Revised Common Lectionary (Complementary)

¹¹ If now therefore perfection came by the priesthood of the Levites (for under that priesthood the people received the law), what further need was there for another priest to arise after the order of Melchizedek, and not after the order of Aaron? ¹² Now no doubt if the priesthood is translated, then of necessity the law must be translated also. ¹³ For he of whom these things are spoken belongs to another tribe, of which no man ever served at the altar. ¹⁴ For it is evident that our Lord came from the tribe of Judah, of which tribe Moses said nothing concerning priesthood.

¹⁵ And it is yet a more evident thing if another priest in the similitude of Melchizedek arises, ¹⁶ who is not made priest by the law of the carnal commandment, but by the power of the endless life. ¹⁷ For he testifies: You are a priest forever, after the order of Melchizedek.

¹⁸ So then, the previous commandment is abrogated, because of its weakness and unprofitableness. ¹⁹ For the law made nothing perfect, but was a preparation for a better hope, by which hope we draw near to God.

²⁰ And it is a better hope in that it was not promised without an oath. ²¹ Those priests were made without an oath, but this priest with an oath, by him that said to him: The Lord swore and will not repent: You are a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek. ²² And thus did Jesus establish and secure a better testament.