Benediction of Hebrews

Benediction of Hebrews By Mark Mayberry 5/31/2009 Introduction Hebrews chapter 13, verses 20-25 is oft identified as the benediction. According to Miriam- Webster, a benediction involves the invocation of a blessing, sometimes referring to a short prayer with which public worship is concluded, or as here, the concluding paragraph of a much longer epistle. Hebrews 13:20-25... 20 Now the God of peace, who brought up from the dead the great Shepherd of the sheep through the blood of the eternal covenant, even Jesus our Lord, 21 equip you in every good thing to do His will, working in us that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen. 22 But I urge you, brethren, bear with this word of exhortation, for I have written to you briefly. 23 Take notice that our brother Timothy has been released, with whom, if he comes soon, I will see you. 24 Greet all of your leaders and all the saints. Those from Italy greet you. 25 Grace be with you all. In closing, the author reaffirms several great Biblical truths (Heb. 13:20): Hebrews 13:20... 20 Now the God of peace, who brought up from the dead the great Shepherd of the sheep through the blood of the eternal covenant, even Jesus our Lord, Jehovah is the God of peace (cf. Rom. 15:33; 16:20; Phil. 4:9; 1 Thess. 5:23). Romans 15:33... 33 Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen. Romans 16:20... 20 The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you. Philippians 4:9... 9 The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. 1 Thessalonians 5:23... 23 Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is the Great Shepherd (cf. John 10:11, 14-15; 1 Pet. 2:25; 5:4). John 10:11... 11 I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep. 1

John 10:14-15... 14 I am the good shepherd, and I know My own and My own know Me, 15 even as the Father knows Me and I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep. 1 Peter 2:25... 25 For you were continually straying like sheep, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls. He was resurrected from the dead (cf. Acts 2:22-24; Rom. 1:1-4; Phil. 3:10-11). Acts 2:22-24... 22 Men of Israel, listen to these words: Jesus the Nazarene, a man attested to you by God with miracles and wonders and signs which God performed through Him in your midst, just as you yourselves know 23 this Man, delivered over by the predetermined plan and foreknowledge of God, you nailed to a cross by the hands of godless men and put Him to death. 24 But God raised Him up again, putting an end to the agony of death, since it was impossible for Him to be held in its power. Romans 1:1-4... 1 Paul, a bond-servant of Christ Jesus, called as an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, 2 which He promised beforehand through His prophets in the holy Scriptures, 3 concerning His Son, who was born of a descendant of David according to the flesh, 4 who was declared the Son of God with power by the resurrection from the dead, according to the Spirit of holiness, Jesus Christ our Lord, Philippians 3:10-11... 10 that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death; 11 in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead. Through the shedding of His blood, He instituted the Eternal Covenant (cf. Mat. 26:26-29; Heb. 9:15-20; 12:22-24). Matthew 26:26-29... 26 While they were eating, Jesus took some bread, and after a blessing, He broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is My body. 27 And when He had taken a cup and given thanks, He gave it to them, saying, Drink from it, all of you; 28 for this is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for forgiveness of sins. 29 But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father s kingdom. Hebrews 9:15-20... 15 For this reason He is the mediator of a new covenant, so that, since a death has taken place for the redemption of the transgressions that were committed under the first covenant, those who have been called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance. 16 For where a covenant is, there must of necessity be the death of the one who made it. 17 For a covenant is valid only when men are dead, for it is never in force while the one who made it lives. 18 Therefore even the first covenant was not inaugurated without blood. 19 For when every commandment had been spoken by Moses to all the people according to the Law, he took the blood of the calves and the goats, with water and scarlet wool and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book itself and all the people, 20 saying, This is the blood of the covenant which God commanded you. 2

