Hebrews 13:15-25

15: Through Him then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name.
16: And do not neglect doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.
17: Obey 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.
18: Pray for us, for we are sure that we have a good conscience, desiring to conduct ourselves honorably in all things. 
19: And I urge you all the more to do this, so that I may be restored to you the sooner.

20: Now the God of peace, who brought up from the dead the great Shepherd of the sheep through the blood of the eternal covenant, even Jesus our Lord, 
21: equip you in every good thing to do His will, working in us that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.

22: But I urge you, brethren, bear with this word of exhortation, for I have written to you briefly.
23: Take notice that our brother Timothy has been released, with whom, if he comes soon, I will see you.
24: Greet all of your leaders and all the saints. Those from Italy greet you. 
25: Grace be with you all.

*** 

After explaining that the animal sacrifices were no longer of benefit, and actually kept people from the altar of Christ, Paul mentioned what type of sacrifices do please God—the continual sacrifice of praise to Him—the fruit of our lips—words which give thanks. Thanksgiving is praise, which is a sacrifice that pleases God, as well as doing good and sharing. Because our sin is paid for by the blood of Jesus, we do good, praise God, and thank Him. We offer these sacrifices because we are forgiven, not in an effort to try and get forgiven. What a difference from the Law. How much better are these sacrifices!

Paul called on his readers to obey and submit to their leaders—those who watch over their souls. The Lord calls some as stewards to shepherd His people. When Paul left Ephesus, not expecting to see them again, he told them to be on guard for themselves and the flock of God, which the Holy Spirit had made them overseers over (Acts 20:28). Peter exhorted the elders to shepherd the flock of God among them, exercising oversight but not under compulsion, not lording it over them, but being examples to the flock (1 Peter 5:1-3). It's wise for all of us to listen to those whom God has placed in a position to watch over, lead, guide, warn, instruct and pray for us. 

Paul asked for their prayers, that their conscience and conduct would be good and honorable. For the first time, he made it personal indicating their prayers would help him be restored to them sooner. He prayed for them, that the God of peace who raised up the great Shepherd of all the sheep—Jesus Christ—would equip them in every good work to do His will and please Him. He ended by mentioning his desire to bring Timothy with him to see them, and closed with greetings and grace as he normally did. His greeting from “those from Italy” indicated he was writing from there.


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