Bible Commentaries
Hebrews 13

Verse 1

Exhortations to Social Manifestations v. 1-6

1) "Let brotherly love," (he philadelphia) "The brotherly love," love of brethren existing love, work and labor and ministry of love, which they had formerly shown, Hebrews 6:10.

2) "Continue," (meneto) "Let it remain," abide, roll out and on, be shown to others. By it others could see that they were disciples of Jesus, obeying his final biddings, John 13:34-35; Ecclesiastes 11:1-6.

a) In honor preferring one another, Romans 12:10.

b) As taught of God, 1 Thessalonians 4:9-10.

c) With a pure heart fervently, 1 Peter 1:22.

d) Love the brotherhood, the church especially, 1 Peter 2:17.

e) Have compassion, be courteous and pitiful, 1 Peter 3:8; 1 Peter 4:8; and charitable, for such covers a multitude of sins.

f) What one knows by love, 1 John 3:11; 1 John 4:7; 1 John 4:20-21.

It appears that brotherly love was growing careless, decaying, causing them to drift from regular fellowship, church attendance, and communion around the word of God. This was a charge to a kindling or revival of that first love, Hebrews 10:24-25.

Verse 2

1) "Be not forgetful to entertain strangers;" (tes philoksenias me epilanthanesthe) "Do not be forgetful (negligent) of hospitality," or "entertainment of strangers do not neglect;" To be hospitable, to entertain strangers is a Christian testimony and courtesy commended of our Lord, Matthew 25:35; By Paul, Romans 12:13; 1 Timothy 3:2; and by Peter, 1 Peter 4:9.

2) "For thereby," (dia tautes gar) "Because by means of this," of showing hospitality in social matters of daily life, Matthew 5:15-16.

3) "Some have entertained angels unawares," (tines kesenisantes angelous) "Some entertained angels," in ancient times, as Abraham and Lot did, Genesis 18:2-3; Genesis 18:22; Genesis 19:1-2; Gideon did, Judges 6:11-24; Manoah and his wife did, Judges 13:2-23.

It is also true that the entertaining of men of God, showing hospitality to people of God who are socially strangers, is one way to receive a blessing from God’s throne, for every saint of God has an unseen angel or angels encamped around about, Psalms 34:7; Matthew 25:35.

A GENIUS FOR KINDNESS

"There is a man," said his neighbor, speaking of a village carpenter, "who has done more good, I really believe, in this community than any other person who ever lived in it. He cannot talk very well in prayer meetings, and he doesn’t very often try. He isn’t worth two thousand dollars, and it’s very little he can put down on subscription papers for any good object. But a new family never moves into the village that he does not find them out, to give them a neighborly welcome and offer any little service he can render. He is usually on the lookout to give strangers a seat in his pew at church. He is always ready to watch with a sick neighbor, and look after his affairs for him; and I’ve sometimes thought he and his wife keep houseplants in winter just for the sake of being able to send little bouquets to invalids. He finds time for a pleasant word for every child he meets, and you’ll always see them climbing into his one-horse wagon when he has no other load. He really seems to have a genius for helping folks in all sorts of common ways, and it does me good every day just to meet him on the streets."

- Baxendale’s Anecdotes

Verse 3

1) "Remember them that are in bonds," (mimneskesthe ton desmion) "You all be mindful of the prisoners," empathize with, enter into compassion for those who are in shackles, chains or imprisoned for the cause of Christ, Matthew 12:36; Romans 12:15; "Rejoicing with those that rejoice and weeping with those that weep," Go to visit, console, give assurance that you care for those in trouble, even in prison, Psalms 142:4.

2) "As bound with them;” (hos sundedemenoi) "As if bound with them;” Be more than a fair weather friend to those who you know can return your favor. Show compassion, never expecting a returned favor, to those who may never be able to do the same for you and do it for love, because Jesus has done it for you, Colossians 4:18; 1 Peter 3:18.

3) "And them which suffer adversity," (ton kskouchoumemon) "Of those being ill-treated or abused," remember with concern, compassion and comfort; Our God shows compassion and comforts us in all our troubles, that we may be able to show the same in a physical way, 2 Corinthians 1:3-11.

4)"As being yourselves also in the body;” (hos kai autoi ontes en somati) "As if even you yourselves were in a body," bound, ill-treated as they are. Do you try to help or avoid those in trouble? Never is the "golden rule" of more pragmatic or practical value than in a time of trouble or adversity. "Whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them, for this is (the essence of) the law and the prophets," Matthew 7:12; Luke 6:31-36.

