Today we will talk about Bible verses about priesthood in the New Testament. The priesthood is a concept that runs deep through both the Old and New Testaments, signifying a special role of service and mediating between God and the people. In the New Testament, we are introduced to a new understanding of priesthood, where Jesus Christ becomes our ultimate high priest, making way for all believers to step into this role. We, as Christians, hold a universal priesthood, meaning that we can approach God directly. This means we don’t need a human mediator to connect with the divine. Meditating on these verses will help us understand our identity and purpose in Christ as we delve into what the scriptures reveal about priesthood.
Bible Verses About Priesthood New Testament
The High Priesthood of Christ
In the New Testament, we discover Jesus as our compassionate high priest. He stands in between God and us, empathizing with our struggles and interceding on our behalf. Through His sacrifice, we gain access to the Father and find forgiveness for our sins. Understanding this high priesthood not only magnifies Christ’s love for us but empowers us as we engage in our spiritual walk. We, as believers, can find hope and reassurance in knowing Jesus fully understands our struggles and triumphant victories.
Hebrews 4:14
“Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess.” – Hebrews 4:14
Hebrews 5:5-6
“In the same way, Christ did not take on Himself the glory of becoming a high priest. But God said to Him, ‘You are my Son; today I have become your Father.’ And he says in another place, ‘You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.'” – Hebrews 5:5-6
Hebrews 7:27
“Unlike the other high priests, He does not need to offer sacrifices day after day, first for His own sins, and then for the sins of the people. He sacrificed for their sins once for all when He offered Himself.” – Hebrews 7:27
1 Peter 2:5
“You also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” – 1 Peter 2:5
Hebrews 10:21-22
“And since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.” – Hebrews 10:21-22
Universal Priesthood of Believers
The New Testament highlights that every believer is called to a priestly role. This means we’re not just spectators within the church; everyone can participate in making intercessions, helping others grow in faith, and being a light in our communities. The beauty of the universal priesthood unites us in a shared mission to represent God’s love and grace to the world. No longer are we isolated; we’re part of a collective that exhibits God’s kingdom here on earth.
Revelation 1:6
“And has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve His God and Father—to Him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen.” – Revelation 1:6
1 Peter 2:9
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light.” – 1 Peter 2:9
Revelation 5:10
“You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth.” – Revelation 5:10
Hebrews 13:15
“Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess His name.” – Hebrews 13:15
James 5:16
“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” – James 5:16
The Role of Priests in Ministry
Before Jesus, priests were the key figures in the ministry. In the New Testament context, while we no longer have a system of human priests conducting sacrifices, we realize the need for spiritual leaders among us. God raises up teachers, leaders, and shepherds who guide us in faith and help us understand Scripture. Together, we support one another in edifying and building each other up, reflecting the collaborative nature of our ministry as believers.
Ephesians 4:11-12
“So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip His people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.” – Ephesians 4:11-12
1 Timothy 4:14
“Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through prophecy when the body of elders laid their hands on you.” – 1 Timothy 4:14
Titus 1:5
“The reason I left you in Crete was that you might put in order what was left unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you.” – Titus 1:5
2 Timothy 2:2
“And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.” – 2 Timothy 2:2
Hebrews 13:7
“Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.” – Hebrews 13:7
The Sacrifices of the Priesthood
In the New Testament, we find that the sacrifices of the Old Testament have been fulfilled in Christ. However, we are still called to offer sacrifices in our daily lives. The sacrifices today include our time, talents, and testimony. It’s a beautiful exchange where we give our all in service to God and His people. As we walk this path, we recognize that every act of love and service counts in the kingdom, reinforcing our priestly identity.
