Hebrews 3:1 Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus
‘Holy brethren’ – Brethren consecrated to God, holy in life and conduct. They who are sanctified or thus consecrated and set apart to the service of God, are all one, in the same family, and called brethren [male and female Gal. 3:28]. All saved people are saints, so there are no grounds for making people saints after death (Acts 9:13, 32, 41; 26:10; Rom. 1:7; 1Cor. 1:2; 6:1-2; 2Cor. 1:1; Eph. 1:1; Php. 1:1; Col. 1:2; 2Thess. 1:10; Jude 1:3; Rev. 5:8; 13:7, 10; 17:6).
‘Partakers of the heavenly calling.’ [Greek: metochos] partaker (3:1, 14; 6:4; 12:8); partner (Luke 5:7); and fellow (1:9). All holy brethren are partakers, partners, and fellows in the heavenly calling. Israel had an earthly calling and those who are alive when the Messiah comes will enter an earthly program of replenishing the earth forever. Israel is often spoken of as a woman and as the wife of the Lord (Isa. 54:4-6). This wife of the Lord is the woman of Revelation 12:1-17. Those of both Jews and Gentiles [male and female] who are saved and who will partake of the resurrection will be kings and priests to reign over the earth and all other creations forever. They will help God administer the affairs of the universe in all eternity (Rev. 1:5-6; 5:10; 22:4-5). Their calling is heavenly in that they will not be limited to an earthly program as all people would have been if man had not sinned (Gen. 1:27-31; cp. Matt. 22:30; Luke 20:34-35; Heb. 11:10-16; 12:22-23).
‘The Apostle and High Priest.’ Among the Jews, the high priest was also considered the Apostle of God. This no doubt is the meaning here to Israel. The Mosaic program had ended and there had been a change in the law and the priesthood (7:11-17).
‘Profession’ [Greek: homologia] agreement; terms of surrender; confession. Translated “profession” (3:1; 4:14; 10:23; 1Tim. 6:12; 2Cor. 9:13) and “confession” (1Tim. 6:13).
Living the Word 