Hebrews 13:22Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Do you see that he wrote to them what he wrote to no one else? "For I," he says, "have written to you briefly," that is, I do not trouble you with many words.

Having written so much, the Apostle calls it little, comparing it with what he wished to write. Elsewhere he also says, "as I wrote before briefly, by which, when you read, you may perceive my understanding in the mystery of Christ" (Eph 3:3-4).

And see his wisdom. He did not say, I beseech you, receive the word of exhortation, but, "receive this word of consolation," that is, of encouragement and strengthening.

"I beseech you, brethren, receive this word of exhortation." Do you not see? He offers them something he offered no one else.

He does not say "persuasion," but "exhortation," that is, encouragement and strengthening toward patience, since he addressed his discourse to those undergoing persecution.

"For I have written to you briefly." Although he had said so much, he still says "briefly," of course in comparison with what he wished to say.

It is as if he says to them here, even though you are fainthearted, bear with me. No one should refuse because much has been said, though, as we see, this happens among the fainthearted. For they cannot endure a long discourse.

Therefore I beseech you, brethren, receive with your hearing these words of consolation. For I have written and shown you that all the former things in which you boast are only traces and shadows of Christ, who has been preached among you. I have written to you in few words, according to your strength. If you had been able to receive it, I would have written more than this to you. Yet if you were perfect, you would have had no need of any of this.

Receive with love this consolation which I have sent to you in writing. For in order not to weary anyone by the length of the discourse, I have written the epistle briefly.

“I beseech you, brethren, receive the word of consolation.” Receive the word of exhortation, encouragement, or incitement to faith in what has been promised to you, and to endurance of temptations, which has been set before you in writing. Do not drive it away from yourselves, and do not oppose it. “For I have written to you briefly.” In order not to weary them by the length of the discourse, he expressed in so few words what he had in mind to say.

“Receive the word of consolation,” which is otherwise called exhortation. This Epistle may be called consolation according to the Apostle’s chief aim, which is to encourage them in sufferings. It may be called exhortation according to the manner in which the truths contained in it are set forth.

After this the Apostle concludes his epistle with a blessing. He asks the readers to receive his epistle favorably, informs them of his release from prison, άπο λελυμένον, compare Lk 22:68; 23:16 and following, greets the presiders and the whole flock, and adds that the Italian Christians send them greetings (vv. 22-25).

The expression, "God brought up from the dead the great Shepherd of the sheep," is formed according to the pattern of an expression found in the book of the prophet Isaiah (Isa 63:11), which refers to Moses.

The prophet Isaiah, speaking in the name of the Hebrew people, cries out to God: Where is He Who brought them up with the shepherd of His flock, Moses? Having this passage in mind, the Apostle calls Christ the great Shepherd.