Who is considered a priest?

Definition and Origin of Priesthood

A priest, in the biblical sense, is an individual set apart to mediate between God and people, offering sacrifices, prayers, and guidance. This is established early in the Scriptures, where the role is presented as a sacred calling imbued with responsibility and spiritual authority. In the Old Testament, God instituted the priesthood primarily through the family line of Aaron and the tribe of Levi. In the New Testament, Christ fulfills and transforms this priestly office, making way for the “royal priesthood” of all believers (1 Peter 2:9: “You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood…”).

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, Aaron and his sons were chosen as priests to serve in the tabernacle:

• Exodus 28:1: “Bring near to you your brother Aaron and his sons…to minister as priests.”

This clear directive laid the foundation for the Aaronic (or Levitical) priesthood. The tribe of Levi was set apart to handle sacred elements such as the Ark of the Covenant, sacrifices, and rituals for national atonement.

Their duties included offering daily sacrifices (Leviticus 1–7), officiating during Israel’s feasts (Leviticus 23), and teaching the Law to the people (Deuteronomy 33:10). Archaeological findings of ancient temple utensils and references to priestly activities in documents like the Dead Sea Scrolls support the historical reality of these practices. These artifacts confirm that a specialized priestly class existed in Israel, consistent with the biblical narrative.

High Priest in the Old Testament

The high priest held a preeminent position among the priests. He was the only one permitted to enter the Holy of Holies on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16). Clothed in unique garments, the high priest represented the entire nation before God. Historical and cultural studies of ancient Near Eastern societies reveal similar priestly functions, but the high priest of Israel had a distinct role shaped by divine instruction:

• Exodus 28:2: “Make holy garments for your brother Aaron to give him dignity and splendor.”

This further emphasized the high priest’s separation and the solemn responsibilities entrusted to him.

Transition to New Testament Priesthood

With the coming of Christ, a shift took place. Jesus did not belong to the tribe of Levi but rather the tribe of Judah, yet Scripture declares Him the ultimate High Priest:

• Hebrews 4:14: “Since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens—Jesus the Son of God…”

He offered Himself as the final sacrifice, accomplishing what the Levitical system foreshadowed. Early Christian texts such as the Epistle to the Hebrews frequently cite Old Testament passages to show that this transition was prophesied and fulfilled in Christ, demonstrating the unity and consistency of Scripture.

Christ’s Fulfillment of the Priestly Office

According to the Book of Hebrews, Jesus Christ is superior to the Aaronic priesthood in both nature and ministry (Hebrews 7–10). He mediates a new covenant through His own blood, eliminating the need for repeated sacrifices:

• Hebrews 9:12: “He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, not by the blood of goats and calves but by His own blood…”

This establishes Jesus as the eternal and final High Priest who reconciles humanity to God. Ancient records and testimonies of the early church align with these passages, as believers recognized Christ’s unique priestly work demonstrated conclusively by His resurrection.

Priesthood of All Believers

The New Testament expands the concept of priesthood beyond a select group of men in a singular lineage. All who believe in Christ become members of a “royal priesthood”:

• 1 Peter 2:9: “You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s possession…”

This universal priesthood involves certain key responsibilities:

1. Offering spiritual sacrifices (Romans 12:1)

2. Intercessory prayer (1 Timothy 2:1)

3. Proclaiming the gospel (Matthew 28:19–20)

From a historical and textual perspective, manuscripts of 1 Peter found among various early Christian collections reinforce that this teaching was recognized widely by the first century. It aligns with archaeological and textual evidence confirming the fast growth of the early church and their understanding of each believer’s role.

Modern-Day Application

For those who follow Scripture, “priest” no longer refers solely to one tribe or family line. Rather, all who are in Christ are called to serve in a priestly capacity, ministering to God through worship and to others through acts of compassion and truth. This includes:

• Leading lives of holiness (1 Peter 1:15–16)

• Bearing witness to God’s grace (Acts 1:8)

• Building one another up in faith (Ephesians 4:12)

The biblical call to serve as priests touches on every dimension of a believer’s life—spiritual, moral, and communal.

Conclusion

In the Bible, a priest is an individual appointed to mediate between God and humanity. In the Old Testament, this was limited to the Aaronic and Levitical lines, culminating in the high priest who entered the Holy of Holies on behalf of the people. In the New Testament, Jesus becomes the ultimate High Priest, fulfilling and exceeding the requirements of the Old Covenant through His once-and-for-all sacrifice and resurrection. Consequently, every follower of Christ now shares in this priestly identity.

Through diligent study of biblical manuscripts, corroborating historical finds, and internal scriptural consistency, we see that the priesthood reflects God’s design for redemption. From ancient Israel’s tabernacle to the living church community, Scripture consistently underscores that God calls His people to be a kingdom of priests—serving Him, interceding for others, and expanding His kingdom on earth.