12:24

Jesus the mediator of a new covenant: See study note on 1Ti 2:5 and Glossary, “Mediator.”

the sprinkled blood: This is a reference to Jesus’ blood. (1Pe 1:2) Paul evidently draws a parallel between Christ’s shed blood and the blood that was sprinkled on the Israelites when the Mosaic Law covenant was instituted. (Ex 24:6-8; Heb 9:19 and study note, 20) Jesus’ blood, which represented his perfect human life, was not literally sprinkled on Christians. However, Jehovah accepted it and used it to validate the new covenant between him and anointed Christians.​—Heb 9:12 and study note, 15, 23.

which speaks in a better way than Abel’s blood: Abel’s blood figuratively cried out to God for vengeance against Cain. (Ge 4:10) Jesus’ blood “speaks in a better way”: It provides the basis for applying the ransom to men and women of faith. While Jesus’ blood does not literally speak, it allows him to plead with God in our behalf. (Ro 8:34; Heb 7:25 and study note; 1Jo 1:7) His blood can redeem people from inherited sin and death and declare them righteous. (Ro 5:9; Heb 9:11, 12, 26) It thus does what the blood of Abel​—or any other imperfect human​—could never do.​—Ps 49:7, 8.