3:1 holy brothers. This typical Christian title of address (3:12; 10:19; Acts 1:16; 1 Cor. 3:1) has special significance here, since Jesus has made us His “brothers” and “sanctified” us (2:11).

heavenly calling. The Lord calls from heaven, summoning us to enduring faith (12:25). He also calls us to heaven, the better country (11:16) and the eternal inheritance of those who are called (9:15).

consider. Since Christ is able to deal with the most important problems we face, the reader should be eager to give close attention to what will now be said about Him.

apostle. This title is applied to Jesus only here in the New Testament. It stresses His faithful accomplishment of the mission on which the Father sent Him (v. 2; cf. 10:5–10; John 6:38; 20:21).