Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Hebrews 13:17

Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that [is] unprofitable for you.

17. them that have the rule over you ] See Heb 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 ; 1Ti 5:17.

they watch ] Lit. “are sleepless.”

that must give account ] See Act 20:26; Act 20:28.

with joy ] See 1Th 2:19-20.

with grief ] Lit. “groaning.”

unprofitable ] A litotes i.e. a mild expression purposely used that the reader may correct it by a stronger one for “disadvantageous.”

Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges

Obey them that have the rule over you – Margin, guide; see notes on Heb 13:7. The reference here is to their religious teachers, and not to civil rulers. They were to show them proper respect, and to submit to their authority in the church, so far as it was administered in accordance with the precepts of the Saviour. The obligation to obedience does not, of course, extend to anything which is wrong in itself, or which would be a violation of conscience. The doctrine is, that subordination is necessary to the welfare of the church, and that there ought to be a disposition to yield all proper obedience to those who are set over us in the Lord; compare notes on 1Th 5:12-13.

And submit yourselves – That is, to all which they enjoin that is lawful and right. There are in relation to a society:

(1)Those things which God has positively commanded – which are always to be obeyed.

(2)Many things which have been agreed on by the society as needful for its welfare – and these are to be submitted to unless they violate the rights of conscience; and

(3)Many things which are in themselves a matter of no express divine command, and of no formal enactment by the community. They are matters of convenience; things that tend to the order and harmony of the community, and of the propriety of these, rulers in the church and elsewhere should be allowed to judge, and we should submit to them patiently.

Hence, in the church we are to submit to all the proper regulations for conducting public worship; for the promotion of religion; and for the administration of discipline.

For they watch for your souls – They have no selfish aim in this. They do not seek to lord it over Gods heritage. It is for your own good that they do this, and you should therefore submit to these arrangements. And this shows also the true principle on which authority should be exercised in a church. It should be in such a way as to promote the salvation of the people; and all the arrangements should be with that end. The measures adopted, therefore, and the obedience enjoined, should not be arbitrary, oppressive, or severe, but should be such as will really promote salvation.

As they that must give account – To God. The ministers of religion must give account to God for their fidelity. For all that they teach, and for every measure which they adopt, they must soon be called into judgment. There is, therefore, the best security that under the influence of this solemn truth they will pursue only that course which will be for your good.

That they may do it with joy, and not with grief – Greek me stenazontes – not sighing, or groaning; as they would who had been unsuccessful. The meaning is, that they should so obey, that when their teachers came to give up their account they need not do it with sorrow over their perverseness and disobedience.

For this is unprofitable for you – That is, their giving up their account in that manner – as unsuccessful in their efforts to save you – would not be of advantage to you, but would be highly injurious. This is a strong mode of expressing the idea that it must be attended with eminent peril to their souls to have their religious teachers go and give an account against them. As they would wish, therefore, to avoid that, they should render to them all proper honor and obedience.

Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible

Heb 13:17

Obey them that have the rule

Rulership in the Church

I.

THAT THE DUE OBEDIENCE OF THE CHURCH, IN ALL ITS MEMBERS, UNTO THE RULERS OF IT, IN THE DISCHARGE OF THEIR OFFICE AND DUTY, IS THE BEST MEANS OF ITS EDIFICATION, AND THE CHIEF CAUSE OF ORDER AND PEACE IN THE WHOLE BODY. Therefore is it here placed by the apostle, as comprehensive of all ecclesiastical duties.

II. AN ASSUMPTION OF RIGHT AND POWER BY ANY TO RULE OVER THE CHURCH, WITHOUT EVIDENCING THEIR DESIGN AND WORK TO BE A WATCHING FOR THE GOOD OF THEIR SOULS, IS PERNICIOUS UNTO THEMSELVES, AND RUINOUS UNTO THE CHURCH ITSELF.

III. Those who do attend with conscience and diligence unto the discharge of the work of the ministry towards their flocks, committed in an especial manner unto their charge, HAVE NO GREATER JOY OR SORROW IN THIS WORLD THAN WHAT ACCOMPANIES THE DAILY ACCOUNT WHICH THEY GIVE UNTO CHRIST OF THE DISCHARGE OF THEIR DUTY AMONGST THEM, AS THEIR SUCCESS FALLS OUT TO BE.

IV. Much of the life of the ministry and benefit of the Church DEPENDS ON THE CONTINUAL GIVING AN ACCOUNT UNTO CHRIST, BY PRAYER AND THANKSGIVING, OF THE STATE OF THE CHURCH, AND SUCCESS OF THE WORD THEREIN. Those guides who esteem themselves obliged thereunto, and do live in the practice of it, will find their minds engaged thereby unto constant diligence and earnest labouring in the discharge of their duty. And the dealings of Christ with the Church itself are regulated according unto this account, as the last words do manifest. (John Owen, D. D.)

The reciprocal duties of ministers and people:

The relation which is formed between a minister of the gospel and the people committed to his charge is highly important. It is a relation most sacred in itself, and most awful in its consequences; and the duties which spring from it are such as ought to be well understood by both parties.

I. THE DUTY OF MINISTERS TO THEIR PEOPLE IS THUS DESCRIBED. They have the rule over them, or, as the word may properly moan, have the guidance of them; and watch for their souls. This expression denotes that no small degree of diligence, perseverance, and anxiety is necessary for the discharge of the ministerial office. At least it implies that a minister in the faithful exercise of his calling is required to perform two things.

1. Solemnly to admonish the people of their danger.

2. To look out for every convenient opportunity of doing good to their souls. Now observe the obligation which they are under to a faithful performance of their duty. They watch for your souls as they that must give account (see Eze 3:17-19; Eze 34:4; Eze 43:7-10).

II. It must be plain THAT DUTY BEGETS DUTY. If ministers be required to have the rule over their people and to watch for their souls, what must be required of their people in return but obedience and submission?

1. It is the duty of the people to attend on their minister with a disposition to receive and follow his instructions.

2. It is the duty of the people to bear with the importunity and solicitude of their minister in watching for their souls. They are not to take offence at his plain speaking, nor be impatient under his friendly admonitions.

3. It is the duty of the people to join with their minister in such plans and attempts as may best promote the object of his ministry. Does he, for example, point out any particular means by which immorality and ungodliness may be checked, or the cause of true religion may be encouraged and strengthened? In these cases his people are justly required to attend to his proposals; and by their support to forward his endeavours. From this view of the peoples duty towards their minister let us turn to the obligations which they are under to discharge it.

(1) In the first place, the very office of the minister imposes it on them. The same authority which prescribes to him his duty prescribes also to them their duty. And the same reasons in both cases enforce the performance of it.

(2) But, in the second place, the object which the minister has in view strongly obliges the people to discharge their duty towards him. For whose souls does he watch but for theirs?

(3) But let it be considered, thirdly, that in this, as well as in every other instance, duty and interest are closely joined together. It is the peoples interest to obey them that have the rule over them, and to submit to those who watch for their souls. (E. Cooper, M. A.)

Ministerial duty, responsibility, and reward

I. MINISTERIAL DUTY.

1. The objects of ministerial solicitude. Your souls.

(1) The origin of souls. Gods offspring. Immaterial, intellectual, immortal.

(2) The price at which they were redeemed. Precious blood of Christ.

(3) Their destiny. Eternal life or death.

2. The expression of ministerial solicitude. They watch. This includes love for immortal souls, manifested in a constant attention to their interests, and a devotedness to their welfare.

II. MINISTERIAL RESPONSIBILITY.

1. This responsibility refers to their commission. Christ will employ in His work a friend that loves Him; not a stranger, much less an enemy. It has been well remarked that the Church had formerly wooden vessels, but golden priests; since that she has had golden vessels and wooden priests.

2. This responsibility refers to the fidelity which is required on their part.

3. It refers to the account which they must finally render.

III. MINISTERIAL REWARD.

1. What they deprecate. That they may not give their account with grief.

2. What they desire. That they may give account with joy. How animating to the labourer is success!

3. The interest of the people in both. Both in what ministers deprecate and in what they desire. Our disappointment may have an influence on us. It may weaken us in the way; it may bring us down broken-hearted to the grave. But our disappointment is your ruin! It may grieve us, but it will destroy you. Our satisfaction is your conversion. Your increase is delightful to us, but it is your salvation. (John Davis.)

Duties owing to ministers

1. Reverence in regard of their office. Alexander reverenced Jaddus. Herod, John the Baptist. Obadiah called Elias Lord. My father, said Josiah to Elisha. If we reverence them not the word will not have so free a passage among us. They that use their pastors unreverently sin against God.

2. Love. Have them in exceeding love for their works sake. It is the best work in the world, the saving of your souls; therefore love them for it. You love the fathers of your bodies that brought you into the world, and wilt ye not love them that beget you with the word of truth and bring you to a kingdom?

3. Obedience to their doctrine, exhortations, and admonitions. You will obey the prescript of the physician for the health of your bodies; though it be a bitter potion, you take it well at his hands; and will you not obey them that give you counsel for your souls, though their reproofs be bitter, their rebukes sharp (Tit 1:13)?

