More miscellaneous rules for Christians to live by. Rules regarding doing good, sharing, attitude towards Christian leadership, prayer, and the writer’s personal appeal for prayer.
My translation and notes on Hebrews 13:16-19.
16 Do not forget to do good and share, because with such sacrifices God is well pleased.
17 Be persuadable by those who lead youp and yield yourselvesp, because they watch over yourp souls as those who must give an accounting [and] so that they may do it with joy and not grieving, because that would not be profitable for youp.
[See note at Hebrews 13:7. The accounting is an answer or explanation in reference to judgment—Thayer. Being a pastor or religious leader has accountability to God regarding doctrine, worldview, lifestyle, and actions. The Greek word for ‘rule’ (KJV) and ‘lead’ is ἡγέομαι hēgéomai (G2233). It means being in front leading the way being deliberate and careful. God’s style of leadership is as a shepherd, not a toxic controlling bully. Compare the good (Paul—Acts 20:26-27; Epaphras—Colossians 1:7; Demetrius—3 John 1:12 with the evil (Diotrephes—3 John 1:9; Judas Iscariot—Acts 1:18). 1 and 2 Timothy and Titus gives the qualifications and duties of an elder].
18 Pray for us, because we are confident that we have a good conscience and are always wanting to live doing what is right.
[The writer and his companions are confident, not arrogant, that they are teaching and living as pastors according to God’s standards. Our conscience can be at peace for it has been cleansed by the blood of Christ and their faith in Jesus alone. Christians are mindful of our failures, so we pray often to be forgiven our daily sins (1 John 1:9, Mark 11:25, and Luke 11:4). Concerning the conscience, compare Hebrews 9:9, Hebrews 9:14, and Hebrews 10:22. Note, how he asks prayers to continue to live doing what is right—according to God’s standards (Colossians 3:5-10, 2 Corinthians 6:17, and 1 Peter 2:11-2)].
19 I beg [youp] even more to do this, so that I may be quickly restored to youp.