Hebrews 13:17

“Obey them that have the rule over you, etc..] 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 (<581307>Hebrews 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…”

“Obey them that have the rule over you--(Compare Heb 13:7, Heb 13:24). This threefold mention of the rulers is peculiar to this Epistle. In other Epistles Paul includes the rulers in his exhortations. But here the address is limited to the general body of the Church, in contrast to the rulers to whom they are charged to yield reverent submission. Now this is just what might be expected when the apostle of the Gentiles was writing to the Palestine Christians, among whom James and the eleven apostles had exercised a more immediate authority. It was important he should not seem to set himself in opposition to their guides, but rather strengthen their hands; he claims no authority directly or…”

“Obey them that have the rule over you - Margin, guide; see notes on Hebrews 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 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13. And…”

“Obey them that have the rule over you - The word implies also, that lead or guide you; namely, in truth and holiness. And submit yourselves - Give up (not your conscience or judgment, but) your own will, in all things purely indifferent. For they watch over your souls - With all zeal and diligence, they guard and caution you against all danger. As they that must give account - To the great Shepherd, for every part of their behaviour toward you. How vigilant then ought every pastor to be! How careful of every soul committed to his charge! That they may do this - Watch over you. With joy and not with groans - He is not a good shepherd, who does not either rejoice over them, or groan for them.…”

“13:17 The relationship between the spiritual leaders and the members of the church may have been strained, so the author exhorts the members to obey them and do what they say. • The Greek word translated obey can also mean follow, place confidence in, or be persuaded by. • Christian leaders watch over people’s souls (Acts 20:28-31; 1 Pet 5:1-4), a role that carries grave responsibility, making them accountable to God (Jas 3:1). • The word sorrow could be translated groaning; it speaks of emotional burden and stress. Having leaders who are stressed and burdened because of an unruly church does not benefit the church.”

“Obey: Heb 13:7; Sa1 8:19, Sa1 15:19, Sa1 15:20; Pro 5:13; Phi 2:12, Phi 2:29; Th1 5:12, Th1 5:13; Th2 3:14; Ti1 5:17 have the rule over: or, guide submit: Gen 16:9; Co1 16:16; Eph 5:21; Jam 4:7; Pe1 5:5 watch: Eze 3:17-21, Eze 33:2, Eze 33:7-9; Act 20:24-26, Act 20:28; Co1 4:1, Co1 4:2; Pe1 5:2, Pe1 5:3 give account: Luk 16:2; Rom 14:12; Co2 5:10, Co2 5:11 with joy: Phi 1:4, Phi 2:16, Phi 4:1; Th1 2:19, Th1 2:20, Th1 3:9, Th1 3:10 with grief: Exo 32:31; Jer 13:17; Phi 3:18 Hebrews 13:18”