Them Which Have the Rule Over You (Hebrews 13:7, 17, 24)

2024-02-26

Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation. (Hebrews 13:7)
Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you. (Hebrews 13:17)
Salute all them that have the rule over you, and all the saints. They of Italy salute you. (Hebrews 13:24)

The phrase “them which have the rule over you” in each of these verses is one word. Elsewhere it is translated all sorts of things, including “governor” and “chief.” It is used these three times in this chapter.

This is what we see about the leaders from these verses:

  1. They rule over the God’s people. This is obvious, but we can infer that these are leaders in the recipients’ church (or churches). Subsequent points will support this.
  2. They speak the Word of God to the people. The Word of God is alive, bringing the unsaved to life from the dead, and continually refreshing the minds of the saints. These leaders are entrusted with God’s Word to preach, teach, and guide the people. “A bishop then must be... apt to teach” (1 Timothy 3:2).
  3. They live out as examples of the Word of God. Their faith follows what they teach. They were appointed as leaders because of the qualifications they had to meet. They realize that their “conversation” or way of life is an example to everyone watching them. They must give account one day to the Lord Himself.
  4. They watch for the souls of the church. Here are ways they watch for the souls of the church: “Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord” (James 5:14). “Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind” (1 Peter 5:2).
  5. They have to give account. They are given responsibility to serve the people under them. This accountability keeps the leadership honest. “And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away” (1 Peter 5:4).

This is what is commanded to the people concerning their leaders:

  1. Remember them. Remember what they teach. They have preached the Word of God, which requires work and sacrifice. But it says, “Remember them.” They are real people worthy of real respect and friendship. “Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things” (Galatians 6:6). “Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine” (1 Timothy 5:17).
  2. Obey them. We submit to them because they guard over the church with discernment, not wanting spiritual harm to come to it. If we do not obey the leaders, it will be very grievous for them. They will give account to the Lord for how they led. They are there to help the people spiritually.
  3. Salute them. The apostle salutes the leaders of the church. This goes along with remembering them.