Help others to the extent you should like to be helped under the same affliction or adversity, expecting nothing in return, as the Pharisees did, our Lord advised.

CHRISTIAN SYMPATHY

During the prevalence of the small-pox in Greenland, which proved very fatal, the Moravian missionaries showed the greatest kindness and attention to the poor inhabitants; they accommodated as many as their house would contain, surrendering to the afflicted even their own sleeping chambers; and thus, though unable to make themselves distinctly understood by words, they preached by their conduct, without effect. One man who always derided them when in health expressed his obligation to the minister shortly before he died: "Thou hast done for us what our own people would not do; for thou hast fed us when we had nothing to eat - thou hast buried our dead, who would else have been consumed by the dogs, foxes, and ravens, thou hast also instructed us in the knowledge of God, and hast told us of a better life."

Verse 4

1) "Marriage is honorable in all," (timios ho gamos en pasin) "Let marriage be honorable in or among all," be considered honorable by all people. For it is ordained by God for the physical, emotional, and spiritual good of all, as a basis for the structure of home and family life, Genesis 2:18; Genesis 2:21; Malachi 2:14-15; Matthew 19:3-6.

2) "And the bed undefiled," (kai he koite amiantos) "And let the marriage bed of conjugal relations be considered undefiled," from the sin of fornication, as the two are one flesh in holy matrimony of the Divine order, 1 Corinthians 6:9-10; 1 Corinthians 7:9; 1 Corinthians 7:18-20. It is in the sanctity of union of matrimony as one that inter-sex conjugal relations are sanctified for the physical, emotional, and spiritual fulfillment of the two and bringing of children into the world, not outside of marriage, Genesis 2:24; Genesis 3:16.

3) "But whoremongers and adulterers," (pornos gar kai moichous) "Because fornicators and adulterers;” those practicing, indulging in a pattern of Divinely disapproved sex behavior with the opposite sex, male or female, without marriage to them - engaging in sex conjugal conduct of morally and ethically condemned nature, without marriage, are condemned in the practice, Ephesians 5:5; Colossians 3:5-6; Revelation 22:15.

4) "God will judge," (krinei ho theos) "The God (of righteousness) will judge;” when every work "with every secret thing," shaII be brought into judgment, Ecclesiastes 11:9; Ecclesiastes 12:13-14; 2 Corinthians 5:10-11; Matthew 12:36; Romans 2:16; Romans 14:10-12; 1 Corinthians 4:5. Men should live in awe, holy respect of the pre-judgment warning, that they shall be judged in the light of their deeds - even every secret thing that shall be brought to light, that men might flee to Jesus as their Saviour and Advocate and Intercessor for their sins!

ADVICE OF THEMISTOCLES

An Athenian who was hesitating whether to give his daughter in marriage to a man of worth with a small fortune, or to a rich man who had no other recommendation, went to consult Themistocles on the subject. "I would bestow my daughter," said Themistocles, "upon a man without money, rather than upon money without a man.

Verse 5

1) "Let your conversation be without covetousness," (aphilarguos ho tropos) "Let the way (course) of your life, your disposition, be without, or void of, the love of money;” As in other places moral impurity and love of money are closely connected, 1 Timothy 6:10; 1 Timothy 6:17-18; 1 John 2:15-17. Let your manner of life be void of lustful greed, avarice, etc. called covetousness, which is idolatry, the "king" of all sins, Matthew 6:25; Matthew 6:24; Luke 10:12; Ephesians 5:3; Colossians 3:5.

2) "And be content with such things as ye have;” (arkoumenoi tois parousin) "Be satisfied with the things you have at the present;” Paul had learned, "In whatsoever state (or condition) he was in, therewith to be content," Philippians 4:11-12. So should Christians today. He further affirmed that "Godliness with contentment is great gain," a fine investment, 1 Timothy 6:6-8.

3) "For he hath said," (autos gar eireken) "Because he has said," and his "word is true, from the beginning," Psalms 119:160; God the judge of all men has spoken and what he has said holds firm, changes not, Deuteronomy 31:5-6; Deuteronomy 31:8.

4) "I will never leave thee," (ou me se ano) "By no means (at all) will I leave you," abandon or desert you; He kept his promise to Jacob, Genesis 28:15; and Moses and Israel and Joshua, Joshua 1:5-9.

5) "Nor forsake thee," (oud’ ou me se egkatalipo) "No, nor at all will I desert you," forsake or abandon you. This pledge of faith, David gave to Solomon, his son, regarding the faithfulness of God to his promises, 1 Chronicles 28:20. This once fallen man, now after God’s own heart, having grown old wrote in assurance, Psalms 37:23-25.

