Paul ends his letter with a prayer on their behalf and an encouragement to pay attention to the words he wrote to them.
After requesting that these believers pray for him, Paul ends his letter with a prayer offered for his readers. He begins with a reminder of who God is: the God of peace who raised Jesus from the dead. Jesus is the Shepherd of all those who believe in Him and His blood that was shed provided the foundation for the new eternal Covenant.
This New Covenant is what allows us to receive justification (from hell to heaven) when we first trust Christ, and it is what allows us to remain faithful and obedient if we rely on Jesus as our greater high priest. Our reliance on Jesus is what equips us to do good works according to His will. Hebrews 10 explained that we have a high priest in the house of God that allows us to draw near which gives us cleansed consciences in order to do good deeds (10:21-24). God is not leading us to rules or regulations, He is interested in us drawing near to Him so that He can equip us for love and good deeds.
Paul asks his readers to hear and put into practice the words he has written to them. Back in chapter 5, Paul reprimanded his readers for still needing milk instead of moving on to more important spiritual things. He implores his readers again to heed his words.
Paul lets his readers know that Timothy has been released from prison, presumably for sharing the Gospel. Timothy’s imprisonment was not recorded elsewhere in the Bible, but Paul did encourage him not to be ashamed or afraid of suffering for the Gospel (2 Timothy 1:8). The fact that Timothy is mentioned here is one reason we have presented Hebrews as written by Paul, although that is not certain.
Paul asks that they greet their leaders and all of the other believers on his behalf. Paul sends greetings on behalf of believers in Italy, which implies he wrote the letter from Italy, although it could also mean those believers who had once lived in Italy but had left due to persecution.
Paul ends saying grace be with you all. The whole of the epistle to the Hebrews reminded his readers of the grace available to them through Christ who is our greater high priest interceding on our behalf, who gives mercy and grace to those in need. If we take advantage of Christ’s work we will be able to faithfully endure, finish (“teleo”) well, and ultimately inherit the promises of God, as mature Sons and co-heirs with Christ.
Biblical Text
20 Now the God of peace, who brought up from the dead the great Shepherd of the sheep through the blood of the eternal covenant, even Jesus our Lord,21 equip you in every good thing to do His will, working in us that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.
22 But I urge you, brethren, bear with this word of exhortation, for I have written to you briefly. 23 Take notice that our brother Timothy has been released, with whom, if he comes soon, I will see you. 24 Greet all of your leaders and all the saints. Those from Italy greet you.
25 Grace be with you all.
Check out our other commentaries:
-
Romans 11:1 meaning
God has not rejected Israel. Paul, both an Israelite and an apostle of Jesus Christ, is evidence that this cannot be true....... -
Daniel 9:3-6 meaning
Daniel prays to God. He praises the Lord for His faithfulness, and confesses the sins of the Jews’ disobedience....... -
Daniel 9:15-19 meaning
After confessing sin and praising God for His righteousness, Daniel asks the Lord to hear his prayer. Daniel hopes that God will spare the Jews...... -
Exodus 37:17-24 meaning
The lampstand is constructed. ...... -
Romans 4:6-8 meaning
It is God’s blessing to us that God considers believers righteous before him without considering their sins. By faith in God, our sin is covered......