4. Maintenance. All rulers must be maintained. The king hath maintenance due from the people, and so must the minister. In the fear of God, if ye be good and religious people, discharge the duties that God requireth to them that have the spiritual government of you. Why? There be two reasons to excite us to it; the one taken from the matter of their work, the other from the manner of their working. They are your watchmen; therefore submit yourselves to them, love them, regard them. Not over your goods and bodies, as the magistrate is, but over your souls, which are more precious; not as the fowler watcheth for the bird to catch it and kill it, but they watch for the preservation and eternal salvation of your souls; therefore submit yourselves to them. The second reason is taken from the manner of their working; they would gladly do their work with joy; they would watch over you with joy, which they cannot do if you be peevish, perverse, and froward. Therefore submit yourselves to them. What though we grieve them? What care we? Will such a thing grieve him? He shall be sure to have it then; we will do it for the nonce. Some are at this pass. But you shall have no benefit by that; you hurt yourselves more than them. (W. Jones, D. D.)

Ministers as generals:

The ancient knight was a cleaver of skulls, a fighting man rather than a leader; his great force lay in muscle, not brain. But who ever thought of estimating the value of Napoleon upon a battle-field by the blows he gave? He wielded an army, not a sword. Ministers should covet earnestly the generals gift. The man who has the faculty of getting others to work, keeping them at their work and wisely directing their work, will get more done than any solitary labourer can do, though he be strong as Samson and diligent as Paul. (S. Coley.)

They watch for your souls

Ministers are watchmen

I. THE OFFICE OF WATCHMAN IS ONE OF APPOINTMENT.

II. THE OFFICE OF WATCHMAN IS ONE OF TRUST.

III. THE OFFICE OF WATCHMAN IS ONE OF RESPONSIBILITY.

1. For his time.

2. For his diligence.

3. For his vigilance.

4. For his fidelity.

Application: We learn

1. The solemn character of the ministerial calling. A calling which demands great personal piety, as well as high spiritual gifts.

2. The arduous duties of the ministerial office. So arduous as to claim all the faculties of the mind and all the energies of the body.

3. The great necessity that they should receive Christian sympathy and comfort.

4. The personal responsibility of those over whom they watch.

5. Jesus, the great and blessed keeper of Zion, is the model every Christian minister should study and imitate. (J. Buras, D. D.)

Solicitude for souls:

In one of McCheynes manuscripts there occurs this sentence–As I was walking in the fields, the thought came over me with almost overwhelming power that every one of my flock most soon be in heaven or hell. Oh, how I wished that I had a tongue like thunder that I might make all hear; or that I had a frame like iron that I might visit every one and say, Escape for thy life! Ah, sinners! you little know how I fear that you will lay the blame of your damnation at my door. (Life of R. M. McCheyne.)

The solemnity of the ministers work

“I continually hear the surges of eternity beating against my study door, said an eminent minister of the gospel.

Responsibility recognised

A captain whose ship was nearing a reel gave orders to keep off. To a remark of approval the captain replied, It is necessary that I should be very careful, because I have souls on board. I think of my responsibility, and remember that souls are very valuable.

Ministerial responsibility

I verily believe that had I been adequately affected by the whole matter, even as I might have apprehended it then, I should never have gone to Stepney (the college) after all. It strikes me with awe at this hour that I should have undertaken what I have found to be so veritably the burden of the Lord. A vision of my Norwich life, had I seen it at Fen Court, would have led me to withdraw my application to the committee on the spot. A vision of my Bloomsbury Chapel life, had I seen it as I passed that evening into my college chamber, would have sent me back to my bench at Mr. Fields and to my occasional services to the rustics at Colliers End. However, no such visions did appear to me; and perhaps in mercy the weightier ultimate responsibilities which were involved were hidden from my eyes. (W. Brock, D. D.)

Care for souls:

Dr. Bushnell greatly interested himself in providing a park for the town in which he lived. Writing to Dr. Bartol, he said, One thing I have learned by this undertaking–namely, to wonder why it is that as a Christian teacher and pastor I am so feebly exercised, so little burdened by my work. It fills me with doubt and shame and grief; and the result has been to make me fully resolved that I will either be a more responsible, more efficient minister of Jesus Christ or none. I cannot shake off those words of Paul–they are ringing continually in my ears–I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart. This park matter has been a kind of revelation to me, which I pray God I may never forget. Why should I carry a park to bed with me, and work it over in my dreams during the night, and wake with it in the morning, and yet be so little exercised in the magnificent work of the gospel and the care of souls? It makes me doubt whether doing a thing professionally we do not sometimes do it idly and, perfunctorily, as if we did it not. Do we really believe that Jesus is a Saviour, and that in any significant sense of the words He brings salvation? Thoughts of this kind have been working in me of late with such power that I have become wholly dissatisfied with myself. I thought I meant something when I preached Christ to men; but I see that I must do more, that I must have the men upon my spirit, that I must bear them as a burden and hold myself responsible for them. God help me! (Life of Dr. Bushnell.)

Ministerial faithfulness

Gladstone once said to an audience, I dont come here to tell you what you want to hear; but what I think is true and just. (J. Clifford, D. D.)

The gospel the best message:

He (the late Rev. W. O. Simpson) never reasoned with the gospel; he reasoned with sinners: the gospel was his message. (E. E. Jenkins, D. D.)

Fuente: Biblical Illustrator Edited by Joseph S. Exell

Verse 17. Obey them that have the rule over you] Obey your leaders, . He is not fit to rule who is not capable of guiding. See Clarke on Heb 13:7. In the former verse the apostle exhorts them to remember those who had been their leaders, and to imitate their faith; in this he exhorts them to obey the leaders they now had, and to submit to their authority in all matters of doctrine and discipline, on the ground that they watched for their souls, and should have to give an account of their conduct to God. If this conduct were improper, they must give in their report before the great tribunal with grief; but in it must be given: if holy and pure, they would give it in with joy. It is an awful consideration that many pastors, who had loved their flocks as their own souls, shall be obliged to accuse them before God for either having rejected or neglected the great salvation.

Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible

Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: the further duty required by Christ from the subjects of his kingdom, is their due demeanour to their present pastors, and church guides, or rulers. He chargeth them to esteem and account of them, as they are, and he hath constituted them in his church, to attend on their ministry and teaching, yielding full obedience of faith to the doctrine which they delivered from Christ, and to be subject to the power and authority Christ hath given them over them for their edification, and not for destruction; and that they imitate them in their believing and holy conversation, Act 20:18. And this as to all of them, set over them by the Holy Ghost, whether ordinary or extraordinary, as the apostles, evangelists, elders, pastors, teachers, doing all as commissioned by Christ, and in his name exercising their power and authority, according to his express written law about it, Eph 4:11,12; knowing that who receiveth or despiseth them, dealeth so with Christ and God, who sent them, Mat 10:40; Luk 10:16.

For they watch for your souls, as they that must give account: good reason have they to perform this duty, because of their concern in and care for their souls. How great, by Christs law, are the night watchings, and day cares, and tears, studies, exhortations, reproofs, comfortings, their preachings, and prayers with tears, and strong cries to God for their souls! Will you pay duty to those who watch to preserve and protect your natural life, and not unto those spiritual watchers, and Gods charge given to them? Act 20:28-31; 2Ti 4:5; Rev 3:2,3. And God will exact an account of them for your souls; and they must render it at a dear rate, Eze 3:17-21; 33:7,9. It is at their peril, if they are faithless and neglect their duty, and your souls miscarry, Mat 18:23; 25:14,30.

That they may do it with joy, and not with grief; that they may not only do their work cheerfully and comfortably among you, but that they may give up their account joyfully about you to God, when they have brought you home to him, 1Th 2:19,20; and which will be an eternal comfort unto you, 2Th 1:7,10. If you be disobedient to them, though they will have their reward for their fidelity from their Lord, yet with what sighs, tears, groans, sorrow, and heaviness of heart, must they see their labours and your souls lost, and to charge you before God with it! 2Co 3:15,16; 12:21.

For that is unprofitable for you: and what damage will both your disobedience to the word of God and them, and their account of it to God, bring on yourselves! Will it then quit the cost to find your punishment more intolerable than that of Sodom and Gomorrah, Mat 10:15; Mat 11:22,24, when he will give you your portion with hypocrites, Mat 24:51, and punish you with everlasting destruction? 2Th 1:7-9.

Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole

17. Obey them that have the ruleover you(Compare Heb 13:7;Heb 13:24). This threefoldmention of the rulers is peculiar to this Epistle. In otherEpistles Paul includes the rulers in his exhortations. Buthere the address is limited to the general body of the Church,in contrast to the rulers to whom they are charged to yieldreverent submission. Now this is just what might be expected when theapostle of the Gentiles was writing to the Palestine Christians,among whom James and the eleven apostles had exercised a moreimmediate authority. It was important he should not seem to sethimself in opposition to their guides, but rather strengthen theirhands; he claims no authority directly or indirectly over theserulers themselves [BIRKS].”Remember” your deceased rulers (Heb13:7). “Obey” your living rulers; nay, more, not onlyobey in cases where no sacrifice of self is required, andwhere you are persuaded they are right (so the Greek,for “obey”), but “submit yourselves” as amatter of dutiful yielding, when your judgment and naturalwill incline you in an opposite direction.

theyon their part; sothe Greek. As they do their part, so do you yours. So Paulexhorts, 1Th 5:12; 1Th 5:13.

watch“arevigilant” (Greek).

forGreek, “inbehalf of.”

must give accountThestrongest stimulus to watchfulness (Mr13:34-37). CHRYSOSTOMwas deeply struck with these words, as he tells us [On thePriesthood, 6], “The fear of this threat continuallyagitates my soul.”

do it“watch foryour soul’s eternal salvation.” It is a perilous responsibilityfor a man to have to give account for others’ deeds, who is notsufficient for his own [ESTIUS,from AQUINAS]. I wonderwhether it be possible that any of the rulers should be saved[CHRYSOSTOM]. ComparePaul’s address to the elders, Act 20:28;1Co 4:1-5, where also heconnects ministers’ responsibility with the account to be hereaftergiven (compare 1Pe 5:4).

with joyat yourobedience; anticipating, too, that you shall be their “joy”in the day of giving account (Php4:1).

not with griefat yourdisobedience; apprehending also that in the day of account you may beamong the lost, instead of being their crown of rejoicing. In givingaccount, the stewards are liable to blame if aught be lost to theMaster. “Mitigate their toil by every office of attention andrespect, that with alacrity, rather than with grief, they may fulfiltheir duty, arduous enough in itself, even though no unpleasantnessbe added on your part” [GROTIUS].

thatGrief inyour pastors is unprofitable for you, for it weakens theirspiritual power; nay, more, “the groans (so the Greekfor ‘grief’) of other creatures are heard; how much more of pastors!”[BENGEL]. So God will beprovoked to avenge on you their “groaning” (Greek).If they must render God an account of their negligence, so must youfor your ingratitude to them [GROTIUS].

Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible

Obey them that have the rule over you,…. Not the ecclesiastical rulers among the Jews, for to these they were no longer obliged, they being no longer under such tutors and governors; nor civil magistrates, though it was their duty to obey them, even Heathen ones; for as for Christian magistrates, as yet there were none; but their spiritual guides and governors, the same that are mentioned Heb 13:7 these the apostle exhorts them to “obey”: by constantly tending upon the word preached by them, and hearkening to it; by receiving it with faith and love, as it appears agreeable to the Scriptures; for a contrary behaviour is pernicious to souls, and highly resented by God; and by being present at, and joining with them in the ordinances of Christ, as administered by them; and by regarding their admonitions, counsels, and advice:

and submit yourselves; to the laws of Christ’s house, as put in execution by them; and to their censures and reproofs, as delivered by the authority of the church; for they are spiritual fathers, and children should obey their parents, and submit to them; they are the ambassadors of Christ, stand in his stead, and represent him, wherefore their authority is great; and they are pastors or shepherds of the flock, whom the sheep should follow:

for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account: they watch not for themselves, for their worldly gain and advantage, and for the estates of men; but for the souls of men, to do them good, to comfort and edify them, to feed them with knowledge and understanding, and for the salvation of them; as such that must give an account to their own consciences, that they discharge their work aright, or they cannot be satisfied; and to the church, to whom they minister, to whom they are accountable, if they are dilatory and negligent; and especially as such as must stand before the judgment seat of Christ, and give an account to him of their ministry, of their use of talents committed to them, and of souls that are put under their care and charge; how they have discharged their duty to the souls of men, and how these have behaved towards them under the ministry of the word: the Alexandrian copy and the Vulgate Latin version read, “for they watch, as those that must give an account for your souls”: the sense is much the same:

that they may do it with joy, and not with grief; either do their work with joy, cheerfully; which they do, when they are obeyed and submitted to; when men attend upon the word and ordinances administered by them, and receive advantage, and grow in grace and spiritual knowledge; when they abide by the Gospel, and walk worthy of it; otherwise they do their work heavily, and with sorrow: or else give up their account with joy, and not with grief; either at the throne of grace, where they either rejoice or complain; or at the great day, when they will be witnesses, either for or against those that have been committed to them:

for that is unprofitable unto you; for whose souls they watch; that is, the latter would be so, either to do their work sorrowing, or to give up their account by way of complaint; either of them must be to the disadvantage of such persons that occasion grief and sorrow.

Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible

Obey (). Present middle imperative of with dative case.

Submit (). Present active imperative of , old compound to yield under, to give up. Here only in N.T.

They watch (). Present active indicative of old verb (from , to search, , sleep), to seek after sleep, to be sleepless, be watchful (Mr 13:33).

As they that shall give account ( ). Regular Greek idiom with and the future participle. For , to render account, see Mt 12:36. These leaders as good shepherds recognize keenly their responsibility for the welfare of the flock.

And not with grief ( ). “And not groaning” (cf. Ro 8:23).

Unprofitable (). Old double compound adjective (alpha privative and and this from , to pay, and , tax, useful or profitable as Lu 17:2), not profitable, not advantageous, by litotes, hurtful, pernicious. Common rhetorical litotes, here only in N.T.

Fuente: Robertson’s Word Pictures in the New Testament

They watch (ajgrupnousin). See on Mr 13:33, and comp. Luk 21:36; Eph 6:18.

With grief [] . Lit. groaning. See Rom 8:23, 2Co 5:2, 4; Jas 5:9.

Unprofitable [] . N. T. o, o LXX From aj not, and lusitelhv paying for expenses. Hence, what does not pay; unprofitable.

I may be restored to you [ ] . Not implying imprisonment, but enforced absence through sickness or other cause.

Fuente: Vincent’s Word Studies in the New Testament

1) “Obey them that have the rule over you,” (peithesthe tois hegoumenois humon) “Be ye persuaded to or toward those (having) the leadership of you,” those guiding, teaching you the word of God, those who are “worthy of double honor (double pay),” Divinely appointed, ordained as elders, mature brethren to guide-rule in word and doctrine; Php_2:29; 1Th 5:12. Support them in spirit of cooperation and financially, Gal 6:6; 1Ti 5:17-18.

2) “And submit yourselves,” (kai hupeikete) “Submit to them; be in earnest, giving heed to, following their teachings, 1Th 5:12-13. As opposed to the false teachers who often crept in unawares, bringing strange doctrines and a mutinous, divisive spirit, 1Ti 5:17; 2Pe 2:1-3; Jud 1:4; Jud 1:8; Jud 1:10; Jud 1:16; Jud 1:19.

3) “For they watch for your souls,” (autoi gar agrupnousin huper ton psuchon humon) Because they watch on behalf of your souls,” for the welfare of your lives, as a shepherd cares for his sheep as they teach and guide you in the word of God, 1Co 11:1-2.

4) “As they that must give account,” (hos logon apodosontes) “As rendering an account,” those who must give account for what they teach. Eze 3:17-19; Eze 33:7-11; Act 20:26. There is a special day of accounting for those who guide and misguide in teaching the word of God, 1Ti 2:15; 2Co 5:10.

5) “That they may do it with joy,” (hina meta charas touto poiosin) “In order that they may do this with joy,” 2Co 1:24; 1Th 1:6; 1Jn 1:4.

6) “And not with grief,” (kai me stenzontes) “And not groaning,” with grief or regret. Each member of the church should respect the church elected leadership of elders, pastor, etc. and try to help make their work a joy, so long as they guide in the word of truth, Jud 1:1-4.

7) “For that is unprofitable for you,” (alusiteles gar humin touto) “For this would be unprofitable to you; No teacher, leader, or guide can give his best in service to a person of inattention or ingratitude.

Fuente: Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary

17. Obey them, etc. I doubt not but that he speaks of pastors and other rulers of the Church, for there were then no Christian magistrates; and what follows, for they watch for your souls, properly belongs to spiritual government. He commands first obedience and then honor to be rendered to them. (287) These two things are necessarily required, so that the people might have confidence in their pastors, and also reverence for them. But it ought at the same time to be noticed that the Apostle speaks only of those who faithfully performed their office; for they who have nothing but the title, nay, who use the title of pastors for the purpose of destroying the Church, deserve but little reverence and still less confidence. And this also is what the Apostle plainly sets forth when he says, that they watched for their souls, — a duty which is not performed but by those who are faithful rulers, and are really what they are called.

Doubly foolish, then, are the Papists, who from these words confirm the tyranny of their own idol: “The Spirit bids us obediently to receive the doctrine of godly and faithful bishops, and to obey their wholesome counsels; he bids us also to honor them.” But how does this favor mere apes of bishops? And yet not only such are all those who are bishops under the Papacy, but they are cruel murderers of souls and rapacious wolves. But to pass by a description of them, this only will I say at present, that when we are bidden to obey our pastors, we ought carefully and wisely to find out those who are true and faithful rulers; for if we render this honor to all indiscriminately, first, a wrong will be done to the good; and secondly, the reason here added, to honor them because they watch for souls, will be rendered nugatory. In order, therefore, that the Pope and those who belong to him may derive support from this passage, they must all of necessity first prove that they are of the number of those who watch for our salvation. If this be made evident, there will then be no question but that they ought to be reverently treated by all the godly. (288)

For they watch, etc. His meaning is, that the heavier the burden they bear, the more honor they deserve; for the more labor anyone undertakes for our sake, and the more difficulty and danger he incurs for us, the greater are our obligations to him. And such is the office of bishops, that it involves the greatest labor and the greatest danger; if, then, we wish to be grateful, we can hardly render to them that which is due; and especially, as they are to give an account of us to God, it would be disgraceful for us to make no account of them. (289)

He further reminds us in what great a concern their labor may avail us, for, if the salvation of our souls be precious to us, they ought by no means to be deemed of no account who watch for it. He also bids us to be teachable and ready to obey, that what pastors do in consequence of what their office demands, they may also willingly and joyfully do; for, if they have their minds restrained by grief or weariness, though they may be sincere and faithful, they will yet become disheartened and careless, for vigor in acting will fail at the same time with their cheerfulness. Hence the Apostle declares, that it would be unprofitable to the people to cause sorrow and mourning to their pastors by their ingratitude; and he did this, that he might intimate to us that we cannot be troublesome or disobedient to our pastors without hazarding our own salvation.

