Greek] ἀρχιερεύς (archiereus), [Latin] pontifex maximus

Greek] ἀρχιερεύς (archiereus), [Latin] pontifex maximus: a high priest, a chief priest, a leader, a ruler; Mt.26:3, Act. 4:1, Heb.10:11, Heb. 7:24-26, Mk.11:18

Background Information:

Roman Empire:

1. The emperor was called the pontifex maximus (chief ruler).
2. The emperor was head of the collegium pontificum.
3. This group consisted of high ranking priests of the state religion.
4. The Latin pontifex means bridge builder.
5. The position of bridge builder was in important position in Rome with the Tiber River.
6. The role of pons (bridge) was given to the emperor. The emperor was seen as the link between gods and men.
7. Pontifex maximus literally means highest bridge maker.

Greek Hellenism: This term means arch priest, chief priest, and high priest.

Herodotus’ The Histories 2.37: “Many (not only one) are dedicated to the service of each god. One of these is the high priest; and when a high priest dies, his on succeeds his office.”

Plato’s Laws 12.947a: “And they all shall be priests of Apollo and Helios, and every year that one of them who has been adjudged first of those appointed in that year shall be the high priest.”

Plutarch Numa 9: “Pontifices become employed in the service of gods. Pontifices are nothing more nor less than bridge-builders, from the sacrifices which they performed at the bridge over the
Tiber. The custody of the bridge and maintenance of the bridge is attached to the priesthood.”

Old Testament: A chief priest is a mediator for his people. He is the leader of the priest class. The high priest, once a year on the Day of Atonement, enters the Holy of Holies. The priest must offer for his own sins and for the sins of his people.

New Testament: Christ assumes the role of the perfect High Priest. Christ offers Himself as a perfect a sacrifice and mediator. The chief priests’ status is diminished in comparison to Christ. The chief priests often oppose Jesus.

Heb.4:15: “…we…have a high priest…”==> habemus pontifecm (we have a high priest). Does this sound familiar? ==> Habemus papem (This is stated when the Cardinals select a new Pope.

Scripture:

Mk. 11:18: “The chief priests and scribes came to hear of it and were seeking a way to put Him to death, yet they feared Him because the crowd was astonished at His teaching.” (The chief priests become opponents to Jesus.)

Heb.2:17: “He had to become like His brothers in every way, that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest to expiate the sins of the people.” (Because Jesus was tested through what He suffered, He is able to help those who are being tested.)

Heb.5:10:”He was declared by God high priest according to the order of Melchizedek.” (Melchizedek, a type of Christ, offered sacrifices with bread and wine. Jesus becomes a priest forever in order of Melchizedek.)

Heb.7:27: “He has no need, as did the earlier high priests, to offer sacrifice day after day, first for His own sins and then for those of the people; He did that once for all when He offered Himself.” (Unlike previous high priests, Jesus offers up Himself as the perfect sacrifice for all.)

Heb.9:11: “But when Christ came as high priest, passing through the greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made by human hands, that is, not belonging to this creation.” (Christ, the high priest, has actually entered the true sanctuary of heaven that is not of human making. His place there is permanent. His offering of His own blood won eternal redemption.)

Christianity:

1. The word pontifex later becomes a term for Christian bishop, including the Bishop of Rome.
2. Tertullian, in heresy rebuking Pope Calixtus I (218-222 AD), ironically bestowed upon him the title of Pontifex Maximus.
3. In the 15th century, the Renaissance stirred up new interest in ancient Rome.
4. This became an unofficial regular title of honor for the Pope.

Etymology:

1. This Latin term comes from pons (bridge) and the verb facere (to make).
2. The position means bridge-builder and bridge mater. There were major bridges over the sacred Tiber River.
3. The pontifices were originally thought to be ones who smoothed the “bridge between gods and man.
4. There is mention of an arch-priest in 2 Macc.4:7.
5. The pontifex maximus was the highest office in the state religion of ancient Rome.
6. In 1453 Pontifex Maximus becomes an official title of the Bishop of Rome.
7. Pope Benedict XVI adopted @pontifex as his X handle. This was also later maintained by Pope Francis and Pope Leo XIV

Conclusion:

Pontiff, hierarchy, arch-priest

From this comes the words pontiff and hierarchy. It interesting to note that the emperor, chief priest, and pope have similar roles, leading an organization of priests of some form. The pontiff or pope, as successor to Peter, continues to serve as bridge between God and the Church.

Update: Pope Leo XIV has called for a Church of bridges, not walls-urging unity, humility, and courage in faith.

Many are already hopefully saying that Pope Leo XIV could be a bridge builder, ending the liturgical wars.

“We walk together, as St. Augustine said, on the path toward Christ. We have to be a Church that builds bridges, and to keep our arms open.” Pope Leo XIV