Hebrews 13:18 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Pray for us, for we are sure that we have a clear conscience, desiring to act honorably in all things.

NIV: Pray for us. We are sure that we have a clear conscience and desire to live honorably in every way.

NASB: Pray for us, for we are sure that we have a good conscience, desiring to conduct ourselves honorably in all things.

CSB: Pray for us, for we are convinced that we have a clear conscience, wanting to conduct ourselves honorably in everything.

NLT: Pray for us, for our conscience is clear and we want to live honorably in everything we do.

KJV: Pray for us: for we trust we have a good conscience, in all things willing to live honestly.

NKJV: Pray for us; for we are confident that we have a good conscience, in all things desiring to live honorably.

Prior verses contained instructions for Christian living. They included references to obedience and submission under spiritual leaders. The reason for this, as provided in this letter, is to avoid putting undue stress on those leaders (Hebrews 13:17). God holds those who claim to teach His Word to a higher standard (James 3:1), and makes them accountable for how they lead the people (Mark 9:42; Titus 2:1). When the people of a church frustrate their leadership, it causes those pastors, elders, or teachers to "groan." This was described using the same Greek root words as used in Romans 8:23 and 2 Corinthians 5:2–4. Rather than obstructing those who make a godly, sincere attempt to lead, believers ought to cooperate in a spirit of love and submission.

This verse presents a request for prayer which matches very well with the call for believers to submit to their spiritual leaders. A person truly following God, as a teacher, is not arrogant or proud (Ephesians 4:1–2). Instead, he should be humble and have the attitude of a servant (John 13:14–15). Here, the writer of Hebrews demonstrates that exact approach. After a long letter, filled with brilliant exposition of Scripture, he asks for prayer, specifically to ensure that his conduct is honorable and his conscience is clear.

The next verse specifies another facet of this prayer request: that he would be quickly able to see his readers again.

Hebrews 13:18–25 closes out the letter written to persecuted Jewish Christians. The writer asks for prayer, humbly mentioning his desire to live an honorable life with a clear conscience. This is followed by a benediction which touches on several major themes from the rest of the book of Hebrews. The writer also notes that this writing has only just begun to explore these deep ideas. Hebrews ends with a signature seen at the end of the writings of the apostle Paul: a reference to grace.

Chapters 1—9 explained how the new covenant in Jesus Christ is superior to the old covenant of animal sacrifices. This comparison drew on extensive use of Old Testament Scripture. Chapters 10––12 applied that evidence to encourage Christians to ''hold fast'' despite persecution. The summary of these applications was that believers ought to trust in their faith, and choose to obey God, during times of struggle. Chapter 13 adds a few specific reminders about Christian conduct. This passage also reiterates the idea that Christ is meant to be our ultimate example. The letter concludes with a request for prayer and words of blessing.

The last chapter of the book of Hebrews follows a pattern common in New Testament books, especially those written by Paul. The writer gave extensive evidence in chapters 1––9 to support a central idea. This concept was that the new covenant, in Jesus Christ, is superior to the old covenant, composed of the Levitical laws. Chapters 10¬-––12 applied this knowledge to the need for persecuted Christians to maintain their faith. Here, in chapter 13, the writer offers a few specific encouragements for the reader, before signing off with a request for prayer and a benediction.

The book of Hebrews is meant to challenge, encourage, and empower Christian believers. According to this letter, Jesus Christ is superior to all other prophets and all other claims to truth. Since God has given us Christ, we ought to listen to what He says and not move backwards. The consequences of ignoring God are dire. Hebrews is important for drawing on many portions of the Old Testament in making a case that Christ is the ultimate and perfect expression of God's plan for mankind. This book presents some tough ideas about the Christian faith, a fact the author makes specific note of.