As hardly one in ten considers this, it is hence evident how great generally is the neglect of salvation; nor is it a wonder how few at this day are found who strenuously watch over the Church of God. For besides, there are very few who are like Paul, who have their mouth open when the people’s ears are closed, and who enlarge their own heart when the heart of the people is straitened. The Lord also punishes the ingratitude which everywhere prevails. Let us then remember that we are suffering the punishment of our own perverseness, whenever the pastors grow cold in their duty, or are less diligent than they ought to be.

(287) Grotius renders the second verb, ὑπείκετε, “concede” to them, that is, the honor due to their office; Beza, “be compliant,” ( obsecundate;) and the directions of your guides and submit to their admonitions.” Doddridge gives the sentiment of Calvin, “Submit yourselves to them with becoming respect.”

The words may be rendered, “Obey your rulers and be submissive;” that is cultivate an obedient, compliant and submissive spirit. He speaks first of what they were to do — to render obedience and then of the spirit with which that obedience was to be rendered; it was not merely to be an outward act, but proceeding from a submissive mind. Schleusner’s explanation is similar, “Obey your rulers and promptly (or willingly) obey them.” — Ed.

(288) “The Greek interpreters,” says Estius, “teach that obedience is due to a bishop, though he be immoral in his conduct; but not if he perverts the doctrine of faith in his public preaching, for in that case he deprives himself of power, as he declares himself to be an enemy to the church.” Poole, who quotes this passage, adds, “Let the Papisticals note this, who vociferously claim blind obedience in behalf of their pastors.” — Ed.

(289) See Appendix G 3.

Fuente: Calvin’s Complete Commentary

C. Obedience to elders. Heb. 13:17.

Text

Heb. 13:17

Heb. 13:17 Obey them that have rule over you, and submit to them: for they watch in behalf of your souls, as they that shall give account; that they may do this with joy, and not with grief; for this were unprofitable for you.

Paraphrase

Heb. 13:17 Follow the directions of your spiritual guides, and submit yourselves to their admonitions, for they watch over your behaviour for the good of your souls, as those who must give account to God. Obey them, therefore, that they may do this with joy, as having promoted your salvation, and not with mourning on account of your forwardness; for that would be unprofitable for you, ending in your condemnation.

Comment

Obey them that have the rule over you

Beyond any question, this is spiritual rule, for watch over
souls suggests this.

a.

Rulers no doubt refers to rulers in the church for it is unlikely that Christian magistrates existed in government.

b.

Good elders, no doubt, are meant, for elders are to rule. Act. 20:28-31; 1Ti. 5:17; 1Ti. 3:1-7; Tit. 1:5-9; Jas. 5:14-15; 1Pe. 5:1-4.

Heb. 13:7 indicates former rulers had passed on, and now present rulers are to be obeyed. If elders are qualified, the members will be glad to obey.

and submit to them

Submission rather than resistance, rebellion, and strife is enjoined.

a.

A church cant go forward with elders going in one direction and the membership trying to go another.

b.

Of course not every elder is qualified to rule.

Many problems arise when churches carelessly elect unqualified leaders and then refuse to follow, or follow carelessly.

for they watch in behalf of your souls

This pictures the ideal ruler. Paul told the Ephesian elders what to expect of false teachers who would seek to destroy the flock. Act. 20:29. The care of souls is a sacred trust.

as they shall give account

This makes it serious.

a.

Jas. 3:1 : Be not many of you teachers is a serious warning.

b.

Eze. 3:18-21 suggests the watchman must give account.

that they may do this with joy

It is a joy to be a leader of a devoted church.

a.

See 3Jn. 1:4. John expressed it, There is no greater joy.

b.

Paul urges the Thessalonians to be faithful, for they were his joy. 1Th. 2:19-20.

There should be no joy in our heart if we stand in the way of joy in the heart of a righteous elder.

and not with grief

Grief, sorrow, heartache should not be brought on by Christian people into the lives of men who have the care of souls. If the Jerusalem church had different sentiments about the efficacy of the Levitical sacrifices, no doubt much grief was had or would be experienced.

for this were unprofitable for you

This rather suggests that evil would come upon troublemakers.

a.

Note that strife, contention, etc., are named among the fruits of the flesh, Gal. 5:17-21.

b.

Division is condemned in 1Co. 1:10.

It would no doubt be more unfortunate for the trouble-maker than the troubled one. No reward from God is in store for the troubler.

Study Questions

2906.

What rulers are referred to in this verse? How do you know?

2907.

If elders are of the right kind, should we not expect to obey them?

2908.

Whose fault is it if rulers do not watch after souls?

2909.

What verses teach us that elders are to rule?

2910.

What would be the opposite of submit?

2911.

Why should we submit to them?

2912.

Would unqualified men watch over souls?

2913.

Should elders take their work lightly? Cf. Eze. 3:18-21.

2914.

Is there joy for the faithful shepherd?

2915.

How did John feel about it? 3Jn. 1:4.

2916.

Did Paul have joy in his concern?

2917.

Is much of the grief in a church brought on by believers who are not wholly consecrated?

2918.

Are trouble-makers in the church condemned by scripture?

2919.

Are there trouble-makers who do right? Is the Christian to keep silent under all circumstances?

Fuente: College Press Bible Study Textbook Series

(17) The present section of the chapter begins (Heb. 13:7) and ends (Heb. 13:17) with a reference to the rulers of the Church: Remember your former leaders, and imitate their faith; obey them that lead you now.

Submit yourselves.Better, yield (to them). Besides fulfilling their injunctions, be ready to comply with their wishes and requests.

For they watch.The Greek is emphatic: For it is they that watch on behalf of your souls as having to give account.

That they may do it.Be obedient and yielding to them, that they may do this (may watch for your souls) with joy and not sighing (or, groaning), for this would be unprofitable for you; if ye so live that they must watch over you with grief, this will both weaken their hands and bring on you the divine displeasure. No words could more powerfully present to members of the Church the motives for obedience to their spiritual guides; and to these guides themselves the ideal of their work and life, as men who are keeping watch for souls, either with rejoicing or with mourning (Act. 20:31), ever mindful of the account they must give to God for the flock which He entrusted to their care (Eze. 3:18; Eze. 33:7; Eze. 34:10; 1Pe. 5:4).

Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)

17. Have the rule over you A prolix and not very correct rendering of words signifying (as in Heb 13:7) your leaders, or guides. Both verses imply certainly a distinction between laity and ministry. We have rather a distinct view of the Church polity at Jerusalem in Act 21:18, (where see notes,) indicating that St. James was resident apostle with subordinate elders. The words obey, or trust, and submit, or yield, concede to, imply a mental position of trust and acknowledged authority. Our author endorses their ministry as true and faithful.

They watch That is, are sleepless, as vigilant shepherds.

Account To God in judgment. That refers to grief.

Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

‘Obey those who have the rule over you, and submit to them, for they watch in behalf of your souls, as they who will give account; that they may do this with joy, and not with grief, for this would be unprofitable for you.’

He stresses firstly that they, like all those who are in churches with godly oversight, as he knew his readers were, should be careful to obey those who have the rule over them and to submit to them and to their teaching and guidance. For he knows personally that they are such as are aware that they will have to give account, and are therefore trustworthy. And his yearning is that those leaders may be able to give account with joy because of the success of their efforts, and this not just for their own sakes, but because not to have cause to rejoice would be to the detriment of those for whom they were responsible.

These words, he assures them, arise not because of his concern for the leaders, but because he knows that for this not to happen will be unprofitable to them. It would mean that the leaders had failed in their responsibility, and that their flock had suffered, which would be profitable neither for them or for the flock.

However we must remember, especially in these days, that the leaders themselves have to be tested by their own behaviour. Jesus had said, “You know that those who are supposed to rule over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them. But it shall not be so among you: but whoever would be great among you must be your servant” (Mar 10:42-43). He was thus pointing out that such leaders can be tested out, and should be so. He was pointing out that the test of the truly great man of God is found in his humility as expressed at all times towards all (not just in an acted out scenario to some) and especially towards the lowliest. Once a minister becomes too conscious of his own authority he loses the right to that authority. It is only to those who clearly live showing that they know they must give account, and who live in true humility, that submission can be expected. It is God-given only to them.

Fuente: Commentary Series on the Bible by Peter Pett

Final Exhortation and A Prayer For His Readers ( Heb 13:17-22 ).

So having finally made the great divide between Jerusalem and all that it had come to stand for, and Christianity with its whole concern centred on Christ, the writer closes his letter with personal exhortations and assurance. Rather than looking to Jerusalem they are to obey those who are true servants of Jesus Christ who are appointed to watch over their spiritual welfare. And he requests in true Pauline fashion that they pray for him and his fellow-workers, especially so that he might be restored to them. For he is confident that God on His part will make them perfect in every good thing to do His will, working in them that which is well pleasing in His sight.

