“If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it the people received the law,) what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron?”
If perfection could have been attained through the Levitical priesthood (and indeed the law was given to the people on the basis of it), why was there still need for another priest to come—one in the order of Melchizedek, not in the order of Aaron? — the central question: if the Levitical priesthood and law were sufficient to achieve completion, why would God introduce another priesthood? The implication is that the Levitical order was preparatory, not ultimate.
Church Fathers on Hebrews 7:11
“ If therefore” (he says) “perfection were by the Levitical priesthood.” Having spoken concerning Melchisedec, and shown how much superior he was to Abraham, and having set forth the great difference between them, he begins from this point forward to prove the wide difference as to the covenant itself, and how the one is imperfect and the other perfect. However he does not even yet enter on the matters themselves, but first contends on the ground of the priesthood, and the…
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
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