7770 priests, tasks in NT times

The priests mentioned in the NT performed various functions, all of which are fulfilled in Jesus Christ and the church, which is his body.

Priests offered sacrifices

Sacrifices made by pagan priests Ac 14:13

Jewish sacrifice Heb 10:11

The sacrifice of Jesus Christ Heb 9:14 Jesus Christ is both priest and victim: his own body takes the place occupied by sacrifices in the OT ritual. See also Heb 10:10

The Christian sacrifice of a surrendered life Ro 12:1 See also Heb 13:16

The Christian sacrifice of praise Heb 13:15

Priests made intercession

The burning of incense Lk 1:9 See also Ex 30:7-8

Christian intercession Rev 5:8 See also 1Pe 2:5; Rev 1:6; Rev 5:10; Rev 20:6

Priests were guardians of tradition

They were trained in the teaching and application of OT law Mt 2:3-6; Jn 1:19

The Christian “tradition” 1Co 15:1-5; 2Ti 1:13-14; 2Ti 2:2; Jude 3

Priests declared people clean or unclean

They supplied ritual certification of cleansing Mt 8:4 pp Mk 1:44 pp Lk 5:14 See also Lev 13:2-3; Lev 14:2; Lk 17:14

Christians pronounce forgiveness Jn 20:21-23; Jas 5:16

See also