Fuente: Commentary Series on the Bible by Peter Pett

Heb 13:17. Obey them that have the rule over you, Obey your spiritual guides, and submit to them; that as they are vigilant over your souls, for which they are accountable, they may discharge their office with alacrity, and not with despondence, which would be to your prejudice. When a minister, zealous for those under his care, is discouraged by their apparent non-proficiency, that damps his spirits, and abates the vigour with which he would exert himself upon more probable hopes of success. See Heb 13:7. From the present verse, Hallett observes, we may form this general rule, suited to all ages; namely, that where pastors, in all respects, behave themselves as Christians; where they are qualified with sufficient gifts, and faithfully perform the duties of their pastoral office; where they do not lord it over God’s heritage, but are examples of all holiness and virtue to the flock, and heartily labour to promote the salvation of their people, under a lively apprehension that they must hereafter give a strict account of their management to the great Shepherd, who will either reward or punish them, according as they promote or hinder the salvation of those souls for whom he died:where pastors act in this manner, the people are bound to obey them; that is, to hearken to their good advice, to submit to their just reproofs, as to men who, like parents, have a right to exhort and reprove them: and no one who at all considers things, can think it any manner of evil or hardship to submit to pastors of such a character, by attending to their good and friendly admonitions, and earnestly seeking their own salvation through Jesus Christ.

Fuente: Commentary on the Holy Bible by Thomas Coke

Heb 13:17 . Exhortation to obedience to the presidents of the assembly. Comp. 1Th 5:12-13 .

] Obey your leaders, and yield to them . Bengel: Obedite in iis, quae praecipiunt vobis tanquam salutaria; concedite, etiam ubi videntur plusculum postulare. The demand presupposes, for the rest, that the author knew the as men like-minded with himself, who had kept themselves free from the hankering after defection.

] for it is they who watch for your souls, for the salvation thereof .

] as those who must give an account (of the same), sc . to God and the Lord at His return.

] is the subsequently introduced note of design to . On that account, however, it is not permitted, with Grotius, Carpzov, and others, to enclose within a parenthesis; because the subject-matter of the clause of design refers back to the subject-matter of the foregoing establishing clause.

] with joy , namely, over your docility.

] sc . . Erroneously do Owen, Whitby, Michaelis, M‘Lean, Heinrichs, Stuart, and others supplement . For the latter takes place only in the future, whereas the conjunctive of the present points to that which is already to be done in the present.

] and without sighing, sc . over your intractableness.

] unprofitable , inasmuch as it will bring you no gain, but, on the contrary, will call down upon you the chastisement of God. A litotes .

] sc . .

Fuente: Heinrich August Wilhelm Meyer’s New Testament Commentary

DISCOURSE: 2350
THE DUTY OF PEOPLE, AND THE RESPONSIBILITY OF MINISTERS

Heb 13:17. Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.

MAN, as a social being, has duties to the society of which he is a member: and of these duties he must be reminded, no less than of those which are purely personal. The Church of Christ is one great family [Note: Eph 3:15.], in which, as in every other family, order must be observed, by the exercise of power in those who preside, and a submission to it amongst those who are placed under their direction. The government that shall be exercised in it is appointed by God himself; who has invested his ministers with power to rule, and has required of their people a submission to their authority. But as, on the one hand, there has been amongst some who have presided an unscriptural usurpation of authority, very different from that which God ever committed to them; so, on the other hand, there is amongst others a very unscriptural disregard of that authority which is legitimate, and which every minister of God is bound to exercise in that society over which he presides. For the due administration of order and good government in the Church, the Apostle, having finished his directions respecting personal duties, proceeds to give one, which more immediately relates to our social intercourse, but which is of the greatest consequence to the welfare of that family of which we are members.

In calling your attention to this apostolic precept, I shall have occasion to set before you,

I.

The duty of people towards their minister

A shepherd naturally presides over his flock: and so must a pastor of Gods Church exercise rule over that flock which he feeds, over which the Holy Ghost himself has constituted him an overseer [Note: Act 20:28.]. Not that civil power was ever delegated by God to his ministers; that exclusively belongs to the civil magistrates [Note: Rom 13:1-6.]. If the Lord Jesus Christ, when appealed to as an arbitrator in relation to civil rights, said, Who made me a ruler and a divider over you [Note: Luk 12:13-14.]? much less can any claim of temporal authority belong to those who are called by him to the administration of affairs which are purely spiritual. Yet is there power given to ministers,

1.

As ambassadors from God

[August as this title is, we claim it as of right belonging to us: for though we would by no means exalt ourselves, it becomes us, and is our bounden duty, to magnify our office [Note: Rom 11:13.]. We come from God to you, and proclaim to you in his name the terms on which he will forgive your past rebellion, and receive you to his favour. It is in the very place of Christ that we stand, when we entreat you for his sake to be reconciled to God [Note: 2Co 5:20.]. The word which we preach to you is Gods: and by you it must be received, not as the word of man, but, as it is in truth, the word of God [Note: 1Th 2:13.]. If our testimony be rejected, it is not man, but God himself, that ye reject [Note: Mat 10:40-41. 1Th 4:8. See also 1Sa 8:7.]. Doubtless, you must judge how far the voice of the minister accords with the word of God: for it is to that extent only that you are bound to pay any attention to it: and so far are you to be from receiving the word of man implicitly and without examination, that you are required of God himself not to believe every spirit, but to try the spirits whether they be of God [Note: 1Jn 4:1.]; and to prove all things, and hold fast that only which is good [Note: 1Th 5:21.]. But when the word which is delivered to you is that only which your minister has himself received from the Lord [Note: 1Co 15:3.], then must you obey it as much as if it was delivered to you by God himself in an audible voice from heaven.

Now then we hesitate not to declare, that all which we preach unto you respecting your fallen state, and the necessity of your believing in Christ as the appointed Saviour of the world, and of your giving up yourselves to him in body, soul, and spirit, to be sanctified wholly to his service, is the very truth of God revealed in his Gospel: and whilst we affectionately entreat, we do also authoritatively enjoin, your acceptance of it, and your submission to it: and we affirm, that, if ye reject this Gospel, ye do it at your peril, and with a certainty of incurring Gods everlasting displeasure [Note: Heb 2:3. 1Pe 4:17-18.].]

2.

As stewards over his family

[This also is a character belonging to us [Note: 1Co 4:1.], and a character with which a measure of authority is of necessity connected [Note: Luk 12:42.]. Under that character we must, at the peril of our own souls, be faithful to you, and to our God, whose servants we are [Note: 1Co 4:2.]. Whatever we judge to be the portion most requisite for your spiritual health, that we must administer, whether it be instruction or exhortation, consolation or reproof. We must no further seek to please you, than will be for your real welfare [Note: Rom 15:2.]: if we go beyond this, we cannot be servants of Jesus Christ [Note: Gal 1:10.]. Of course, in the exercise of discipline, there will be some things which will be more clear, and some which will be of a more dubious character. In those which are clear, and where the word of God has precisely marked the course to be pursued, the submission of the people to the sentence of the minister should be willing and unreserved: and in those which, though not expressly defined by God, are necessary for the maintenance of order, a willing deference should be paid to the judgment of him on whom the great responsibility rests, and to whom authority has been committed by God himself for the good of the whole [Note: 2Co 10:8; 2Co 8:10. 1Ti 5:17.]. Not that ministers are to be lords over Gods heritage [Note: 1Pe 5:3.], or to have dominion over the faith of any man [Note: 2Co 1:24.]: but still, even in dubious matters, a degree of submission is due to them, that order may be observed, and the affairs of the Church be well administered, for the good of the whole [Note: 1Co 16:15-16.]. This is the kind of rule which a parent exercises in his family; and in a spirit of paternal love must it be exercised by ministers in the house of God [Note: 1Ti 3:5.].]

These observations will acquire additional weight, if we attend to,

II.

The considerations with which this duty is enforced

Two considerations are here urged, as motives to a cheerful acquiescence in the duty prescribed:

1.

The return due to them

[Ministers have taken upon themselves to seek to the uttermost the spiritual and eternal welfare of those who are committed to their care: and, when duly impressed with the importance of their office, they watch for souls as those that must give account. When they undertake this office, they know, that if any perish through their neglect, the blood of those who perish will be required at their hands [Note: Eze 3:17-21; Eze 33:7-9.]. Under this fearful responsibility, they watch for souls, trembling lest, through their ignorance, or sloth, or cowardice, any have the truth withheld from them, or the means of salvation unprofitably dispensed to them. They feel their insufficiency [Note: 2Co 2:16.], and are ready at times to regret that ever they made themselves answerable to so awful an extent. But a dispensation having been committed to them, they know that a woe attends them, if they discharge not their office with fidelity and diligence [Note: 1Co 10:16-17.].

Now then I ask, Is nothing due from you to such friends and benefactors? When they, from love to your souls, and from an ardent desire to impart unto you the blessings of salvation, make themselves your servants for Christs sake [Note: 2Co 4:5.], renouncing all worldly cares, pleasures, and advantages, and consecrating all their time and talents exclusively to you, is there no love, no respect, no deference to be shewn to them? This, I am sure, is not Gods judgment respecting them: for he requires, that you esteem them very highly in love for their works sake [Note: 1Th 5:12-13.]: and if you refuse them this tribute, you are guilty of gross injustice to them, and of vile ingratitude to God, whose commission and authority they bear.

