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The Pastoral Epistles of Saint Paul
Talk by Metropolitan Jonah (Paffhausen), part 14, II Corinthians 3 & 4
September 19, 2023

Topics include:
(1) The Priesthood of the First Temple, of whom Melchizedek was an archetype, Jesus Christ being the fulfillment. The sacrifice of the First Temple, bread, and wine, which is fulfilled in Jesus Christ's self-offering to the Father for us. The bread and wine were consumed by the Priest, renewing his holiness, making him a mediator between God and the people, and leading them to God. We participate in this holiness and expiation of sin each Liturgy in the Holy Gifts of the unbloody sacrifice. By partaking of the Eucharist, we receive the gift of deification. 
(2) Melchizadek's priesthood, a royal priesthood, an archetype of David and his seed, the Christ. A priesthood not of the line of Moses or Levi, nor of the Mosaic Covenant, but the Eternal Covenant, a.k.a. the New Covenant; 
(3) The connection between the Christology of Hebrews 5:7-11 and Philippians 2:5-11; 
(4) The connection between Hebrews 6 and Romans 4. Christians are of the seed and faith of Abraham, the father of all who believe, and are accounted righteous, apart from circumcision. We enter into the Covenant of Abraham. Abraham submitted to Melchizedek. Christ is the new Melchizedek, and the Church is the new Israel. A covenant not of the Law, but by faith and the Holy Spirit.