Salute Them that Rule Hebrews 13:24

The writer of Hebrews desired for his readers to know their “brother Timothy is set at liberty”, and if Timothy were to “come shortly” the writer would “see” his readers. In chapter thirteen and verse twenty-four of Hebrews, the writer exhorted his readers to “salute all them that have the rule over you” where we read:

Salute all them that have the rule over you, and all the saints. They of Italy salute you.

The verse begins, “Salute all them that have the rule over you, and all the saints”. The writer began with the word, “Salute” which means “greet, bid welcome, wish well and receive joyfully” “all them that have the rule” which means “the people who lead, command and have power and authority” “over you” or “above the readers”, “and all” which means “and each, every, the whole and everyone of” “the saints” which refers to “the pure and morally blameless both religiously and ceremonially who are holy and consecrated”. The writer wanted his readers to “wish well and receive joyfully” “all” of the people who were authorities and fellow believers among them.

The verse goes on to say, “They of Italy salute you.”. The writer continued with the words, “They of Italy” which means “calf like” and is “the whole peninsula between the Alps and the Straits of Messina” “salute you” which means “greet and embrace the readers”. The writer shared a greeting from the people “of Italy” with his readers.

When we think through these words in Hebrews, we understand how the writer desired for his readers to “wish” the “well-being” of those who were in leadership over them. He also wanted them to “greet” all the “fellow believers” or “saints”, and in turn, wanted his readers to know the people in “Italy” greeted them as well. This is indicative of the family of God through Jesus Christ. Those who “lead” should be “greeted” and “wished well”, and those who are “fellow believers” should be “received joyfully” when there is opportunity. Jesus Christ came that we might have “fellowship” with one another, and so chaos does not ensue, order through “authorities” and “companionship” among believers must be maintained. May those who read these words understand and follow the lead of the Hebrew writer concerning leadership and companions among whom we live.

Next time we finish the book of Hebrews as the writer declares, “Grace be with you all”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

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