Priest(s)(hood) appears in the Old Testament 689 times.
And except for 6 references in Genesis 14:18, 41:45,50, 46:20, 47:22,26 and 3 in Exodus 2:16, 3:1, 18:1, they mostly refer to Jewish Leaders in the Tabernacle or Temple who offered animal sacrifices for the people.
In the New Testament 157 times. In the Gospels 93 times. In Acts 25 times. In Hebrews 34 times. Always referring to Jewish religious leaders in the Temple. Since the fall of the Temple in 70 AD, Religious Jewish leaders are referred to as Rabbis. (The priests were the ones who offered animal sacrifices in the Temple. That practiced ceased, but will start up again when the Temple is rebuilt).
In the early Jewish Church, in Acts, (Believers in the Lord Jesus as the Messiah) the leaders were referred to as Apostles, Deacons, Elders, Evangelist, Prophets ……
As Paul took the Gospel to the Gentiles and formed churches, the leaders were referred to as Bishops, Elders, Deacons, Preachers, Evangelist See CHURCH LEADERS ….. (Note: Priest(s) is never referenced by Paul in instructions to the Churches)
Some groups even refer to their leaders as “FATHER”. Look what the Lord Jesus says about that: Matthew 23:9 And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.
Peter writing to Jews (strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, because of the persecutions of Saul and other Jewish Leaders) reminds them of Exodus 19:5 Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine:. (1 Peter 2:5,9) This will occur when the Temple is rebuilt. John, writing in Revelation about the coming Tribulation also refers to this priesthood (Revelation 1:6). And again, in Revelation 5:10. Then when the kingdom is established on earth, with Christ ruling from Jerusalem for 1000 years, John writes (Revelation 20:6) Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.
This is all to the Jews, during that time.
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