Hebrews 13:18-25
Prayer Requested
18 Pray for us; for we are confident that we have a good conscience, in all things desiring to live honorably. 19 But I especially urge you to do this, that I may be restored to you the sooner.
Benediction, Final Exhortation, Farewell
20 Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, 21 make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
22 And I appeal to you, brethren, bear with the word of exhortation, for I have written to you in few words. 23 Know that our brother Timothy has been set free, with whom I shall see you if he comes shortly.
24 Greet all those who rule over you, and all the saints. Those from Italy greet you.
25 Grace be with you all. Amen.
The end of this letter to the believing Hebrews is a prayerful benediction by the writer we presume is Paul but who does not choose to identify himself. He entreats prayer from the hearers as our spiritual shepherd leaders ask of us and indeed among one another as well. We are implored to live honorably with a good conscience towards God and men as Acts 24:16 reminds us to pursue by example. We also yearn to meet in person to encourage one another (Hebrews 10:24-25) and not just at a distance with other means of communication that is so prevalent in this century. This is the prayerful desire especially of those who minister the gospel to us that we be made complete in our sanctification as we pursue the knowledge of scripture to know the Lord of the word more intimately in the inner man that we may imitate Him more as we gaze into His face (2 Corinthians 3:18) each passing day until He returns. Jesus is our great Passover Lamb whose lifeblood covers our sins forever in the eternal covenant agreement made by Him with us which we cannot break and He promises never to annul for any reason. It is this Lord of us who promises to complete His work in us (Philippians 1:6) as we work out our salvation’s change in our spirit (Philippians 2:12-13) that we might do all His will from willing hearts of gratitude for this saving and reconciling grace. We pray for one another to therefore do what pleases the Lord in union with Him as we glorify and love with thankful words of praise as our own life’s benediction. We are given these examples to be exhorted with words that encourage and remind us of our calling in Jesus Christ our Lord and live in obedience to all authorities put over us in the world and the church of the saints and to then greet one another in like manner as these ministers of the gospel have done for our example. Amen and amen!
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