Final words (Hebrews 13:17–25)

I. A Right Response to Church Leaders (v. 17)

17 Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you.

A. When a servant of God is in the will of God, teaching the Word of God, the people of God should submit and obey.

This does not mean that pastors should be dictators. Some church members have a flippant attitude toward pastoral authority, and this is dangerous.

One day every pastor will have to give an account of Their ministry to the Lord, and we want to be able to do it with joy. A disobedient Christian will find on that day that the results of disobedience are unprofitable, not for the pastor, but for themselves

B. It is much easier to “win souls” than it is to “watch for souls”

The larger a church grows, the more difficult it becomes to care for the sheep. Sad to say, there are some ministers whose only work is to preach and “run the program”; they have no desire to minister to the souls placed in their care.

Some are even “hirelings” who work only for money, and who run away when danger is near (John 10:12–14). However, when a shepherd is faithful to watch for souls, it is important that the sheep obey him.

II. Prayer for One Another (vv. 18–21)

18 Pray for us; for we are confident that we have a good conscience, in all things desiring to live honorably. 19 But I especially urge you to do this, that I may be restored to you the sooner. 20 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, 21 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.

A. Their prayers for him.

He was unable to visit the readers personally, but he did want their prayer help. It is possible that some of his enemies had lied about him, so he affirms his honesty and integrity.

His conscience is now clear on the matter, for he wants to act in this as in all things only in an honourable manner, worthy of his vocation and the Christ he serves. By way of special emphasis, his request for prayer is repeated. He earnestly urges them to go on praying, just as he urged them earlier to attend earnestly to the word. Obeying the word, through which God speaks to us, and engaging in prayer, by which we speak to him, are inseparable spiritual responsibilities.

B. His prayer for them.

On behalf of these believers, he beseeches the help of a compassionate God, the God who gave his Son, our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep. Throughout his lifetime Christ exercised the caring, compassionate ministry of a ‘good shepherd’. He loved the sheep so much that he gave his own life for them and, by his risen power, he continues to guard and protect them.

This pastoral prayer is addressed to a resourceful God. He knows what is good for them and has gifts with which he can equip them. The word used here literally means ‘put into a proper condition’ or ‘make complete’. The readers may have become aware of those gifts of God they needed in their Christian lives in order to be put into a proper condition.

III. Genuine Affection Among Believers (vv. 22–25)

22 And I appeal to you, brethren, bear with the word of exhortation, for I have written to you in few words. 23 Know that our brother Timothy has been set free, with whom I shall see you if he comes shortly. 24 Greet all those who rule over you, and all the saints. Those from Italy greet you. 25 Grace be with you all. Amen.

A. Good news is always welcome.

The readers knew and loved Timothy and would have been overjoyed to know of his release from imprisonment. The readers must have known about Timothy’s imprisonment, but the writer of Hebrews only wanted to assure them that he hoped to accompany Timothy on a visit to them.

The personal references to Timothy, the leaders and members of this local church, and the Italian Christians who wish to convey their greetings, all indicate the importance of fellowship. We owe an immense amount to the exhortation, encouragement and example of other Christians. That kind of friendship is of rich immediate help and has unlimited spiritual potential. We need to ask ourselves whether we bring to other Christians the same quality of help as we have most certainly received from many of our fellow believers over the years.

B. The final verse concludes with the statement “Grace be with all of you.”

All people can conclude letters with a word of personal greeting and good will, but only Christians can understand the importance of God’s grace.

The writer of Hebrews filled this letter with a presentation of all that God has done through Jesus. An appeal for an experience of God’s grace is a fitting way to conclude the message.