Verse 6

1) "So that we may boldly say," (hoste tharrountas hemas legein) "So that being of good cheer we may say," we are able, enabled to say confidently - to accept his Divine promises based on testamentary and personal experiences of his fulfilled promises and care of us and others in the past, Joshua 21:45; Joshua 23:14; 1 Kings 8:56.

2) "The Lord is my helper," (kurios emoi boethos) "The Lord (is) exists as a helper (aid) to me;” as David did, Psalms 23:1-6; Psalms 27:1. He is my Shepherd guide in and to eternal life, John 10:27-29.

3) "I will not fear," (ou phobethesomai) "So I will not fear," or be fearful of the unknown, Psalms 56:4; Psalms 56:11-13; Romans 8:15; Hebrews 2:15. He delivers from fear all who put their full trust in him, Proverbs 3:3-5.

4) "What man shall do unto me," (ti poiesei moi anthropos) "What man will do to or toward me;” What a wicked man may do to one who is in the will of God, should not deter one from the path of his first love or fidelity of obedience to Jesus Christ in matters of morals, ethics, and spiritual obligations to God, Matthew 6:33; Acts 5:29; Psalms 118:6.

Daniel and the three Hebrew children did not; Stephen did not; Paul did not; John the Revelator did not; neither did our Lord, all for the hope that was set before them in Jesus, Hebrews 12:2; Romans 8:11; Romans 8:17-18; 1 Corinthians 15:58; 2 Timothy 4:7-8; Revelation 14:13.

Verse 7

1) "Remember them that have the rule over you," (Mnemoneuete ton hegoumenon humon) "Remember the ones (those) continually having the leading over you all," or those leading you all, as guides, by reason of their knowledge and influence. The Hebrew church brethren were exhorted to keep in remembrance, to the church the memory of their former teachings concerning Jesus Christ, and persevere in good works, as Paul motivated the Corinthians to do, 1 Corinthians 4:16; 1 Corinthians 11:1-2; Luke 9:23; Ephesians 5:1-2; Philippians 3:17; 1 Thessalonians 1:6; 2 Thessalonians 3:9.

2) "Who have spoken to you the word of God," (oitines elalesan humin ton logon tou theou) "Who spoke to you (taught you all) the word of God;” This does not say "him" that has the rule, but "them," who guide you in acquiring a knowledge of the word; The church, not the pastor or bishop alone, has the commission to teach the word. To do this new testament churches ordained mature church brethren called elders, "apt to teach" to place over the church teachings, Acts 14:23; Acts 15:6; Acts 15:23; 1 Timothy 5:17-19; 2 Timothy 2:2; Titus 1:5.

3) "Whose faith follow," (mimeisthe ten pistin) "You all imitate their faith," follow their system of teaching, of the word; the teachings of mature loyal faithful servants as teachers of God are to be followed faithfully, Hebrews 6:12; Titus 1:9-11; 2 Timothy 2:2; Judges 1:1-3.

4) "Considering the end of their conversation," (hon anatheorountes ten ekbasin tes anastrophes) "Observing, surveying the result of their conduct," their behavior or course of daily living, their exemplary lives. Only ordained brethren, elders, as a plurality, (not singularly as a despot), have the teaching leadership over the church of Jesus Christ. Paul was an exemplary elder, but never a bishop, a pastor, or usurper of authority in any matter, over any congregation, where he served as an apostle and missionary elder, Matthew 20:25-26; 1 Corinthians 9:22-26.

Verse 8

1) "Jesus Christ the same," (iesous christos ho autos) "Jesus Christ is the same," exists the same, unchangeable in nature and Divine attributes. It is he who is worthy of being remembered, followed, and obeyed, beyond the example of the best of men, Psalms 102:27; Hebrews 1:12; Hebrews 7:24-25.

2) "Yesterday," (echteis) "The eternal one of yesterday," the Alpha, the Omega, the great, "I am," eternal one. There was never a yesterday when he did not exist! He was, is, and always will be the same, never different from one day to the next, Hebrews 1:12; John 8:58; Exodus 3:14.

3) "And today," (kai semeron) "And the existing eternal one today," at this moment. To John he revealed himself as the one who is, was, and is to come, as well as the Alpha and Omega, the one alive forevermore, Revelation 1:4; Revelation 1:8; Revelation 1:18.

4) "And forever," (kai eis tous aionas) And he exists into the eternal ages;” as the one who has the "keys of hell and of death," he is alive forevermore, never to die again, Revelation 1:18; Revelation 4:9-10; Revelation 5:14; John 10:27; John 10:29.