Hebrews 12:22-24... 22 But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to myriads of angels, 23 to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the Judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, 24 and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood, which speaks better than the blood of Abel. Now May God In closing, the author expresses a wish that God might bless his people, by equipping them in every good thing to do his will, and also by working in us that which is pleasing in His sight (Heb. 13:21). Hebrews 13:21... 21 equip you in every good thing to do His will, working in us that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen. Equip you in every good thing to do His will Hebrews 13:21... 21 equip you in every good thing to do His will, working in us that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen. The Greek word translated equip means to complete, to put in a right condition, or to repair. Thomas defines katartizō as to complete, prepare [2675]. BDAG say it means (1) to cause to be in a condition to function well, put in order, restore; (a) restore to a former condition, put to rights; (b) put into proper condition; (2) to prepare for a purpose, prepare, make, create, outfit. As torn nets must be mended (Matt. 4:21), erring brothers must be restored (Gal. 6:1). When fully trained, disciples are like their teacher (Luke 6:40), made complete and perfected (1 Cor. 1:10; 2 Cor. 13:11; 1 Pet. 5:10). Matthew 4:21... 21 Going on from there He saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, *mending their nets; and He called them. Galatians 6:1... 1 Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, *restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted. Luke 6:40... 40 A pupil is not above his teacher; but everyone, after he has been *fully trained, will be like his teacher. 1 Corinthians 1:10... 10 Now I exhort you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all agree and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be made complete in the same mind and in the same judgment. 3

2 Corinthians 13:11... 11 Finally, brethren, rejoice, be made complete, be comforted, be like-minded, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. 1 Peter 5:10... 10 After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you. Working in us that which is pleasing in His sight Hebrews 13:21... 21 equip you in every good thing to do His will, working in us that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen. Although God is All-Powerful, He accomplishes His purpose through the agency of mortal men. Philip s encounter with the Ethiopian nobleman began with an angelic call (vs 26), and ended when the Spirit of the Lord snatched him away (vs 39), yet the responsibility of teaching fell upon the evangelist (Acts 8:26-40). In like manner, we have been entrusted with the work of preaching the gospel (Rom. 10:14-15; Titus 1:1-4). Acts 8:26-40... 26 But an angel of the Lord spoke to Philip saying, Get up and go south to the road that descends from Jerusalem to Gaza. (This is a desert road.) 27 So he got up and went; and there was an Ethiopian eunuch, a court official of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was in charge of all her treasure; and he had come to Jerusalem to worship, 28 and he was returning and sitting in his chariot, and was reading the prophet Isaiah. 29 Then the Spirit said to Philip, Go up and join this chariot. 30 Philip ran up and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet, and said, Do you understand what you are reading? 31 And he said, Well, how could I, unless someone guides me? And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him. 32 Now the passage of Scripture which he was reading was this: He was led as a sheep to slaughter; And as a lamb before its shearer is silent, So He does not open His mouth. 33 In humiliation His judgment was taken away; Who will relate His generation? For His life is removed from the earth. 34 The eunuch answered Philip and said, Please tell me, of whom does the prophet say this? Of himself or of someone else? 35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning from this Scripture he preached Jesus to him. 36 As they went along the road they came to some water; and the eunuch said, Look! Water! What prevents me from being baptized? 37 [And Philip said, If you believe with all your heart, you may. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. ] 38 And he ordered the chariot to stop; and they both went down into the water, Philip as well as the eunuch, and he baptized him. 39 When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord snatched Philip away; and the eunuch no longer saw him, but went on his way rejoicing. 40 But Philip found himself at Azotus, and as he passed through he kept preaching the gospel to all the cities until he came to Caesarea. Romans 10:14-15... 14 How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher? 15 How will they preach unless they are sent? Just as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news of good things! 4

Titus 1:1-4... 1 Paul, a bond-servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the faith of those chosen of God and the knowledge of the truth which is according to godliness, 2 in the hope of eternal life, which God, who cannot lie, promised long ages ago, 3 but at the proper time manifested, even His word, in the proclamation with which I was entrusted according to the commandment of God our Savior, 4 To Titus, my true child in a common faith: Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior. Now May We In closing, the author expresses a wish that his readers might respond appropriately, by bearing with this word of exhortation, by taking notice of Timothy s release, and by greeting their leaders and all the saints (Heb. 13:22-24). Hebrews 13:22-24... 22 But I urge you, brethren, bear with this word of exhortation, for I have written to you briefly. 23 Take notice that our brother Timothy has been released, with whom, if he comes soon, I will see you. 24 Greet all of your leaders and all the saints. Those from Italy greet you. Bear with this word of exhortation Hebrews 13:22... 22 But I urge you, brethren, bear with this word of exhortation, for I have written to you briefly. The Greek word translated bear means to endure, or put up with something challenging or difficult. Thomas defines anechō as to hold up, bear with [430]. BDAG say it means (1) to regard with tolerance, endure, bear with, put up with; (2) to undergo something onerous or troublesome without giving in, endure; (3) accept a complaint legal (technical term). We must endure adversity (1 Cor. 4:12), show tolerance for one another (Eph. 4:2), and accept the demands of sound teaching (2 Tim. 4:3). 1 Corinthians 4:12... 12 and we toil, working with our own hands; when we are reviled, we bless; when we are persecuted, we *endure; Ephesians 4:2... 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing *tolerance for one another in love, 2 Timothy 4:3... 3 For the time will come when they will not *endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, 5

