Last words.
If the previous part of this chapter is of the nature of a postscript, these closing verses seem to be a second and briefer postscript appended to the first. The apostle's loving heart lingers fondly over the close of the letter, and prolongs its last words.
I. HE CRAVES A KINDLY RECEPTION FOR THE EPISTLE. (Hebrews 13:22) Although his book is an inspired message, he does not urge its Divine authority as the reason why it should be carefully studied. He rather solicits the Hebrews as his "brethren," and "for love's sake," to "bear with the word of exhortation." It is interesting to mark the description of the book which is thus given by its author. The theologian deals with it as a profound theological treatise; the expositor regards it as the New Testament counterpart of the Book of Leviticus; but the writer himself calls it simply a "word of exhortation." But when we study the structure of the Epistle, we find that this description, although modest, is most appropriate. What is often spoken of as the doctrinal part (Heb 1:1-10:18) is itself full also of earnest expostulations and warnings; and these but prepare the way for the prolonged and solemn practical appeal of the closing chapters (Leviticus 10:19 to the end). The Epistle was written for the purpose of pressing upon its readers the duty of unflinching loyalty to Christ. "The key-note of it is struck and heard throughout in the hortatory parts, to which the doctrinal elements are subservient" (Dr. A. B. Davidson). The apostle might have enforced his request in this verse by many weighty reasons; but he mentions only one, viz. the brevity of the Epistle. He had written "in few words"—few, as compared with
II. HE SENDS KINDLY TIDINGS AND GREETINGS. (Verses 23, 24) Cheering news is given about Timothy; he "hath been set at liberty." The expression seems to imply that this beloved spiritual "son" of Paul had been in prison and had been discharged. It was the writer's intention, should Timothy and he meet, that the two should together visit the Hebrews. (This reference to Timothy, as well as the salutations in verse. 24, have been eagerly canvassed by commentators, in their vain endeavors to arrive at certainty regarding the author of the Epistle, the place of its composition, and the Churches to which it was addressed) The apostle's greetings are sent through the members to the spiritual rulers, as if to remind us that it is the members of congregations that constitute the Church, and not their pastors alone. Still, the apostle is careful to give honor to the office-bearers: he has already exhorted the people to "obey" them (verse 17), and now he sends his farewell salutation first to them. "They of Italy" refers to the greetings of Italian brethren; but it cannot be determined from the words whether the Epistle was sent from Italy or to Italy. Such Christian courtesies as those of verse 24 are not to be dismissed as mere formalities. They remind us of the duty of loving our brethren in the Lord everywhere. Spiritual love is international. It is cosmopolitan. Wherever Christians are, our hearts should warm to them. Salutations like those before us derive their value
Here we have the affectionate messages of a great apostle, or at least of an eminent apostolical man—the author of one of the noblest of the Epistles of the New Testament. And his greetings are not empty compliments. He has shown himself on every page of his letter to be deeply in earnest, and to have a heart brimful of loving solicitude for the souls of those to whom he writes. Let us learn, accordingly, the duty of courtesy and kindliness in our Christian intercourse. "As ye enter into the house, salute it" (Matthew 10:12).
III. HE CLOSES WITH THE, PAULINE BENEDICTION. (Verse 25) The same form of blessing is used by Paul at the close of every one of his thirteen letters; and, apparently because Paul had already appropriated this form, none of the other writers of New Testament Epistles conclude with any expression which is at all similar. This fact seems to corroborate the opinion that this anonymous Epistle is to be ascribed to the Apostle Paul, so far as regards the authorship of its thoughts, and although it may have received its literary form from another mind and hand. The final adieu is brief; but it could not be richer or more comprehensive. The word "grace" expresses the sum of all blessing, both temporal and spiritual. The author desires for his dear readers grace of every kind—efficacious grace, preventing grace, co-operating grace, habitual grace. For grace blesses with pardon. It purifies from sin. It comforts amid sorrow. It strengthens for duty. And it will at length ripen into glory.
HOMILIES BY W. JONES