Verse 9

1) "Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines," (didachais poikilais kai kenais me parapheresthe) "Do not be carried off, off from Christ, (away) as by a flood, by means of varying and strange teachings," Galatians 1:6-9; Ephesians 4:14; Colossians 2:8; 1 John 4:1; such as the independent, self-appointed, truth-squad, of Jewish apostates who went out from the Jerusalem church of their own accord, without sanction of the church, and went up to the church at Antioch in Syria, teaching that men had to keep the law of Moses and be circumcised to be or to stay saved, Acts 15:1-3; Acts 15:5; Acts 15:24-29.

2) "For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace;” (kalon gar chariti bebaiousthai ten kardian) "Because it is a good (ideal) thing that the heart be confirmed (stabilized) by grace," not by rituals and ceremonies, especially of the Law of Moses. They had been admonished to go not to the sacrificial altar for grace to help, but to go boldly to the mercy seat, before the Father, to talk to, to petition Jesus, who awaits the petition of his children, Hebrews 4:16; Ephesians 2:18; Ephesians 3:12; Hebrews 10:19; Hebrews 10:21-22.

3) "Not with meats," (ou bromasin) "Not by foods," things, clean or unclean, that merely satisfy physical hunger. These do not give strength to spiritual emotions, the heart of the soul of man, 1 Timothy 4:1-3; Romans 14:17; Romans 4:3-5; Titus 3:5-6.

4) "Which have not profited," (en ois ouk ophelethesan) "By which they were not profited," The blood of bulls and of goats and the eating of the sacrifices could not save the soul from hell; to depend on it, rejecting Jesus Christ was to be damned, Hebrews 10:4; Hebrews 10:14; John 8:24; Mark 16:16; Acts 4:12.

5) "Them that have been occupied therein," (hoi peripatountes) "Those walking around ceremonially pursuing, chasing, or going after merely food to satisfy this physical body," and those seeking to acquire or retain salvation by the outward morals, ethics, and rites of the Law of Moses, as the Pharisees, Sadducees, Paul and Jesus had done, Matthew 5:20; Romans 1:15-16; Romans 10:1-4.

Verse 10

1) "We have an altar," (echomen thusiasterion) "We have, hold, possess, or control an altar;” The "we" here refers to the new covenant people, the house that Jesus built, the church of the living God, in contrast with the house that Moses built, the program of sacrificial worship; Hebrews 3:1-6; Mark 13:34-37; 1 Timothy 3:15; Ephesians 2:19-22; 1 Peter 2:5; 1 Peter 2:9-10.

2) "Whereof they have no right to eat," (hou phagein ouk echousin eksousian) "Of which they have or hold not authority (a right or privilege) to eat," to partake in intimate eating fellowship of the Lord’s supper, at his table, in remembrance of him, till he comes again. The only eating that the church is to do in worship is the Lord’s Supper and none, except those who are members of his church, has any right to eat at this memorial altar or supper of worship, 1 Corinthians 10:20-22.

3) "Which serve the tabernacle," (hoi te skene latreuontes) "Those Jews and priests religiously serving, worshipping at the tabernacle," at another form, a differing program and order of worship service, where animal sacrifices were still then being made in Jerusalem, perhaps a little less than ten years before the temple of sacrificial worship was destroyed by Titus of Thespasia, in fulfillment of our Lord’s prophecy of the Jews into all nations till the time of the Gentiles be fulfilled, Matthew 24:2; Luke 19:41-44; Luke 21:20-24.

A new covenant order of worship that was better, and superseded the old covenant order, had been established by Jesus Christ, and so many were neglecting its table of ordinances, and fellowship and new program of teaching and worship. For such they had been chided by Paul, again and again, Hebrews 2:1-3; Hebrews 3:6-9; Hebrews 4:11; Hebrews 4:16; Hebrews 5:11-14; Hebrews 6:1-3; Hebrews 10:19-25; Hebrews 10:32; Hebrews 10:37.

Verse 11

1) "For the bodies of those beasts," (hon gar eispheretai zoon) "For the carcasses of those animals," those offered in the Mosaic sacrificial program of worship; That of the sin offering was disposed as follows, Exodus 29:14; Leviticus 6:30.

2) "Whose blood is brought into the sanctuary," (to hima eispheretai eis ta hagia) "Whose blood is carried into the area of the holies," the holy of holy place. For it was the blood alone that was offered as an acknowledgment of ones need of cleansing, Hebrews 9:22. The blood was drawn from the body of the sacrificial animal, then the carcass was disposed of as Divinely directed, Leviticus 4:11-12; Leviticus 4:21; Leviticus 6:30; Leviticus 9:11; Leviticus 16:27.

