Hebrews 13:24 (KJV)
Salute all them that have the rule over you, and all the saints. They of Italy salute you.
I believe we have, in the book of Revelation chapters two and three, an example of how the letters of the New Testament were communicated. Jesus gave His message to John, who was then told to write seven individual letters to the angels (the word means messenger—certainly speaking of the pastors) of each of these churches. It can be expected, then, that those angels, or pastors, would pass the message on to the congregation.
Consider the various epistles of the New Testament written by Paul, Peter, John, and Jude. Some were written directly to individuals—such as 1 and 2 Timothy and Titus. Others were written to church congregations, such as 1 and 2 Corinthians. These letters, I imagine, were delivered to the messenger or pastor of the church, who then read them to the congregation. Likely, these readings were accompanied by exposition, explanation, perhaps even some pointed correction, and maybe questions and answers.
I assume something much the same took place with the book of Hebrews. A pastor has possession of this inspired material and is charged with passing the message down to his congregation. As we approach the end of the letter, the pastor is told to instruct his congregation: “Salute all them that have the rule over you… and all the saints.”
In other words:
- “Pastor, tell your congregation to salute their pastor and those who labor alongside him.”
- “Pastor, teach your congregation to show respect to you and those assembled to help lead the church.”
Of course, he is also to teach them to salute one another—to develop kind and Christ-honoring relationships within the body. But he is to do more than that. He is to teach them to maintain good, right relationships with their pastor and church leadership.
It can feel awkward—but many aspects of ministry are.
Pastor, don’t neglect teaching your congregation how to treat you and those who serve with you. They need that just as much as they need any other part of the Word of God.
#HonorYourPastor #BiblicalLeadership #ChurchOrder #ShepherdAndFlock #Hebrews1324
Pastor, Don’t Skip This—Are You Neglecting This Awkward but Necessary Truth?
What are your thoughts on Hebrews 13:24?
Drop a comment below—I’d like to hear how this truth has shaped your view of church and leadership.
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