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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.com | DownloadBob Utley You Can Understand the Bible - Hebrews 13:17 - 13:17
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This Chapter Verse Commentaries:
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: Heb_13:17
17Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with grief, for this would be unprofitable for you.
Heb_13:17 "Obey. . .submit" This is a present passive (A. T. Robertson lists it as a middle voice) imperative and present active imperative. Although individuals are free in Christ we must yield ourselves to spiritual authority for growth and service (cf. Heb_13:7; 1Co_16:16; 1Th_5:12-13).
This word of encouragement to submit to Christian leaders is much needed in our day of disrespect for authority of any kind, and an overemphasis on the rights and powers of the individual. God has placed some as leaders among His people (note Num_16:3-5). We honor them because of their call, training, commitment, and service. However, there is an opposite "ditch." God's calling has been abused by some authoritarian personalities. There must be a balance, a mutual respect, a co-operative spirit between God's people and God's leaders. All believers are called to be subject to one another out of respect for Christ (cf. Eph_5:21).
▣ "they keep watch" This term means "to be awake," "to be vigilant" (cf. Mar_13:33; Luk_21:36; Eph_6:18), which is a metaphor for diligent watchfulness and service (cf. Isa_62:6; Eze_3:17; Eze_33:7-9).
▣ "as those who will give an account" Leaders are responsible for their ministry and will give an account to God (cf. 1Co_3:10-15). They are stewards!
▣ "Let them do this with joy and not with grief" The attitude of the congregation does not determine the ministry, but it does make the process enjoyable or painful.