3) "By the high priest for sin," (dia tou archiereos peri hamartias) "By the high priest, concerning sins," on the day of atonement, on behalf of sins committed by the people, Leviticus 17:1-7; Hebrews 9:6-12; Hebrews 9:23-26. Christ is the High Priest of our profession, who offers his own blood to atone for our sins, Hebrews 9:24-26.

4) "Are burned without the camp," (touton ta somata katakaietai ekso tes paremboles) "Those bodies or carcasses (of these animals) are burned outside the camp," for disposition, sanitary purposes, and a type of Christ’s death outside the Holy City, without the wall, the gate, among the heathen, disclaimed by his own people. The red heifer offering was one that was made "without the camp," separate and apart from the altar of sacrifice, definitively, specifically, and prophetically declaring that Christ should be thus offered at Calvary, without the city wall, John 19:17; Numbers 15:35-36; Acts 7:58.

Verse 12

1) "Wherefore Jesus also," (dio kai iesous) "Wherefore Jesus even," as well, also, the antitype, in fulfillment of the type of burning carcasses and stoning of criminals, both of which were required by the law, as cited above, Leviticus 6:30; Leviticus 9:11; Leviticus 16:27.

2) "That he might sanctify the people," (hina hagiase ton laon) "In order that he might sanctify the people;” Titus 2:14; redeem, cleanse, set apart a special people, shed his blood, bearing our sins in his own body, on the tree, on Calvary without the gate, apart from any connection with the Law sacrifices and altars, 1 Peter 1:18-19; .

3) "With his own blood," (dia tou idiou haimatos) "Through (or by means of) his own blood;” It became and becomes our propitiation, thru faith, Romans 3:24-25; Ephesians 1:7.

4) "Suffered without the gate," (eksotes pules epathen) "He (also) suffered without the gate," the Eastern Gate, without the holy city, among the heathen, where thugs and murderers were crucified or stoned, John 19:17-18; Galatians 3:13; numbered or identified with the transgressors in his death, Isaiah 53:12; Mark 15:27-28; Luke 22:37.

Verse 13

1) "Let us go forth therefore unto him," (toinun ekserchometha pros auton) "So let us go forth of our own accord unto him;” Let us follow him, (Jesus) in his covenant call and labors, without the camp of Judaism, apart from Law worship, into all nations, Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15.

2) "Without the camp," (ekso tes paremboles) "Outside the camp," our regular camping place, as Jews, around the Law altars. This is a plea to bear the message of Jesus, thru his church into all the world, John 20:21; Acts 1:8. The “ye" that is called to go is the church "ye," Matthew 28:18-20; Ephesians 3:21.

3) "Bearing his reproach," (ton oneidismon autou pherontes) "Continually bearing his reproach," the reproach that the world has against him, still despising, scoffing, and deriding his call to salvation and service, John 15:20; Acts 17:32-34; Hebrews 11:26; 1 Peter 4:14; Matthew 5:11-12.

Verse 14

1) "For here have we no continuing city," (ou gar echomen hode menousan polin) "Because we do not have, hold, or possess a continuing, secure, or satisfying city here," "here on earth," for the soul, for all cities and dwelling places here shall pass away, even perish with the heavens and the earth, Matthew 24:35; Hebrews 1:10-12; Hebrews 11:10; Hebrews 11:16.

2) "But we seek one to come," (alla ten mellousan epizetoumen) "But we seek (look toward) the coming one," Philippians 3:20; that one which is to come, as an home for the heirs of God; Even by faith, like Abraham, we keep on tenting and looking; John beheld the city, so shall we one day, Hebrews 11:10; Hebrews 11:16; Revelation 21:2; Revelation 21:9-10; 1 Corinthians 2:9; 2 Corinthians 4:18. Because that which is spiritual and eternal in the present experience of salvation now gives peace, joy, and hope, we as believers keep on working and waiting, knowing the lights of the city are not far away, John 14:1-3; Hebrews 10:36-37.

Verse 15

1) "By him therefore let us offer," (di’ autou anapheromen thusian) "Through him (Jesus) therefore, let us offer up a sacrifice;” not through the rites, ceremonies, sacrifices, and rituals of Moses’ Law; Colossians 3:17; Giving thanks and praise, and service always thru the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, Ephesians 5:20; 1 Peter 2:5.