Take notice that our brother Timothy has been released Hebrews 13:23... 23 Take notice that our brother Timothy has been released, with whom, if he comes soon, I will see you. Just as Jesus Christ knows His own (John 10:14, 27), we should know one another (Phil. 2:19-24; 2 Tim. 1:16-18). John 10:14... 14 I am the good shepherd, and I know My own and My own know Me, John 10:27... 27 My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; ----- Philippians 2:19-24... 19 But I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, so that I also may be encouraged when I learn of your condition. 20 For I have no one else of kindred spirit who will genuinely be concerned for your welfare. 21 For they all seek after their own interests, not those of Christ Jesus. 22 But you *know of his proven worth, that he served with me in the furtherance of the gospel like a child serving his father. 23 Therefore I hope to send him immediately, as soon as I see how things go with me; 24 and I trust in the Lord that I myself also will be coming shortly. 2 Timothy 1:16-18... 16 The Lord grant mercy to the house of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains; 17 but when he was in Rome, he eagerly searched for me and found me 18 the Lord grant to him to find mercy from the Lord on that day and you *know very well what services he rendered at Ephesus. Greet all of your leaders and all the saints Hebrews 13:24... 24 Greet all of your leaders and all the saints. Those from Italy greet you. The Greek word translated greet means to engage in hospitable recognition of another or to express happiness at the arrival of another. Thomas defines aspazomai as to welcome, greet [782]. BDAG say it means (1) to engage in hospitable recognition of another, greet, welcome; (2) to express happiness about the arrival of something, welcome, greet, fig. ext. of 1. We should also greet one another, manifesting an affectionate spirit of brotherly love (Acts 18:22; 21:7; Rom. 16:3-16). Acts 18:22... 22 When he had landed at Caesarea, he went up and greeted the church, and went down to Antioch. 6

Acts 21:7... 7 When we had finished the voyage from Tyre, we arrived at Ptolemais, and after greeting the brethren, we stayed with them for a day. Romans 16:3-16... 3 Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, 4 who for my life risked their own necks, to whom not only do I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles; 5 also greet the church that is in their house. Greet Epaenetus, my beloved, who is the first convert to Christ from Asia. 6 Greet Mary, who has worked hard for you. 7 Greet Andronicus and Junias, my kinsmen and my fellow prisoners, who are outstanding among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me. 8 Greet Ampliatus, my beloved in the Lord. 9 Greet Urbanus, our fellow worker in Christ, and Stachys my beloved. 10 Greet Apelles, the approved in Christ. Greet those who are of the household of Aristobulus. 11 Greet Herodion, my kinsman. Greet those of the household of Narcissus, who are in the Lord. 12 Greet Tryphaena and Tryphosa, workers in the Lord. Greet Persis the beloved, who has worked hard in the Lord. 13 Greet Rufus, a choice man in the Lord, also his mother and mine. 14 Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas and the brethren with them. 15 Greet Philologus and Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints who are with them. 16 Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ greet you. Conclusion The Hebrew author closes by saying Grace be with you all (Heb. 13:25). Similar language was oft employed by Paul (Eph. 6:24; Col. 4:18; 1 Tim. 6:20-21; 2 Tim. 4:22; Titus 3:15). However, to enjoy God s unmerited favor, we must comply with His will and word. Hebrews 13:25... 25 Grace be with you all. Ephesians 6:24... 24 Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ with incorruptible love. Colossians 4:18... 18 I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Remember my imprisonment. Grace be with you. 1 Timothy 6:20-21... 20 O Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to you, avoiding worldly and empty chatter and the opposing arguments of what is falsely called knowledge 21 which some have professed and thus gone astray from the faith. Grace be with you. 2 Timothy 4:22... 22 The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you. Titus 3:15... 15 All who are with me greet you. Greet those who love us in the faith. Grace be with you all. 7