If you suppose that their living of the altar is a sufficient recompence, I must observe, that there is scarcely a faithful servant in all the Church of God who might not turn his talents to a far better account, if pecuniary emolument be the standard by which his recompence is to be estimated. As for the shepherds who feed themselves, and not the flock, I speak not of them: I leave them to their own fearful responsibility [Note: Jer 23:1-2. Eze 34:1-10. Zec 11:17.]: but of faithful pastors, I affirm, that, if they could have the whole world for their hire, they would despise it all in comparison of one soul, whom they may present to God as begotten by their ministry and saved by their efforts [Note: 1Ti 4:16. with 1Th 2:19-20.]. I say, then, ye are debtors to them to a great amount: if they have been your spiritual fathers, ye owe them your own souls [Note: Philem. ver. 19.]: and if they are only your instructors, yet, as watching with all tenderness and fidelity for your souls, their griefs and their joys should be the griefs and the joys of you all [Note: 2Co 2:3.].]

2.

The benefit accruing to yourselves

[Daily do they go to God, to give up, as it were, an account of the stewardship committed to them: and this they do either with joy or grief, according as they find success or disappointment in their ministerial labours. See what grief St, Paul experienced when his people walked disorderly [Note: 2Co 2:4.]: and, on the other hand, with what ecstatic joys he was filled, when they walked worthy of their high calling [Note: 1Th 3:9-10.]! So it is with every minister, in proportion as he approves himself faithful to his God. And how deeply are your interests involved in these exercises of your ministers soul! When he sees you disobedient to the word, and regardless of his paternal admonitions, how do his hands hang down, and his spirit sink within him! Truly, it is with grief, and with groanings, (as the word imports,) that he goes to his God from day to day. And the whole of his ministry, in its ardour, in its unction, in its whole character, is lowered, when he has to labour amongst a proud, a worldly, a contentious, a gainsaying people. His mouth is stopped; and, instead of finding an enlargement of mind, and a liberty of utterance towards them, he is constrained rather to speak only in tears of anguish [Note: Php 3:18.], and, as it were, in the groans of one that is travailing in birth [Note: Gal 4:19.].

On the other hand, in what tender strains did the Apostle address those who had received his word with power, and evinced its influence by a holy and heavenly conversation! He was amongst them as gentle as a nursing mother; and was so affectionately disposed towards them, that he was willing to impart to them, not the Gospel only, but his own soul also, because they were dear unto him [Note: 1Th 2:7-8.]. How would words, proceeding from him in such a strain, distil as the dew, and penetrate their inmost souls! And when he felt such enlargement of heart towards them, what corresponding feelings would be generated in their souls [Note: 2Co 6:11-13.]! Such then are still the feelings of faithful ministers in this day. They experience either straitness, or enlargement, according as their people evince a disposition that becomes the Gospel, or a state of mind tending to obstruct its influence. And therefore, if you seek nothing but your own profit, you should, by a loving, submissive, and obedient spirit, encourage the efforts of your minister, and impart comfort to his soul.

But it is not to the present world only that this consideration must be confined. For though it is true, that a glorified soul can feel no grief, any more than God himself can, yet, for the purpose of impressing our minds, this idea may be predicated of them, as well as of him. And O! think of the joy with which they will present to God their obedient children in the last day [Note: Isa 8:18. Php 2:16.], and the grief with which they will appear as swift witnesses against such as were intractable and disobedient [Note: Mal 3:5.]! Verily, their griefs will be unprofitable indeed to you, when the very word which they have spoken to you will be found only a savour of death unto you, and the means of your more aggravated condemnation [Note: 2Co 2:15-16.].]

Suffer ye then a word of exhortation

[How long we shall stand in our present relation to each other, God alone knows: but this we know, that I must give up an account to God of my labours, as you also must of your improvement of them. O that I may be found faithful! and may you also so improve my ministry, that I may give up an account of you with joy, and not with grief! Imagine not your work done, when you have heard the word delivered to you. In reality, both your work and mine is then but just begun. We must watch for each other, and each of us for ourselves. And O! may you never have occasion for that painful reflection, How have I hated instruction, and my heart despised reproof, and have not obeyed the voice of my teacher, nor inclined mine ear to them that instructed me [Note: Pro 5:12-13.]! And may I so watch, and so labour, that, like the Apostle himself, I may be pure from the blood of all men [Note: Act 20:26. N. B. If this were the subject of a Visitation Sermon, there should be a suitable Address to Ministers also.]!]

Fuente: Charles Simeon’s Horae Homileticae (Old and New Testaments)

(17) Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you. (18) Pray for us: for we trust we have a good conscience, in all things willing to live honestly. (19) But I beseech you the rather to do this, that I may be restored to you the sooner.

Still harping upon the pleasant string of brotherly love, we have here the same sweet notes sung over again, of the people’s duty to their ministers, and the affectionate request of the ministers to their people, to be by them remembered in their prayers. And what a lovely sight to behold, the aged Apostle Paul, seeking from the Church as a boon, what, from his voluntary, and unrecompensed labors, he might have justly demanded as a tribute. Oh! the happiness of that Church, where minister, and people, are wrestling together in prayer, before the Lord, for each other? What spiritual blessings may not be expected from such an harmony of souls, knit together as one in Christ?

Fuente: Hawker’s Poor Man’s Commentary (Old and New Testaments)

17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.

Ver. 17. That have the rule over you ] Gr. That are your leaders or captains. But now, as once in Alcibiades’ army, most will be leaders, few learners. See Trapp on “ Heb 13:7 “

And submit yourselves ] Obey their doctrine, submit to their discipline.

As they that must give an account ] These are fulmina, non verba, as Erasmus saith of a like place, Eze 3:18 ; not words, but thunderbolts. Chrysostom (though he usually preached every day, and so excellently that it grew to a proverb, Better the sun shine not than that Chrysostom preach not, yet he) was exceedingly affected and affrighted with this dreadful passage: being ready to say with Job, “What shall I do, when God riseth up? and when he calleth to reckoning, what shall I answer?” Job 31:14 .

Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)

17 END .] Concluding exhortations and notices .

Fuente: Henry Alford’s Greek Testament

17 .] Having already in Heb 13:7 spoken of their deceased leaders in the church, and thereby been reminded of their stedfastness in the faith, he has taken occasion in the intervening verses to admonish them respecting the danger of apostasy to Judaism, and to exhort them to come fearlessly out of it to Christ. Now he returns to their duty to their leaders . Obey your leaders ( , c., Thl.), and submit (to them) ( , in the regular course of your habits, guided by them, persuaded that their rule is right: , where that rule interferes with your own will: has more of free following, of dutiful yielding): for they (on their part, brought out by the ) keep watch on behalf of your souls (not = as Bhme, but rather = : the bringing in the idea of immortality), as having to give an account (Thdrt. well-remarks, . Chrys. de Sacerdotio, lib. vi. init., vol. i. 2, p. 677 (Migne), says, . . . . , , ): that they may do this (viz. watch , not give an account, for thus the present , and would be inapplicable) with joy, and not lamenting (over your disobedience): for this (their having to lament over you) is unprofitable for you ( is found in Luk 17:2 . “The exhortation is like Paul in its spirit, cf. 1Th 5:12-13 , but more like Luke in its expression. And as we proceed, St. Luke’s and St. Paul’s expressions are found mingled together.” Delitzsch).

Fuente: Henry Alford’s Greek Testament

Heb 13:17 End. The conclusion of the Epistle.

Fuente: The Expositors Greek Testament by Robertson

Heb 13:17 . “Obey your rulers and submit; for they watch for your souls, knowing they are to give account, that they may do this with joy not with lamentation for this would be profitless to you.”

Having exhorted the Hebrews to keep in mind their former rulers and adhere to their teaching, the writer now admonishes them, probably in view of a certain mutinous and separatist spirit (Heb 10:25 ) encouraged by their reception of strange doctrines, to obey their present leaders, and yield themselves trustfully ( ) to their teaching an admonition which, as Weiss remarks, shows that these teachers held the same views as the writer. The reasonableness of this injunction is confirmed by the responsibility of the rulers and their anxious discharge of it. They watch, like wakeful shepherds ( ), or those who are nursing a critical case, in the interest of your souls ( ) to which they may sometimes seem to sacrifice your other interests. They do this under the constant pressure of a consciousness that they must one day render to the Chief Shepherd (Heb 13:20 ) an account of the care they have taken of His sheep ( ). Obey them, then, that they may discharge their responsibility and peform these kindly offices for you ( referring not to as Vaughan, etc., which would require a much stronger expression than , but to ) joyfully and not with groaning ( , the groaning with which one resumes a thankless task, and with which he contemplates unappreciated and even opposed work). And even for your own sakes you should make the work of your rulers easy and joyful, for otherwise it cannot profit you. Your unwillingness to listen to them means that you are out of sympathy with their teaching and that it can do you no good ( ).

Fuente: The Expositors Greek Testament by Robertson

NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: Heb 13:17

17Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with grief, for this would be unprofitable for you.

Heb 13:17 “Obey. . .submit” This is a present passive (A. T. Robertson lists it as a middle voice) imperative and present active imperative. Although individuals are free in Christ we must yield ourselves to spiritual authority for growth and service (cf. Heb 13:7; 1Co 16:16; 1Th 5:12-13).

