A priest is someone set apart to act as God’s representative and to be a liaison between God and his people. The priesthood was established by Moses; the priests served the nation of Israel.
Some versions of the Bible use the phrase chief priests. This is likely a descriptive label and not a title; they can best be thought of as leading priests.
One priest was selected to be the high priest, a position they would hold for life. The first high priest was Moses’s brother, Aaron.
Jesus effectively changed the role of the priests. It’s through him that we no longer need a liaison to God, as we can approach God directly. As such, Jesus became our high priest, forever (Hebrews 6:20).
Also see Melchizedek.
Key verse about Priest: “‘You will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words you are to speak to the Israelites” (Exodus 19:6, NIV)
Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront a status quo faith and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.
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