Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Hebrews 13:10

"We have an altar, whereof they have no right to eat that serve the tabernacle." — Hebrews 13:10 (ASV)

Some see the “altar” as the communion table (from which Christians, but not others, eat). But this is an odd way of interpreting the passage in the light of the point just made. This would simply be substituting one material thing for another, and the whole argument would fall to the ground. Instead, the writer is saying that the cross is distinctive to the Christian way. It was on a cross that the Christian sacrifice was offered. Thus it may not improperly be spoken of as an “altar.” In a Christian context the sacrifice must be on the cross, as the author has made abundantly clear in a number of places. “Those who minister at the tabernacle” are Jewish worshipers in general. Such people have no rights in the altar of the cross; the crucified Savior means nothing to them. The writer is again pointing his readers to the privilege Christians have and warning them against losing it.