Romans 12:1
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” – Romans 12:1
Philippians 4:18
“I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.” – Philippians 4:18
Hebrews 13:16
“And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” – Hebrews 13:16
1 Peter 2:5
“You also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” – 1 Peter 2:5
Hebrews 9:14
“How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!” – Hebrews 9:14
The Call to Serve
The New Testament offers a fresh perspective on the priesthood: it’s a calling to serve rather than a position of prestige. We’re reminded that serving others reflects Christ’s mission on earth, as He came not to be served but to serve. We have the honor to embrace this call to serve our families, friends, and communities, effectively being Jesus’ hands and feet. We can always strive to be a blessing, embodying His love through our acts of service.
Mark 10:45
“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” – Mark 10:45
Galatians 5:13
“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.” – Galatians 5:13
1 Peter 4:10
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” – 1 Peter 4:10
Acts 20:35
“In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus Himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.'” – Acts 20:35
Matthew 25:40
“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.'” – Matthew 25:40
The Importance of Prayer and Intercession
As a part of our priestly duties, prayer and intercession play a major role in connecting the body of Christ. Through prayer, we can lift one another’s burdens, seek guidance for our lives, and petition God for the needs of our world. We, as a community, are encouraged to pray for one another, acknowledging our shared responsibilities in carrying each other in faith. By doing so, we fulfill our calling as priests in the New Testament.
1 Timothy 2:1-2
“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” – 1 Timothy 2:1-2
James 5:14
“Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord.” – James 5:14
Colossians 1:9
“For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of His will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives.” – Colossians 1:9
Romans 8:26
“In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.” – Romans 8:26
Hebrews 7:25
“Therefore, He is able to save completely those who come to God through Him, because He always lives to intercede for them.” – Hebrews 7:25
The Call to Holiness
As part of the priesthood, we understand that our lives are meant to reflect holiness. The New Testament calls us to live distinctly, separate from worldly values, while highlighting the importance of our witness in the world. Our holiness stems from God’s Spirit working in us, enabling us to embody Christ’s love. Living in holiness doesn’t come from our own strength; instead, it sets a foundation where we can truly represent the kingdom of God.
1 Peter 1:15-16
“But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.'” – 1 Peter 1:15-16
Ephesians 4:24
“And to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” – Ephesians 4:24
Colossians 3:12
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” – Colossians 3:12
Hebrews 12:14
“Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness, no one will see the Lord.” – Hebrews 12:14
2 Corinthians 7:1
“Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.” – 2 Corinthians 7:1
Collaborative Priesthood
The idea of a “royal priesthood” within the community of believers speaks volumes about the collaborative aspect of our faith. We are called to work together, each of us equipped with unique gifts to serve one another and advance God’s kingdom. This shared responsibility enriches our spiritual experience and emboldens us to go outside our walls to spread the good news. Together, we mirror Christ’s love, fostering a supportive environment in which we can grow, learn, and flourish.
Acts 2:42
“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” – Acts 2:42
1 Corinthians 12:12
“Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ.” – 1 Corinthians 12:12
Galatians 6:2
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:2
Philippians 2:2
“Then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.” – Philippians 2:2
Romans 15:5-6
“May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” – Romans 15:5-6
Final Thoughts
As we reflect on these Bible verses about priesthood in the New Testament, we are reminded of our identity and purpose in Christ. Our understanding of priesthood transcends physical temples; it invites us into a profound relationship with God through Jesus, our high priest. Together, we are called to engage in prayer, intercession, and service, creating a community that embodies Christ’s love.
Whether we individually feel equipped or not, we hold the privilege of connecting with our Creator and serving one another. We are indeed a royal priesthood, uniquely gifted to pour out God’s grace to those around us. The challenge lies in embracing our roles, putting forth our gifts, and pursuing holiness as we work together for the glory of God.
May we continue to deepen our understanding and live out our calling as priests in this New Testament era, walking in faith, love, and unity.
Further Reading
30 Bible Verses About Getting Closer To God (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Removing People From Your Life (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Israel (With Explanation)
30 Bible Verses About Being Lukewarm (With Explanation)
4 Ways to Encounter Grace and Truth: A Study on John, Chapter 4
