Heb 13:17 | TNotes | STEP | 13:17 The relationship between the spiritual leaders and the members of the church may have been strained, so the author exhorts the members to obey them and do what they say . • The Greek word translated obey can also mean follow, place confidence in, or be persuaded by. • Christian leaders watch over people’s souls (Acts 20:28-31 ; 1 Pet 5:1-4 ), a role that carries grave responsibility, making them accountable to God (Jas 3:1 ). • The word sorrow could be translated groaning; it speaks of emotional burden and stress. Having leaders who are stressed and burdened because of an unruly church does not benefit the church.

bActs 20:28-31►

c1 Pet 5:1-4►

dJas 3:1►

‏ Hebrews 13:17

13:17 ^a The relationship between the spiritual leaders and the members of the church may have been strained, so the author exhorts the members to obey them and do what they say.

• The Greek word translated obey can also mean follow, place confidence in, or be persuaded by.

• Christian leaders watch over people’s souls (Acts 20:28-31 ^b; 1 Pet 5:1-4 ^c), a role that carries grave responsibility, making them accountable to God (Jas 3:1 ^d).

• The word sorrow could be translated groaning; it speaks of emotional burden and stress. Having leaders who are stressed and burdened because of an unruly church does not benefit the church.