2) "The sacrifice of praise to God continually," (thusian aineseos dia pantos to theo) "The sacrifice of praise always to God," 1 Peter 2:5; 1 Peter 2:9; The "us" particularly refers to the church, the new covenant Fellowship, that our Lord established, purchased with his own blood, and empowered by the Holy Spirit, and commissioned to bear his gospel and worship and service till he comes again, Ephesians 5:20; Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 10:31.

3) "That is, the fruit of our lips," (tout’ estin karpon cheilon) "This praise is (exists as) fruit of our lips," testimony of praise to him; Hosea 14:2; David gave him such praise, Psalms 40:1-3; Peter did, Acts 4:12; Acts 10:43.

4) "Giving thanks to his name," (homologounton to onomati autou) "Confessing (giving thanks) continually to his name;” "Let the redeemed of the Lord say so," Psalms 107:2; Paul did, Acts 26:27-29; Romans 1:15-16; 2 Corinthians 9:15.

Verse 16

1) "But to do good and to communicate," (tes de eupoiias kai koinonias) "But of doing good and sharing coming things (with others);" To the needy first of the church, the household of faith, then to those about us in the world. We are to remember to lend with charity, an helping hand to the needy, 1 Timothy 6:17-19; Romans 12:13; Galatians 6:10; Ecclesiastes 11:1-6.

2) "Forget not," (me epilanthanesthe) "You all be not negligent or forgetful;” charity says to an unloved world, "I care, I have compassion;" Let no child of God neglect cultivating it, daily, for to know to do good, and neglect it, is to sin, James 4:17; 1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:8; Hebrews 13:2.

3) "For with such sacrifices," (toiautais gar thusiais) "Because with such sacrifices," of charity, doing good to those in need, even in foregoing something of ones more personal interest, honors the name of Jesus Christ, who “went about showing compassion and doing good," Matthew 9:35-38; Acts 10:38; 2 Corinthians 9:12.

4) "God is well pleased," (euaresteitai hotheos) "God is well pleased," at all times, Philippians 4:18; Hebrews 6:10; 1 Corinthians 3:8-9. Let your deeds of love be seen toward men, as well as your thanksgiving be heard, and you will be a good witness and light bearer, Matthew 5:15-17; James 1:22.

Verse 17

1) "Obey them that have the rule over you," (peithesthe tois hegoumenois humon) "Be ye persuaded to or toward those (having) the leadership of you," those guiding, teaching you the word of God, those who are "worthy of double honor (double pay)," Divinely appointed, ordained as elders, mature brethren to guide-rule in word and doctrine; Philippians 2:29; 1 Thessalonians 5:12. Support them in spirit of cooperation and financially, Galatians 6:6; 1 Timothy 5:17-18.

2) "And submit yourselves," (kai hupeikete) "Submit to them;” be in earnest, giving heed to, following their teachings, 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13. As opposed to the false teachers who often crept in unawares, bringing strange doctrines and a mutinous, divisive spirit, 1 Timothy 5:17; 2 Peter 2:1-3; Judges 1:4; Judges 1:8; Judges 1:10; Judges 1:16; Judges 1:19.

3) "For they watch for your souls," (autoi gar agrupnousin huper ton psuchon humon) “Because they watch on behalf of your souls," for the welfare of your lives, as a shepherd cares for his sheep as they teach and guide you in the word of God, 1 Corinthians 11:1-2.

4) "As they that must give account," (hos logon apodosontes) "As rendering an account," those who must give account for what they teach. Ezekiel 3:17-19; Ezekiel 33:7-11; Acts 20:26. There is a special day of accounting for those who guide and misguide in teaching the word of God, 1 Timothy 2:15; 2 Corinthians 5:10.

5) "That they may do it with joy," (hina meta charas touto poiosin) "In order that they may do this with joy," 2 Corinthians 1:24; 1 Thessalonians 1:6; 1 John 1:4.

6) "And not with grief," (kai me stenzontes) "And not groaning," with grief or regret. Each member of the church should respect the church elected leadership of elders, pastor, etc. and try to help make their work a joy, so long as they guide in the word of truth, Judges 1:1-4.

7) "For that is unprofitable for you," (alusiteles gar humin touto) "For this would be unprofitable to you;” No teacher, leader, or guide can give his best in service to a person of inattention or ingratitude.

Verse 18

1) "Pray for us;” (proseuchesthe peri hemon) "Pray ye concerning us," or "you all pray for us;” 1 Thessalonians 5:25; Apostles, Elders, Pastors, and Teachers true to God feel their need of prayers of those they instruct and guide, 2 Thessalonians 3:11; Romans 15:30; Romans 15:32; Ephesians 6:19-20; Colossians 4:3-4.

