Monday, 27 May 2019

And I appeal to you, brethren, bear with the word of exhortation, for I have written to you in few words. Hebrews 13:22

The author now makes a final appeal as a part of his closing comments by calling his audience “brethren.” He is writing to believers, and – as is the case in the Greek – the masculine stands for both males and females.… Read the rest

Sunday, 26 May 2019

…make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. Hebrews 13:21

This is the completion of the benediction which the author began in the previous verse.… Read the rest

Saturday, 25 May 2019

Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, Hebrews 13:20

The author now proclaims a benediction upon the reader which comprises verses 20 and 21. His opening words in this proclaim a title not found in the Old Testament, and which is only found in Paul’s writings elsewhere as he calls upon “the God of peace.” In Paul’s writings, as in Hebrews, there is normally something in the epistle which was elaborated on which would impede peace in one’s life, but which was addressed by the author to bring about a state of peace in those who applied the principle(s) to their lives.… Read the rest

Friday, 24 May 2019

But I especially urge you to do this, that I may be restored to you the sooner. Hebrews 13:19

The author now explains why he said in the previous verse, “Pray for us; for we are confident that we have a good conscience, in all things desiring to live honorably.” He is asking for prayers to be submitted more abundantly (as the Greek word implies) because something was hindering him from coming to them.… Read the rest

Thursday, 23 May 2019

Pray for us; for we are confident that we have a good conscience, in all things desiring to live honorably. Hebrews 13:18

Of the final verses of the epistle, Charles Ellicott notes the structure and layout as mirroring that of Paul’s other letters. For example, he says –

“The following verses—containing personal notices relating to the writer himself and his readers (Hebrews 13:18-19; Hebrews 13:22-23), a prayer on their behalf (Hebrews 13:20-21), a doxology (Hebrews 13:21), and brief salutations (Hebrews 13:24-25)—present many points of resemblance to the concluding sections in some of St.… Read the rest