For every head priest is chosen from among men, and is appointed on behalf of people, to offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins.

He is able to gently put up with ignorant and wayward people because he himself is subject to [the same spiritual] weaknesses.

And because of this he is obligated to offer [sacrifices] for his own sins also, as well as the people's sins.

And no one takes on himself the honor [of head priest], but [he is appointed only] when he is called by God, as was the case with Aaron.

So, Christ also did not take on Himself the honor of becoming head priest, but God said to Him [Psa. 2:7], "You are my Son; today I have conceived you."

And He says in another place [Psa. 110:4], "You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek." [Note: This is the first mention of this mysterious Old Testament priest who, throughout this book, is represented as a type of Christ].

During His life on earth Jesus offered up prayers and special requests with loud crying and tears to God, who was able to save Him from dying, and He was heard because of His [earnest] devotion [to God].

[And] although He was a Son, still He learned obedience from the things He suffered,

and after becoming perfectly [qualified], He became the source of never ending salvation to all those who obey Him.

[So], God declared Him to be a Head Priest according to the order of Melchizedek.

[Now] we have many things to say about Melchizedek, but because of your slowness to grasp things, they are hard to explain.

For certainly enough time has elapsed so that [by now] you ought to be teachers, [but instead] you are in need of having someone teach you again the basic principles of God's message. You have become people who need "milk" and not "solid food." [Note: The fundamental truths of Christianity are here figuratively spoken of as "milk," while the more advanced teaching, such as Christ's priesthood being like Melchizedek's, is called "solid food"].

For everyone who has to drink "milk" is inexperienced in the teaching about righteousness, for he is [still] a [spiritual] baby.

But "solid food" is for mature people, who because of using their [spiritual] senses, have become able to distinguish good from evil.