John Calvin Commentary Hebrews 7:23

"And they indeed have been made priests many in number, because that by death they are hindered from continuing:" — Hebrews 7:23 (ASV)

And they truly, etc. He had already touched on this comparison; but as the subject deserved more attention, he unfolds it more fully. However, the point now discussed is different from what it was before.

Previously, he concluded that the ancient priesthood was to come to an end because those who exercised it were mortal. But now, he simply shows that Christ remains perpetually a priest.

He does this by an argument taken from things unequal: the ancient priests were many, because death put an end to their priesthood, but there is no death to prevent Christ from discharging his office. Therefore, he alone is a perpetual priest. Thus, a different cause produces different effects.