Hebrews 13:22 - Printer Friendly

ESV: I appeal to you, brothers, bear with my word of exhortation, for I have written to you briefly.

NIV: Brothers and sisters, I urge you to bear with my word of exhortation, for in fact I have written to you quite briefly.

NASB: But I urge you, brothers and sisters, listen patiently to this word of exhortation, for I have written to you briefly.

CSB: Brothers and sisters, I urge you to receive this message of exhortation, for I have written to you briefly.

NLT: I urge you, dear brothers and sisters, to pay attention to what I have written in this brief exhortation.

KJV: And I beseech you, brethren, suffer the word of exhortation: for I have written a letter unto you in few words.

NKJV: And I appeal to you, brethren, bear with the word of exhortation, for I have written to you in few words.

The book of Hebrews is really a letter, written to persecuted Jewish Christians. Over the course of this letter, the writer explains how the Old Testament Scriptures predicted the coming of Jesus Christ. He showed how the new covenant offered by Christ was always God's plan for mankind's salvation. The rituals and sacraments of the old covenant were really meant to symbolize the perfect work of Jesus on our behalf. Given all of this, and the examples of faith we see in history, Christians ought to "hold fast" to their faith and not succumb to the pressures of persecution.

Everything to this point in Hebrews has been part of a rich, interwoven, profound look at the meaning of the new covenant and why it is worthy of our trust. And yet, here the writer asks for patience from the readers, since he has only scratched the surface of these topics. Earlier, he had noted that there were many ideas which also needed explanation, but for which he had no time (Hebrews 5:11––6:1; 11:32). Now, the writer again acknowledges that this letter is only a brief account of these amazing truths.

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.