Sacrificial priests in the NT

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Contrabass101

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Hey there,

I have a few questions regarding priests and their role in the Eucharist and the sacrificial nature of the Eucharist.

First, why doesn’t Hebrews explicitly mention the Eucharist? It is the book in the NT that has most on sacrifices and their fulfillment in the new covenant. Why not dedicate a part of it to talk about the sacrifice that the readers parttake in themselves?

Second, in Acts 6:7 we read that “a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.” Did those abandon their service in the Temple? Did God have two sacrificial ordinances running simultaneously?

Thirdly, when the NT talks about levitical priests, it uses “hieron”, which AFAIK signifies a sacrificing priest in both Jewish and Pagan temples; yet when it talks about Christian priests it uses “presbyter” meaning “elder” and from which the word “priest” is derived.

Thanks,
  • CB
 
To your first question:

I am always perplexed when I hear someone say “why didn’t the writer word things the way I would have?” That can be a fair question, but seeks to put one’s own parameters on God’s ability to communicate. Further, when a priest is identified as one according “to the order of Melchizedek” what does that mean? Melchizidek’s offering in the OT was “bread and wine.” (cf. Ps 110:4).

Hebrews is much deeper than just this with regard to the Eucharist. If it just came out and said, “Ok, now we have the Eucharist” much of the typology and the meaning would be lost. (cf. Malachi 2-3 and here)

Dr. Scott Hahn went through Hebrews on this subject at length. Here is EWTN article.
 
Hebrews does refer to the Eucharist, in chapter 13 verse 10.

There may be more, but I do recall that one off the top of my head right now. If I think of any other references I will let you know.

Peace and God bless
 
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