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This Chapter Verse Commentaries:
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: Heb_13:22-24
22But I urge you, brethren, bear with this word of exhortation, for I have written to you briefly. 23Take notice that our brother Timothy has been released, with whom, if he comes soon, I will see you. 24Greet all of your leaders and all the saints. Those from Italy greet you.
Heb_13:22-24 The closing verses, 22-24, are similar to the way Paul closes his letters penned by a scribe, where he takes the pen and adds a small personal note and blessing.
Heb_13:22 "I urge you" The author calls his book "a word of exhortation." He urges his readers often (cf. Heb_3:13; Heb_10:25; Heb_12:15; Heb_13:15; Heb_13:22). They are brothers (and sisters) in Christ, but they must cling to Him, follow Him, serve Him!
▣ "bear with this word of exhortation" This is a present middle imperative, which emphasizes the involvement of the subject and commands continual listening. The phrase "word of exhortation" is used in Act_13:15 for a synagogue sermon. Many believe this is what Hebrews originally was, but was modified to become a letter.
Heb_13:23 "brother Timothy" When Paul uses "brother," the person's name always comes first (cf. Rom_16:23; 1Co_1:1; 1Co_16:12; 2Co_1:1; 2Co_2:13; Php_2:25). This is a key evidence against Paul's authorship. The mentioning of Timothy reveals a time frame for the book's composition, during Paul's lifetime or soon after his death (a.d. 68), before Timothy's death.
▣ "has been released" This is a perfect passive participle. We know nothing from Scriptures or elsewhere of Timothy being in prison. In his Word Pictures in the New Testament, p. 451, A. T. Robertson asserts that Timothy was put in prison when he came to visit Paul, mentioned in 2Ti_4:11; 2Ti_4:21. The word "released" (perfect passive participle) is used in (1) Mat_27:15; Joh_19:10; Act_3:13; Act_4:21; Act_4:23; Act_5:40 for release from prison and (2) Act_13:3, metaphorically for a release from a ministry assignment, and it may mean that here.
▣ "if he comes soon, I will see you" This may imply that the author of Hebrews worked and traveled with Timothy.
Heb_13:24 "saints" See Special Topic at Heb_6:10.
▣ "those from Italy greet you" This phrase could mean
1. the author is in Italy
2. the author is from Italy
3. part of the author's missionary team was from Italy
4. the author is writing to Italy
In Jewish Christianity, H. A. Dana says that this verse implies that the letter was written to the Jewish faction of the church at Rome. The first mention of the book of Hebrews was by Clement of Rome about a.d. 97 (p. 270). However, I think it was sent to a Jewish synagogue (possibly in Rome) that had believers as members. The warnings are directed to two groups, the believing Jewish group (the "you" of chapter 6), for them not to "shrink back" (cf. Heb_10:38) and to the unbelieving group (the "those" of chapter 6) to profess/confess Jesus as the Messiah and for both groups to fully embrace Christianity.