Final Words of Encouragement

Text: Hebrews 13:18-25

This last section of Hebrews hold items that are common to Paul’s letters, which leads to the conclusion that Paul is the unnamed author.

Pray for Us

(Hebrews 13:18-19)

Paul often asked for the prayers of the brethren (Romans 15:30; Ephesians 6:19-20; Colossians 4:3; I Thessalonians 5:25; II Thessalonians 3:1). The use of “us” indicates there are others with the writer.

The writer mentions having a good conscience, which Paul frequently mentioned having (Acts 23:1; 24:16; Romans 9:1; II Corinthians 1:12; I Timothy 1:5). The writer is not asking for prayers because he sinned but because he has been striving to live righteously and honorably. This was probably mentioned to counter charges against him for leaving the Jewish faith.

He especially asked for prayers that he might be restored to them soon. This implies the writer is in prison. Paul made a similar request of Philemon (Philemon 22). It is likely this letter was written in the same time frame as the prison letters (Ephesians, Colossians, Philippians, and Philemon).

Prayer for the Readers

(Hebrews 13:20-21)

God is referred to as the God of peace. He is the source of our comfort. Again, it is a phrase commonly used by Paul (Romans 15:33; 16:20; I Corinthians 14:33; II Corinthians 13:11; Philippians 4:9; I Thessalonians 5:23; II Thessalonians 3:16).

God has the power to accomplish His will, as shown by His ability to resurrect our Lord Jesus (Romans 1:4; I Corinthians 6:14; II Corinthians 4:14). Our peace with God was gained by God’s efforts on our behalf.

Jesus, in turn, is our Shepherd (John 10:11,14; I Peter 2:25; 5:4). Our shepherd cares for us (Psalms 23). He personally shed his blood to establish the everlasting covenant (Matthew 26:28). The use of “everlasting” indicates that this is the final covenant and will not be replaced by any other (Jeremiah 32:40; Ezekiel 37:26).

With God, the Father, and Jesus working on our behalf, the writer’s prayer is that the readers will mature in doing every good work according to God’s will (II Corinthians 13:9; Ephesians 2:10; 5:10; Philippians 2:13; II Thessalonians 2:17; II Timothy 3:16-17). This is accomplished through Christ (Philippians 1:11).

All glory belongs to God (Ephesians 3:21; Philippians 4:20; II Peter 3:18).

Please Bear with Brief Word of Exhortation

(Hebrews 13:22)

The writer wishes the readers to seriously consider the letter that they just read. They were given to encourage them to remain faithful. “Brief” does not refer to the length of the letter but what was written on the subject is much shorter than what could have been written (I Peter 5:21).

Expectations

(Hebrews 13:23)

Timothy has been released, either from prison because he also was arrested or released from his obligations where he was with the writer. Because Timothy is closely associated with Paul, this is another piece of evidence that the writer is Paul. We know Timothy was with Paul when he was in prison (Philippians 1:1; Colossians 1:1; Philemon 1).

The writer expects that if Timothy returns to him shortly, he will then go with him to see the readers (Philippians 1:25-26; 2:19-23)

Greetings

(Hebrews 13:24)

The writer sends his regards to the leaders and all Christians. Those in Italy, where the writer is currently located, also send their greetings as well. Again, Paul often closes out his epistles with various greetings.

Salutation

(Hebrews 13:25)

The salutation is a characteristic of Paul’s writings to indicate they were from him (I Corinthians 16:21,23; Colossians 4:18; II Thessalonians 3:17-18).