Hebrews – Chapter Three III

by Ed Urzi

“Therefore, holy brothers and companions in a heavenly calling, consider Jesus, the apostle and high priest of our confession; He was faithful to the One who appointed Him, just as Moses was in all God’s household” (Hebrews 3:1-2 HCSB).

It is probably safe to say that most people associate the word “apostle” with the Biblical group of individuals who were chosen by Jesus to represent Him. Because of this, it may seem unusual to see this word associated with Jesus Himself here in Hebrews 3:1. While other descriptive terms for Jesus (such as “Savior” and “Lord”) may seem more familiar, the word “apostle” is wholly appropriate when we consider the definition of this word.

You see, an apostle is a “commissioned representative” much like an emissary or a spokesperson. One source explains the meaning of this important term…

“The word apostle is the translation of apostolos, a Greek word made up of apo ‘from’ and stello ‘to send,’ thus referring to the act of sending someone on a commission to represent the sender. It was used of a messenger or an envoy who was provided with credentials. Our word ambassador would be a good translation.” (1)

However, we should also note that Hebrews 3:1 does not refer to Jesus as “an” apostle. Instead, this verse identifies Him as “the” apostle. In other words, Jesus is God’s foremost representative, and the message He communicates is one of salvation and forgiveness for those who place their faith in Him. The Gospel of Luke records that message for us…

“So (Jesus) came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up. And as His custom was, He went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up to read.

And He was handed the book of the prophet Isaiah. And when He had opened the book, He found the place where it was written: ‘The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, Because He has anointed Me To preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives And recovery of sight to the blind, To set at liberty those who are oppressed; To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.’

Then He closed the book, and gave it back to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of all who were in the synagogue were fixed on Him. And He began to say to them, ‘Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing'” (Luke 4:16-21).

Since Hebrews 3:1 represents the only Biblical instance where Jesus is addressed in this manner, we would do well to note this apostolic aspect of His ministry.

(1) Kenneth S. Wuest, Word Studies in the Greek New Testament (note on Galatians 1:1) Copyright © 1942-55 by Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.