Hebrews 13:17

them that have the rule over you See Hebrews 13:7. The repetition on the injunction perhaps indicates a tendency to self-assertion and spurious independence among them. "Bishops" in the modern sense did not as yet exist, but in the importance here attached to due subordination to ecclesiastical authority we see the gradual growth of episcopal powers. See 1Th 5:12-13; 1 Timothy 5:17.

they watch Lit. "are sleepless."

that must give account See Acts 20:26; Acts 20:28.

with joy See 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20.

with grief Lit. "groaning."

unprofitable A litotesi.e. a mild expression purposely used that the reader may correct it by a stronger one for "disadvantageous."