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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.com | DownloadPaul Kretzmann Commentary - Hebrews 13:22 - 13:25
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Greetings and benediction:
v. 22. And I beseech you, brethren, suffer the word of exhortation; for I have written a letter unto you in few words.
v. 23. Know ye that our brother Timothy is set at liberty; with whom, if he come shortly, I will see you.
v. 24. Salute all them that have the rule over you, and all the saints. They of Italy salute you.
v. 25. Grace be with you all! Amen.
The writer now closes his letter. Tactfully he appeals to the Hebrew readers: But I beseech you, brethren, bear with the word of exhortation. Some of them might be inclined to resent his open, frank way of putting the matter before them, especially since their conscience was somewhat uneasy. His letter, he explains, had surely been brief enough; he had purposely refrained from wearying them. Note that he does not apologize for a single word, but that his plea is rather an admonition for them to be sensible about taking his words in good grace.
Concerning Timothy he informs them that he is now set free, having been imprisoned for some time, probably at Rome, and it is his intention to come to Palestine with Timothy and visit them all. He intimates that this event will take place soon. He sends greetings to their leaders, their pastors or ministers, the letter being intended for all the congregations of Judea or of Palestine, and includes all the saints, all the believers that have been consecrated to God by faith. He sends greetings from the Christian brethren in Italy, the fellowship between the believers in those days being much more cordial than it is in our days. The very last words of the letter are the common, but by no means meaningless formula: Grace be with you all! Every person that is assured of the mercy and love of God in Jesus Christ and accepts this message in simple faith is a partaker of that grace and of all the blessings which it transmits, here in time and hereafter in eternity.
Summary
The inspired author adds to the doctrinal part of his letter some exhortations of a general character, an admonition to stand firm, to bear the reproach of Christ, and to include him in their intercessory prayer; he closes with some personal remarks and greetings.