College Press Bible Study Textbook Series
Hebrews 13:20-21
E.
Prayer for them. Hebrews 13:20-21.
Text
Hebrews 13:20 Now the God of peace, who brought again from the dead the great shepherd of the sheep with the blood of an eternal covenant, even our Lord Jesus, Hebrews 13:21 make you perfect in every good thing to do His will, working in us that which is well-pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ; to Whom be the glory for ever and ever, Amen.
Paraphrase
Hebrews 13:20 Now may God the Author of all happiness, who to save mankind brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus the great Shepherd of the sheep, may He, through the blessings procured by the blood whereby the new covenant, which is never to be changed, was ratified.
Hebrews 13:21 Prepare you for every good work, to do what He has commanded, producing in you every disposition acceptable in His sight, through the doctrine and assistance of Jesus Christ, to Whom be ascribed the glory of our salvation, forever and ever. Amen.
Comment
Now the God of peace
Isaiah 9:6 speaks of Christ as Prince of Peace. All peace comes from God through Jesus Christ.
This expression comes only from Paul. See Philippians 4:9; 1 Corinthians 14:33; Romans 16:20; Romans 15:33; 2 Corinthians 13:11: 1 Thessalonians 5:23.
Who brought again from the dead
This is true of God, even though Jesus said He would raise Himself up. John 10:18. The resurrection of Jesus was a bodily resurrection, for no proof can be given of any other kind. See Romans 6:4; Acts 13:30.
the great shepherd of the sheep
We have a great shepherd. Are we great sheep?
This title is given for two reasons.
a.
Ezekiel 34:23 prophesies him as such.
b.
Jesus claimed this title. John 10:11.
Other shepherds who lay down their life for their sheep cannot be brought back alive to the sheep.
with the blood of an eternal covenant, even our Lord Jesus
The word with here is a problem.
a.
It is translated by, in, and through.
b.
Calvin prefers in, saying, Christ so arose from the dead that his death was not yet abolished, but that it retains its efficacy forever, as though he had said, -God raised up His Own Son,-' but in such a way that the blood He shed once for all in His death is efficacious after His resurrection. Commentators question whether this phrase goes with what appears before or after. The Lord is the great Shepherd by shedding His blood and yet being alive now to act.
make you perfect in every good thing
This is a benedictive prayer. God seeks to make us perfect in good things, and Christ is a perfect example. If we follow the great Shepherd, we will be led to perfection.
to do His will
Perfection cannot be attained in any other will. No work is acceptable unless it is in harmony with the will of God.
working in us
Us is also translated you.
Ephesians 3:20 shows God able to work surprises in us.
God has no hands but our hands to do His work today, and
through us He can accomplish His will.
that which is well pleasing in His sight
Philippians 2:13 is a good commentary here on God's part.
Romans 12:2 suggests our part.
through Jesus Christ
Two senses are possible here;
a.
Working through Jesus Christ.
b.
Well-pleasing through Jesus Christ.
Nothing is acceptable unto God except that it be through Christ.
to Whom be the glory for ever and ever, Amen.
There is no room for bragging in the church, for all power is of God.
Grammatically, says Milligan, glory goes to God here; but doctrinally, it may refer to both God and Christ, as seen by Romans 16:27 and 2 Peter 3:18.
Study Questions
2926.
What is exhortation?
2927.
Who is the Great Shepherd of Hebrews 13:20?
2928.
Name some verses that identify God as a God of peace.
2929.
Is the sacrifice of Christ an attempt of God to bring peace to men?
2930.
Is Jesus ever spoken of as a shepherd?
2931.
Whose blood is spoken of in Hebrews 13:20?
2932.
What is meant by, eternal covenant?
2933.
Does Paul expect perfection on the part of the Hebrews?
2934.
Do we have an example of perfection?
2935.
Through what person is perfection accomplished?
2936.
Is perfection possible if we disregard Christ's commands?
2937.
How does God work in us?
2938.
What is required to live pleasing in His sight?
2939.
Who is to receive glory in this verse?