This word of encouragement to submit to Christian leaders is much needed in our day of disrespect for authority of any kind, and an overemphasis on the rights and powers of the individual. God has placed some as leaders among His people (note Num 16:3-5). We honor them because of their call, training, commitment, and service. However, there is an opposite “ditch.” God’s calling has been abused by some authoritarian personalities. There must be a balance, a mutual respect, a co-operative spirit between God’s people and God’s leaders. All believers are called to be subject to one another out of respect for Christ (cf. Eph 5:21).

“they keep watch” This term means “to be awake,” “to be vigilant” (cf. Mar 13:33; Luk 21:36; Eph 6:18), which is a metaphor for diligent watchfulness and service (cf. Isa 62:6; Eze 3:17; Eze 33:7-9).

“as those who will give an account” Leaders are responsible for their ministry and will give an account to God (cf. 1Co 3:10-15). They are stewards!

“Let them do this with joy and not with grief” The attitude of the congregation does not determine the ministry, but it does make the process enjoyable or painful.

Fuente: You Can Understand the Bible: Study Guide Commentary Series by Bob Utley

Obey. Greek. peitho. App-150.

submit = be submissive. Greek. hupeiko. Only here. Compare eiko (Gal 1:2, Gal 1:5).

yourselves. Omit.

watch. Greek. agrupneo. See Eph 6:18.

souls. App-110.

they that must give = those about to give. Greek. apodidomi.

account. Greek. logos. App-121.

with grief = groaning. Greek. stenazo, as Mar 7:34.

unprofitable. Greek. alusiteles. Only here. Figure of speech Meiosis. App-6.

Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics

17-END.] Concluding exhortations and notices.

Fuente: The Greek Testament

Heb 13:17. , obey) Evince (have) remembrance towards your deceased teachers, Heb 13:7; obedience towards them that are still alive.-, submit) This is more than to obey. Obey in those things which they command you to do as salutary: submit, even when they seem to demand a little more. , that, depends on this verb.-, they) As they are zealously careful, so, when they wish you to be careful, you ought to submit.- , as they that are to give an account) Truly this consideration both causes a man to be watchful, and to avoid any abuse of authority. The soul of Chrysostom was always struck with these words, as he himself confesses at the beginning of the 6th Book de Sacerdotio, on which passage we have made some observations, p. 490.- , with joy) if they see you respond to their vigilance.-, this) This does not refer to they who are to give an account, but to they watch. Disciples ought to obey and submit to their teachers, so that with joy, etc. It would be not a joyous ( ) thing for the teachers themselves to give in their account with sorrow [therefore does not refer to the giving in the account]: on the contrary, to watch with sorrow, is not hurtful to the teachers, it is unprofitable to the hearers.- , and not) He is not a good minister who does not either rejoice or grieve, or do both.-, with grief) The groans of other creatures are heard; how much more of pastors?-, unprofitable) Sorrow, opposed to joy, from which griefs (groans, implied in ) are derived, greatly weakens the teachers; and their sighs are not profitable, nay, are very injurious to the disciples.

Fuente: Gnomon of the New Testament

Heb 13:17-19

OUR DUTIES TO THE OVERSEERS

AND OTHER PUBLIC SERVANTS

OF THE CHURCH

Heb 13:17-19

Heb 13:17 —Obey them that have the rule over you,-(tois hegoumenois hutnon) your leaders. These were the Elders or Overseers of the Church, to whom were committed (1) the duty of instructing the members; and (2) the duty of watching over and governing them. So we learn from many passages in the New Testament. In the twentieth chapter of Acts, for instance, Paul says to the Elders of the Church of Ephesus, Take heed to yourselves and to all the flock over which the Holy Spirit hath made you Overseers, to feed the Church of God (tou kuriou, the Lord) which he hath purchased with his own blood. For I know that after my departure shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. Therefore watch, and remember that by the space of three years, I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears. (Act 20:28-31.) So also in his first Epistle to Timothy, the same Apostle says, Let the Elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially they who labor in word and doctrine. (1Ti 5:17.) Compare also 1Ti 3:1-7; Tit 1:5-9; Jas 5:14-15; 1Pe 5:1-4.

Heb 13:17 —and submit yourselves:-That is, submit to them so far as they teach and rule according to the Oracles of God. The obligations of the Church and of her officers, are mutually binding. If it is the duty of the Elders to teach, it is also manifestly the duty of the other members of the Church to receive their lawful instructions ; and if it is the duty of the former to rule, it is equally the duty of the latter to submit to all their acts of discipline which are not in violation of the law of Christ.

Heb 13:17 —for they watch for your souls,-This is a charge of fearful responsibility. They watch for your souls as they that must give account! When I say to the wicked, says God in his instructions to Ezekiel, thou shalt surely die, and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same man shall die in his iniquity, but his blood will I require at thy hand. Yet if thou warn the wicked, and he turn not from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul. Again when a righteous man doth turn from his righteousness and commit iniquity, and I lay a stumbling-block before him [by allowing him to be severely tried, as was Abraham, Gen 22:1-19], he shall die; because thou hast not given him warning, he shall die in his sins, and his righteousness which he hath done shall not be remembered; but his blood will I require at thine hand. Nevertheless if thou warn the righteous man, that the righteous sin not, he shall surely live; also thou hast delivered thy soul. (Eze 3:18-21.) Not unlike this is the solemn charge which Christ has given to every shepherd of his flock. (Act 20:28.) And hence the solemn admonition which is here given to all the members: Obey your leaders, and submit yourselves to their instruction and government; for they watch for your souls, as they that must give an account of their stewardship. It is no trifling matter, then, to watch over the flock of Christ, which he has purchased with his own blood. How few Pastors are doing this as they should; and how few of the members of the flock have yet learned what it is to submit practically to their instruction and government.

Heb 13:17 —that they may do it with joy, and not with grief:-Those who under God turn many to righteousness, and who succeed in leading them to the end in the way of holiness, will of course render their final account with joy; but those who, though faithful themselves, have the misfortune to see many of their flock perish by the way, will do this with grief. And hence John says, I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth (3Jn 1:4) ; and hence alsb Paul earnestly exhorts his Thessalonian brethren to be faithful even to the end. For what, he says, is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming? For ye are our glory and our joy. (1Th 2:19-20.)

Heb 13:17 —for that is unprofitable for you.-That is, that your Pastors and Teachers should have to render their final account concerning you with grief. This would be even a greater misfortune to you than to them. As, therefore, your griefs in that event would be mutual, see to it that on the contrary your joys may be mutual.

Heb 13:18 —Pray for us:-It is not enough that you obey your rulers, and submit to those who are directly over you in the Lord; you should also remember us the Apostles and Evangelists who have gone out from you to preach the Gospel to the Gentiles.

Heb 13:18 —for we trust we have a good conscience,-Our admonitions to you, and our opposition to Judaism, proceed from no selfish or sinister motives: but simply from a desire to discharge conscientiously the duties which God has imposed on us with regard to both Jews and Gentiles; wishing in all things to act honestly in the sight of God. Hence we claim an interest in your prayers.

Heb 13:19 —But I beseech you, etc.-From this, in connection with the preceding verse, it is evident (1) that the writer of this Epistle was known to the persons addressed; (2) that he had been formerly with them, not necessarily as one of their Pastors, but in some respects as a co-worker; (3) that he was anxious to see them again, but was then prevented from doing so by some hindrances unknown to us; and (4) that he felt well assured that through the prayers of the Hebrew brethren in his behalf, these hindrances would be removed, and that he would be restored to them the sooner. This, then, is a beautiful commentary on the efficacy of prayer; and it should encourage us to pray always for the success and welfare of all those who are laboring to convert the world to Christ, and to educate the converts for Heaven. For this is the confidence that we have in him, that if we ask anything according to his will he heareth us. (1Jn 5:14.) Ask [then] and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. (Mat 7:7.)

Commentary on Heb 13:17-19 by Donald E. Boatman

Heb 13:17 –Obey them that have the rule over you

Beyond any question, this is spiritual rule, for watch over

souls suggests this.

a. Rulers no doubt refers to rulers in the church for it is unlikely that Christian magistrates existed in government.

b. Good elders, no doubt, are meant, for elders are to rule. Act 20:28-31; 1Ti 5:17; 1Ti 3:1-7; Tit 1:5-9; Jas 5:14-15; 1Pe 5:1-4.

Heb 13:7 indicates former rulers had passed on, and now present rulers are to be obeyed. If elders are qualified, the members will be glad to obey.

Heb 13:17 –and submit to them

Submission rather than resistance, rebellion, and strife is enjoined.

a. A church cant go forward with elders going in one direction and the membership trying to go another.

b. Of course not every elder is qualified to rule.

Many problems arise when churches carelessly elect unqualified leaders and then refuse to follow, or follow carelessly.

Heb 13:17 –for they watch in behalf of your souls

This pictures the ideal ruler. Paul told the Ephesian elders what to expect of false teachers who would seek to destroy the flock. Act 20:29. The care of souls is a sacred trust.

Heb 13:17 –as they shall give account

This makes it serious.

a. Jas 3:1 : Be not many of you teachers is a serious warning.

b. Eze 3:18-21 suggests the watchman must give account.

Heb 13:17 –that they may do this with joy

It is a joy to be a leader of a devoted church.

a. See 3Jn 1:4. John expressed it, There is no greater joy.

b. Paul urges the Thessalonians to be faithful, for they were his joy. 1Th 2:19-20.

There should be no joy in our heart if we stand in the way of joy in the heart of a righteous elder.

