“We do not have an altar here, because we do not perform sacrifices. We have a table of remembrance…The significance of a seated high priest is amplified in subsequent chapters, especially in vv. 10:11–14, where Christ is contrasted with the Aaronic priests, who remained standing because their sacrificial service was never finished. By contrast, Christ made purification for sin through his once-for-all death on the cross. The forgiveness he has won is permanent. His seated position shows that his work is finished. Church, Christ is now seated at the right hand of God because his work is done.”

“We know that Hebrews was a sermon by an exceptionally talented church leader, who was saturated in the Old Testament Scriptures, trained in rhetoric, familiar with both Jewish and Greek philosophy, and whose grammar and vocabulary is considered, by most, to be among the finest in the NT. This was a master preacher, utilizing deep understanding of the Scriptures with great style, to pastorally address the urgent issues facing his community…Hebrews speaks directly to those who are tired of service, tired of resisting temptation, tired of being hurt by other Christians, tired of being viewed as strange by non-Christians. Hebrews is for such people because it shows that Jesus and the covenant he has instituted are infinitely better than anything else we can have or could hope to have.”