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"Grace be with you all. Amen."

Text: Hebrews 13:25

SOME PERSONAL REMARKS

An epistle has two major elements. The first one has to do with “instruction”. And the entire epistle contained deep and profound instructions about our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ! The second element of an epistle (essentially, “a letter”) is found in the following text. Personal remarks are perfectly acceptable in typical New Testament epistles.

“Know that our brother Timothy has been set free,
with whom I shall see you if he comes shortly.
Greet all those who rule over you, and all the saints.
Those from Italy greet you.
Grace be with you all. Amen.”
Hebrews 13:23-25

1. Happy News of a possible visit

a) The writer looked forward to seeing his brethren (the readers of Hebrews).

b) He hoped to make this trip with Timothy who had been released from prison

(There are no Biblical records of Timothy’s imprisonment except for this text.)

2. Greetings

a) Greetings are in order.

b) They are precious and never to be taken for granted.

c) Three sets of greetings are noted:-

i) It is proper to give appropriate greetings to all “rulers”. (Context: spiritual rulers Hebrews 13:7, 17)

ii) It is good to greet “all saints”‘ (Context: Closeness to each other in the church)

iii) It is right to appreciate greetings sent. (Context: Greetings from those in Italy who were kind enough to send greetings. No greetings should ever be taken for granted!)

3. Grace be with you all. Amen.

“Grace” became the prevalent Christian word of greeting. It was similar to the Jewish way of greeting people with “Peace”. Grace is arguably the most significant word to be found in New Testament theological vocabulary. It was chosen to conclude this magnificent Epistle to the Hebrews. “Amen” was humbly breathed in prayer at the conclusion!