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"Bear with the word of exhortation..."

Text: Hebrews 13:22

CONCLUDING WORDS

How would the writer of Hebrews conclude his great epistle? His perspective may be quite different from that of his readers.

“And I appeal to you, brethren,
bear with the word of exhortation,
for I have written to you in few words.”
Hebrews 13:22

1. I appeal to you, brethren

a) Deep humility was displayed.

b) There was no pride in completing this difficult piece of work.

c) There was just an appeal to understand why he wrote what he did.

2. Bear with the word of exhortation

a) The purpose of the writer is clearly stated here.

b) He wrote with “exhortation” in mind.

c) He may have employed very strong words and arguments but his whole purpose was very clear- to exhort!

d) An appeal to bear with the strong words of admonition underscores the spirit of humility of the writer.

3. Written to you a few words

a) Written (epesteila; original word epistello)

i) This word is where we get the word “epistle”.

ii) The idea behind it is that of a “letter written for the purpose of instruction”.

b) A few words (bracheon)

i) This reflects the perspective of the writer of Hebrews.

ii) He had “much to say” (Cf. Hebrews 5:11).

iii) In his opinion he had written only “a few words”.