Hebrews 13:18,19

D.

Request for prayers. Hebrews 13:18-19.

Text

Hebrews 13:18-19

Hebrews 13:18 Pray for us: for we are persuaded that we have a good conscience, desiring to live honorably in all things. Hebrews 13:19 And I exhort you the more exceedingly to do this, that I may be restored to you the sooner.

Paraphrase

Hebrews 13:18 Pray for me: For, though ye may dislike my doctrine set forth in this letter, I am certain, in teaching it, I have maintained a good conscience, having delivered it to you faithfully; willing in all things to behave suitably to my character as an inspired teacher.

Hebrews 13:19 And I the more earnestly beseech you to pray for me, that through the help of God I may be restored to you the sooner.

Comment

Pray for us: for we

Who is us?

a.

Many apostles and evangelists were known by the Hebrews, and they should pray for them.

b.

With four commentaries before me, no one suggests who might be included, except Milligan who suggests the above. A request for prayer is common with Paul. Ephesians 6:18-19; 1 Thessalonians 5:25; 2 Thessalonians 3:1; Romans 15:30; 2 Corinthians 1:11; Philemon 1:22.

are persuaded that we have a good conscience, desiring to live honorably in all good things

The integrity of his own conscience is used to move them to feel an interest in him.
Persuaded, Calvin feels, suggests modesty.
The author's desire to live righteously in all things called for their help.

And I exhort you the more exceedingly to do this

This is an urgent request by one who knew they knew his needs. The faith the man had in prayer here shows that he felt God was able to act providentially on behalf of man.

that I may be restored to you the sooner

This suggests that troubles, persecution, or perhaps imprisonment detained him. Timothy's difficulty, Hebrews 13:23, may be the factor that kept the author from being in their midst. Was Paul ever a part of the Hebrew brethren?

a.

This verse suggesting restoration challenges Pauline authorship for me.

b.

Paul generally is associated with Antioch and Gentiles.

Study Questions

2920.

Pray for us refers to whom?

2921.

How does this knock the authorship anonymous theory?

2922.

Is it possible to live honorably in all evil things?

2923.

How may we live righteously or honorably?

2924.

How does the restoration of the author affect Pauline authorship?

2925.

Was Paul ever a part of the fellowship of the Hebrew brethren?