Hebrews 13:18-25
Pray for us … in order that I may be restored to you the sooner. (vv. 18a, 19b) I posted earlier this month (December 4) on the possibility of the author of Hebrews being in prison. Back then the NKJV in verse 10:34a had translated “on me in my chains” instead of “on those in prison” (ESV) or “on prisoners” (NASB). So here I again wonder if being “restored” means being released from prison? My Study Bible authors write that the author is just busy with other ministries. I like the prison argument better, especially since the author refers to Timothy’s release from prison in verse 23 and mentions folks in Italy sending greetings in verse 24. Paul’s imprisonment in Rome could have led to many other Christians also being imprisoned.
Now may the God of peace … equip you with everything good that you may do His will, working in us that which is pleasing in His sight… (vv. 20-21) We often wonder about God’s will for us; what does He want us to be doing, are we on a correct path for His service, what’s next…?? I think it’s easy for us to forget that He will be equipping us for whatever He wants us to be doing. As I look back at my own life, my economics background and my time in the classroom were perfect “equips” for my position as St. Andrew’s treasurer. My many years of reading through the Bible on my own was a good “equip” for leading others in reading through the Bible. God is constantly equipping us for “whatever’s next”. Still I wonder, what’s next…??!!
Thus ends our reading of Hebrews!
Slava Bohu!