Hebrews 13:24 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Greet all your leaders and all the saints. Those who come from Italy send you greetings.

NIV: Greet all your leaders and all the Lord’s people. Those from Italy send you their greetings.

NASB: Greet all of your leaders and all the saints. Those from Italy greet you.

CSB: Greet all your leaders and all the saints. Those who are from Italy send you greetings.

NLT: Greet all your leaders and all the believers there. The believers from Italy send you their greetings.

KJV: Salute all them that have the rule over you, and all the saints. They of Italy salute you.

NKJV: Greet all those who rule over you, and all the saints. Those from Italy greet you.

This verse forms part of the final signature of the book of Hebrews. The writer has previously asked for prayer on his behalf (Hebrews 13:18–19), offered a benediction to the readers (Hebrews 13:20–21), and mentioned Timothy, an important figure of the New Testament church (Hebrews 13:23). The writer has also asked for Christian leaders to be given appropriate respect (Hebrews 13:7; 13:17). Here, again, the writer mentions leaders.

The reference to "all the saints" here helps make sense of how the Bible uses this term. This is from the Greek hagious, which is a reference to any saved Christian believer. In Scripture, "saint" is not a term reserved for super-Christians, or some special class of persons. Uses such as this one, in the book of Hebrews, emphasize this point. "All the saints," as stated here, is a blanket reference to all of the believers in those churches.

Scholars differ on their opinion of what the writer means by "those who come from Italy" means. Most likely, this refers to those who were originally from that region—those who are of a particular birthplace. This letter is very often associated with the apostle Paul, who spent considerable time under Roman imprisonment. His efforts there established a flourishing Christian presence (Romans 1:7–8). That would make this an additional, specific greeting from that group to these persecuted Jewish believers.

Alternately, the reference to Italy might mean those who came from Italy to wherever the writer of Hebrews finds himself.

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.