2) "For we trust we have a good conscience," (peithometha gar hoti kalen suneidesin echomen) "Because we are persuaded (convinced) that we have a good (or ideal) conscience;” Paul spoke primarily of his own conscience, as indicated in the following verse, but perhaps also refers to those teaching elders who had the leadership rule over the churches, Acts 23:1; Acts 24:16; 2 Corinthians 1:12.

3) "In all things willing to live honestly," (en pasin kalos thelontes anastrephesthai) "Continually willing to believe in all respects;” providing a testimony and general reputation of honesty, integrity, in life and office, Romans 12:17; Romans 14:16; 2 Corinthians 8:21. It appears that Paul and Timothy had been detained on false civil charges in Italy, perhaps Rome, from which detainment they hoped soon to be set free, so as to visit the brethren in Judea, perhaps the church at Jerusalem, to whom this letter was first written, Hebrews 13:22-24.

Verse 19

1) "But I beseech you the rather to do this," (perissoteros de parakalo touto poiesai) "And I more abundantly beseech (earnestly request) or exhort you to do this," to offer prayers in my behalf, that I may yet come to visit with you and be of service to my Lord; Paul believed, as James, that "Effectual fervent prayers" availed much, James 5:17; Romans 15:30-33.

2) "That I may be restored to you the sooner," (hina tachion apokatastatho humin) "In order that I may be restored (brought back safely) to you all sooner, or more quickly, Philemon 1:2. Paul considered himself to belong to the Judean church brethren, who both received him into their church fellowship, and sent (stello-commissioned) him to go forth, as the church at Antioch also once did, Acts 9:26-30; Acts 13:1-4.

Verse 20

1) "Now the God of peace," (ho de theos tes eirenes) "Now (may) the God of peace," of tranquillity, 2 Thessalonians 3:16; who stills all trouble, who "keeps in perfect peace" those whose minds and hearts are fixed on him, Isaiah 26:3; Romans 15:33; Philippians 4:6-9; 1 Thessalonians 5:23.

2) "That brought again from the dead," (ho anagagon ek nekron) "The one who is having been brought up out of the dead," Romans 8:11; from among the bodies of the dead, Acts 2:23-24; 1 Peter 1:21; He lives again, from the dead, Romans 4:24; Romans 8:11; 1 Corinthians 6:14; This is the essence of the gospel, 1 Corinthians 15:1-4.

3) "Our Lord Jesus," (ton kurion hemon iesoun) "The Lord of us, Jesus;” who is our master, whose word and voice is to be obeyed in service today, Hebrews 1:1-3; 2 Corinthians 4:3-5; 2 Corinthians 6:14.

4) "That great shepherd of the sheep," (ton poimena ton probaton ton megan) "The great shepherd of the sheep;” Foretold in prophecy, revealed in time, and who is to come again for his sheep, Psalms 23:1-6; Isaiah 40:11; Ezekiel 34:22-26; John 10:11; John 10:14; 1 Peter 2:25; 1 Peter 5:1-4. He is the Good, Great, and Chief Shepherd of his flock.

5) "Through the blood of the everlasting covenant," (en haimati diathekes aioniou) "In, with (the) blood of an eternal covenant," a covenant existing in and from eternity before time began, before the foundation of the world, Hebrews 9:15-18; 1 Peter 1:20; Revelation 13:8; Revelation 17:8; Hebrews 10:29; Zechariah 9:11. It is the "blood of the covenant," the blood that Jesus shed when he came to do his Father’s will, that fulfilled the meaning of all animal sacrifice covenants of God’s people from Adam to Christ, thru which redemption was effected, Revelation 5:9-14.

Verse 21

1) "Make you perfect in every good work," (katartisai humas en panti agatho) "May he adjust you in every good thing," or every good matter, disposition, or attitude. After one becomes a new creature his disposition or attitude toward morals, ethics, daily conversation, treatment of others, the language he uses, places he goes, and even business practices should be changed to conform to Christ, 2 Corinthians 5:17; Romans 12:1; Romans 12:12; Ephesians 5:15-18.

2) "To do his will," (eis to poiesai to thelema autou) "With relation to the continual doing of his will," or doing his will without interruption, with view to his honor and his glory, Ephesians 5:16-17.

3) "Working in you that which is well pleasing," (poion en hemin to euareston) "Continually doing in us the things that are well pleasing, acceptable;” Philippians 2:13; 2 Corinthians 3:5-6.

