Leviathan by Thomas Hobbes, Chapter 41 summary
Chapter 41 of 65 · Part 3: Of a Christian Commonwealth · 13 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 41, Christ’s work divides into redemption through sacrifice, conversion through teaching, and kingship beginning at the Resurrection, rather than during his earthly ministry. The argument preserves obedience to existing civil rulers and presents Christ’s human authority as subordinate to his Father, with Moses providing the model for both teaching and government.
What happens
- The argument distinguishes Christ’s three offices and assigns redemption, conversion, and kingship to different periods.
- The sacrificed goat and the scapegoat explain how Christ’s death and Resurrection remove sin through God’s acceptance.
- Christ’s earthly teaching prepares believers for his Kingdom without releasing them from obedience to existing magistrates.
- Pilate’s declaration of innocence supports the claim that Christ does not violate Caesar’s laws.
- Christ’s kingship begins at the Resurrection, includes judgment through his Apostles, and remains subordinate to his Father.
- Comparisons with Moses explain Christ’s appointments, sacraments, and representation of the same God through a distinct Person.
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In this chapter
What to notice
The argument reads this as a distinction between the present world and the world after the Resurrection. It grounds the separation between Christ’s earthly teaching and his kingship.
Quick check
Why does the argument treat Christ’s sacrifice as sufficient for human sins?
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