Heb 13:17 –and not with grief

Grief, sorrow, heartache should not be brought on by Christian people into the lives of men who have the care of souls. If the Jerusalem church had different sentiments about the efficacy of the Levitical sacrifices, no doubt much grief was had or would be experienced.

Heb 13:17 –for this were unprofitable for you

This rather suggests that evil would come upon troublemakers.

a. Note that strife, contention, etc., are named among the fruits of the flesh, Gal 5:17-21.

b. Division is condemned in 1Co 1:10.

It would no doubt be more unfortunate for the trouble-maker than the troubled one. No reward from God is in store for the troubler.

Heb 13:18 –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. Eph 6:18-19; 1Th 5:25; 2Th 3:1; Rom 15:30; 2Co 1:11; Phm 1:22.

Heb 13:18 –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 authors desire to live righteously in all things called for their help.

Heb 13:19 –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.

Heb 13:19 –that I may be restored to you the sooner

This suggests that troubles, persecution, or perhaps imprisonment detained him. Timothys difficulty, Heb 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

2906. What rulers are referred to in this verse? How do you know?

2907. If elders are of the right kind, should we not expect to obey them?

2908. Whose fault is it if rulers do not watch after souls?

2909. What verses teach us that elders are to rule?

2910. What would be the opposite of submit?

2911. Why should we submit to them?

2912. Would unqualified men watch over souls?

2913. Should elders take their work lightly? Cf. Eze 3:18-21.

2914. Is there joy for the faithful shepherd?

2915. How did John feel about it? 3Jn 1:4.

2916. Did Paul have joy in his concern?

2917. Is much of the grief in a church brought on by believers who are not wholly consecrated?

2918. Are trouble-makers in the church condemned by scripture?

2919. Are there trouble-makers who do right? Is the Christian to keep silent under all circumstances?

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?

Fuente: Old and New Testaments Restoration Commentary

Obey: Heb 13:7, 1Sa 8:19, 1Sa 15:19, 1Sa 15:20, Pro 5:13, Phi 2:12, Phi 2:29, 1Th 5:12, 1Th 5:13, 2Th 3:14, 1Ti 5:17

have the rule over: or, guide

submit: Gen 16:9, 1Co 16:16, Eph 5:21, Jam 4:7, 1Pe 5:5

watch: Eze 3:17-21, Eze 33:2, Eze 33:7-9, Act 20:24-26, Act 20:28, 1Co 4:1, 1Co 4:2, 1Pe 5:2, 1Pe 5:3

give account: Luk 16:2, Rom 14:12, 2Co 5:10, 2Co 5:11

with joy: Phi 1:4, Phi 2:16, Phi 4:1, 1Th 2:19, 1Th 2:20, 1Th 3:9, 1Th 3:10

with grief: Exo 32:31, Jer 13:17, Phi 3:18

Reciprocal: Num 18:1 – shall bear Num 31:30 – keep the 1Sa 25:12 – came Son 3:3 – watchmen Isa 52:8 – Thy Isa 62:6 – set watchmen Jer 6:17 – I Eze 3:20 – but his Eze 34:10 – and I will Hos 9:8 – watchman Mat 18:31 – and came Luk 9:10 – the apostles Luk 12:42 – ruler Luk 14:21 – and showed Act 15:6 – General Act 20:31 – watch Rom 12:8 – ruleth 1Co 12:28 – God 2Co 6:5 – watchings 2Co 12:15 – you Gal 2:6 – these who Eph 4:12 – perfecting 1Th 2:8 – affectionately 2Ti 4:5 – watch Phm 1:20 – let me Heb 13:24 – the rule Jam 3:1 – knowing

Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Heb 13:17. Obey is from PEITHO and Thayer defines it at this place as follows: “To listen to, obey, yield to, comply with.” The definition agrees with the connection in which it is used here. The persons are said to have the rule which could not be accomplished unless they were obeyed. This thought is repeated by the word submit which is from HUPEIKO, which Thayer defines in the same passage as follows: “To give way, yield, to yield to authority and admonition, to submit.” No institution can succeed without government, and that calls for governors or rulers. But such officers cannot govern unless they are obeyed, hence the members of the church are commanded to be obedient to the rulers which means the elders. They watch for your souls. Since the souls of men cannot be seen it follows that the elders must watch the actions of their bodies. The members sometimes resent their elders and seem to think they have a strong complaint when they say “we are being watched.” But the elders are not doing their duty unless they watch the actions of the members. The elders will have to give account for the conduct of the flock, and if the members do not live in obedience to their rulers the account will not be a joyous one. lf the facts require an unfavorable report to the Chief Shepherd, such an account will be unprofitable for the sheep for it will cause their souls to be rejected at the day of judgment.

Fuente: Combined Bible Commentary

Heb 13:17, etc. Having referred to deceased leaden and to their stedfastness, the writer is naturally led to speak of the danger of apostatizing to Judaism; he therefore exhorts them to come completely out of it and boldly follow Christ. He now returns to their leaders. Obey (give, and keep giving, the obedience which springs from trust in them, and from the persuasion that their rule is right) your leaders, and submit yourselves (to their reproof and admonition, even to their authority); and this rule he enforces by a delicate reference to the leaders responsibility; for it is their duty and their right to watch over and in the interest of your souls, free alike from indolence and from false security, as having to give account, that they may do this work (of watching) with joy, and not mourning (literally groaning ) over it or you; for, if it is a grief to them, the loss will be yours; that is unprofitable for you.

Fuente: A Popular Commentary on the New Testament

Two things are here observable:

1. The minister’s duty towards his people.

2. The people’s duty towards their ministers.

In the former note, 1. The duty required, To rule, to watch. God makes the bishops and pastors of his church here guiding rulers in the church affairs; they rule not with rigour, but with rational guidance and conduct.

Note, 2. The subject of this ruling power and authority; it is not over their states, but their persons, particularly and principally their souls. They watch for your souls; as Jacob watched over Laban’s, so do the ministers watch over Christ’s flock by day and night.

Note, 3. The great engagement and obligation that lies upon them thus to rule, and thus to watch: They must give an account, that is, of their work and office, of their duty and discharge: there is a great shepherd, a chief shepherd, as Christ is called the prince of shepherds, to whom all inferior shepherds must give an account of their office, of their work, and of the flock committed to their work, and of the flock committed to their charge.

Note, 4. The different accounts that will be given by the ministers of God at the great day, some with joy, others with grief. It is matter of the greatest joy to us when we find any souls thriving under our ministry, and blessing God for the benefit they find by it; but, on the other hand, the sadness of our hearts under the barrenness and unprofitableness of many under our ministerial labours, is not easily to be expressed.

O God, with what sighing, with what groaning, with what inward heaviness and mourning, our accounts unto Christ are now given and accompanied, thou only knowest, and wilt make manifest at the great day!

Observe, 2. The people’s duty declared with reference to their spiritual guides and rulers, and that is, to obey them, and submit themselves. Obey them that rule over you, and submit yourselves; obey their doctrine, and submit to their discipline, but neither with a blind and implicit obedience. Obey their doctrine, teaching you all things, whatsoever Christ has commanded them; and submit to their rule whilst it is exercised in the name of Christ, and according to his institution.

Learn hence, 1. That the Lord Jesus Christ, as supreme head of his church, has ordered and ordained that there shall be officers of his church, to guide and teach, to rule and watch over it, to the end of the world.

Learn, 2. That due obedience of the church in all its members unto the rulers of it, in the discharge of their office and duty, is the best means of its edification, and an happy cause of order and peace in the whole body. Obey them, &c.

Fuente: Expository Notes with Practical Observations on the New Testament

Heb 13:17. Obey them that have the rule over you The expression, , implies also, that lead or guide you, namely, in truth and holiness; and submit yourselves To them with a becoming respect, even though their office should render it sometimes necessary for them to reprove you for some instances of misconduct, or to urge you to duties which you are averse to perform. Give up to them, not your conscience or judgment, but your own will, in all things purely indifferent; for they watch for your souls With all zeal and diligence they guard and caution you against all danger; as they that must give an account To the great Shepherd for every part of their behaviour toward you. Chrysostom says, he never read these words of the apostle without trembling, though he often preached several times in a day. How vigilant then ought every pastor to be, how careful of every soul committed to his charge; that they may do it May watch over you; with joy and not with grief Greek, , not groaning, under discouragement and grief on account of the little success of their ministry among you; for that is Or would be; unprofitable for you Both, here and hereafter; for besides discouraging your guides, it would displease the Lord Jesus, and preclude or endanger your eternal salvation. He is not a good shepherd, who does not either rejoice over his flock or groan for them. The groans of other creatures are heard: how much more shall these come up into the ears of God! Whoever answers this character of a Christian pastor, may undoubtedly demand this obedience. Wesley.

Fuente: Joseph Bensons Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

13:17 {10} Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that [is] unprofitable for you.

(10) We must obey the warnings and admonitions of our ministers and elders, who watch for the salvation of the souls that are committed to them.

Fuente: Geneva Bible Notes

The leaders in view are church elders (pastors; cf. Heb 13:7; Heb 13:24). These shepherds will have to give account to God one day for their stewardship over us. We should make their work now easier for them by being obedient and submissive to them. Will the leaders of your church be able to tell God that leading you was a pleasure when they stand before Him?

Fuente: Expository Notes of Dr. Constable (Old and New Testaments)