4) "In his sight, through Jesus Christ;” (enopion autou dia iesou christou) "Before his face through Jesus Christ;” Paul desired that God should make these Hebrew brethren mature in every holy disposition and attitude through Jesus Christ, as the Father beheld them or observed them from heaven, in their evil and good, Proverbs 15:3; Job 34:21.

5) "To whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen." (ho he doksa eis tous aionas ton aionion amen) "To whom be glory into the ages of the ages," Galatians 1:4-5; Revelation 1:16; There is a forever and ever to which all men are attached.

It is the purpose, will, and appeal of the whole Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) and the work of the church, to appeal for men to prepare to and pursue the course of giving God glory in the church by Christ Jesus in this and all succeeding ages, Ephesians 3:21.

Verse 22

1) "And I beseech you brethren," (parakalo de humas adelphoi) "And I beseech you all, brethren;” The brethren of address, perhaps the church at Jerusalem, called "The House," covenant of worship, Fellowship and Service that Jesus built, in contrast to the house Moses built, Hebrews 3:1-6; .

2) "Suffer the word of exhortation," (aechesthe tou logou tes parakleseos) "Permit, bear with me, or endure the word of beseeching," 2 Corinthians 10:1; of compassionate appeal of the entire Epistle of loving motivation, because I care for or love you - This was the yearning spirit of the old soldier of the cross, as he was near the end of life’s way; 2 Timothy 4:7-8; 2 Peter 1:12-15.

3) "For I have written a letter unto you in few words," (kai gar dis bracheon epesteila humin) "For indeed by means of a few words I wrote to you all;” His word had been few, in the light of what he might have written, and his desire to be with and a blessing to them, a spirit also expressed by Peter in his writings, 1 Peter 5:12.

Verse 23

1) "Know ye that our brother Timothy," (ginoskete ton adelphon hemon Timotheon) "You all know that Timothy our brother;” a minister and companion in missionary labors with Paul, Romans 16:21; 1 Corinthians 16:10-11; 2 Corinthians 1:19; Whose mother was a Jewess and father a Greek, but who himself was circumcised, to be a guest among the Jews in witnessing without offence, Acts 16:1-4.

2) "Is set at liberty;” (apolelumenon) "Who is having been released," 1 Timothy 6:12; or set out at liberty. Where, when, or for what offence he had been under arrested or detained by civil authorities is not known, but the Hebrew brethren, to whom the letter was written, would be interested in learning of his release, Romans 12:15.

3) "With whom if he comes shortly," (meth hou ean tachion erchetai) "If I (he) come shortly;” Paul evidently expected Timothy to go to these Hebrew brethren, immediately upon his release from arrest; and he speaks, writes, as one himself free, or immediately expecting to be free, to travel of his own accord wherever he chose.

4) "I will see you," (opsomai humas) "I will see all (of) you," a promise, a pledge, a strong desire of concern to be with, strike hands with, and see these Hebrew church brethren, face to face, similar to the desire he had once expressed to the church brethren in Rome, Romans 15:30-33.

Verse 24

1) "Salute all them that have the rule over you," (aspasasthe pantas tous hegoumenos humon) "Greet all those having or holding the leadership (rule) over you all;” Note the church brethren are called on to remember, "them," Hebrews 13:7; obey "them," Hebrews 13:17; and Salute “them," the elders in the plural, never a "him," that had the rule over them. See Matthew 20:25-26.

2) "And all the saints," (kai pantas tou hagious) "Even all the saints," all the "Holy brethren," members of the "House" that Jesus built, the church, Hebrews 3:1; Hebrews 3:6; The term "Saints" is never used to refer to all the saved, but to the saved restrictedly who have specifically, voluntarily, and obediently identified themselves with the Lord in service and worship, Judges 1:3.

3) "They of Italy salute you," (aspazontai humas hoiapo tes Italias) "Those from Italy greet you all;” Theological controversy abounds with speculation whether or not this letter was written by Paul from Rome or some other locality in Italy, to the Hebrew brethren in Jerusalem and Judea, which seems to be the correct view - or whether it was written from some other country and Paul had with him brethren from Italy who sent their greetings to the Hebrew church brethren, together with his greetings.

Verse 25

1) "Grace be," (he charis) "May grace be," or exist. The Grace that saved Paul he always held up as adequate and desirable for others, Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 3:24; 2 Corinthians 12:9; Hebrews 4:16.

2) "With you all," (meta panton humin) "With all of you or with you all, because it was needed and was adequate-sufficient for all and each, Romans 5:20; Romans 11:6; 2 Peter 3:18.

3) "Amen." So may it be or exist; Promises in him are Amen, or confirmed in his attributes and his integrity, 2 Corinthians 1:20; Revelation 3:14.