lives, offering spiritual sacrifices and living in a way that proclaims the excellencies of Jesus.
Scripture References:(cf. 1 Peter 2:9; 1 Peter 2:5; Hebrews 4:14-16; Romans 12:1)