In the last verses of chapter 4 the author again exhorts his readers to faithfulness, but this time on the basis of his argument concerning the high priesthood of Jesus. The connection has already been made between Jesus’ high priesthood and his ability to help his people (see 2:17–18), but now it is elaborated and leads the author into the beginning of a discourse on why Jesus is qualified to be high priest. First the author reviews the role and calling of high priests (5:1–4), and then he turns to the qualifications of Jesus as high priest (5:5–10).

4:14 The fact that Jesus is a great high priest will enable the readers to remain true; the exhortation implies their tendency to waver. Great here suggests the uniqueness of this particular possessor of that exalted office. This indeed is n…