Hebrews 13:20
Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep,
Now may the God of peace
This phrase introduces a benediction, a prayerful wish for the recipients of the letter. The term "God of peace" emphasizes God's nature as one who brings harmony and reconciliation. In the Greek, "peace" (εἰρήνη, eirēnē) conveys not just the absence of conflict but a state of wholeness and well-being. Historically, peace was a significant theme in Jewish thought, often associated with the Messianic age. This invocation reminds believers that God is the ultimate source of peace, both in personal lives and within the community of faith.

who through the blood of the eternal covenant
The "blood of the eternal covenant" refers to the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ, which established a new and everlasting covenant between God and humanity. The Greek word for "covenant" (διαθήκη, diathēkē) can also mean "testament" or "will," signifying a binding agreement. This covenant is eternal, highlighting its unending nature and the perpetual efficacy of Christ's sacrifice. The imagery of blood is deeply rooted in the Old Testament sacrificial system, where blood was required for atonement (Leviticus 17:11). This phrase underscores the continuity and fulfillment of God's promises through Jesus.

brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus
This phrase celebrates the resurrection of Jesus, a cornerstone of Christian faith. The Greek verb for "brought back" (ἀναγαγών, anagagōn) implies a leading up or bringing forth, emphasizing God's power in raising Jesus from the dead. The resurrection is not just a historical event but a demonstration of God's victory over sin and death. It assures believers of their future resurrection and eternal life. The title "Lord" (Κύριος, Kyrios) affirms Jesus' divine authority and sovereignty, a central confession of early Christian belief.

the great Shepherd of the sheep
This metaphor portrays Jesus as the caring and guiding leader of His followers. The imagery of a shepherd is rich in biblical tradition, with roots in the Old Testament (e.g., Psalm 23, Ezekiel 34). The Greek word for "shepherd" (ποιμήν, poimēn) conveys the idea of one who tends, protects, and leads the flock. By calling Jesus the "great Shepherd," the author emphasizes His supreme role in guiding and nurturing the church. This phrase reassures believers of Christ's ongoing care and leadership in their lives.

Persons / Places / Events
1. God of Peace
This title emphasizes God's nature as one who brings peace, reconciliation, and wholeness. It reflects His desire for harmony in creation and among His people.

2. The Blood of the Eternal Covenant
Refers to the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ, which established a new and everlasting covenant between God and humanity, fulfilling the promises of the Old Testament.

3. Our Lord Jesus
Central figure of Christianity, whose resurrection is the cornerstone of Christian faith. His role as Lord signifies His authority and divinity.

4. The Great Shepherd
A title for Jesus that highlights His role as a caring and guiding leader for His followers, akin to a shepherd's relationship with his sheep.

5. The Resurrection
The event of Jesus being raised from the dead, demonstrating His victory over sin and death and affirming His divine nature.
Teaching Points
Understanding the Eternal Covenant
Recognize the significance of Jesus' sacrifice as the foundation of our relationship with God, which is eternal and unbreakable.

Embracing Jesus as the Great Shepherd
Trust in Jesus' guidance and care in our daily lives, knowing that He leads us with love and wisdom.

Living in the Peace of God
Allow the peace of God to rule in our hearts, especially in times of turmoil, by focusing on His promises and faithfulness.

The Power of the Resurrection
Reflect on the resurrection as the source of our hope and assurance of eternal life, motivating us to live boldly for Christ.

Shepherding Others
As followers of Christ, we are called to shepherd others by providing guidance, support, and care within our communities.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding God as the "God of peace" influence your perspective on current challenges in your life?

2. In what ways can you apply the concept of Jesus as the "Great Shepherd" in your relationships with others?

3. How does the "eternal covenant" established through Jesus' blood impact your daily walk with God?

4. Reflect on a time when you experienced the peace of God in a difficult situation. How did it change your response?

5. How can you actively participate in shepherding others within your church or community, following the example of Jesus?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Psalm 23
The imagery of God as a shepherd is deeply rooted in the Old Testament, where God is depicted as a shepherd who provides, guides, and protects His people.

John 10:11-18
Jesus describes Himself as the Good Shepherd, who lays down His life for the sheep, emphasizing His sacrificial love and care.

Isaiah 53:6
The prophecy of the suffering servant, where humanity is likened to sheep who have gone astray, and the servant bears their iniquities.

1 Peter 5:4
Refers to Jesus as the Chief Shepherd, who will reward those who faithfully shepherd His flock.

Ezekiel 34:23
God promises to set up one shepherd over His people, a prophecy fulfilled in Jesus Christ.
A Most Comprehensive WishD. Young Hebrews 13:20, 21
AmenHebrews 13:20-21
Apostolic Prayer for the HebrewsAndrew Arthur.Hebrews 13:20-21
Christ Brought from the DeadHebrews 13:20-21
Concluding Prayer and DoxologyW. Jones Hebrews 13:20, 21
Conscientious Discharge of DutyBaxendale's AnecdotesHebrews 13:20-21
God the Originator of Good WorkChristian Armour.Hebrews 13:20-21
God Working in His PeopleLyman Abbott, D. D.Hebrews 13:20-21
GraceA. Saphir.Hebrews 13:20-21
Importance of ServiceJ. Alison, D. D.Hebrews 13:20-21
Man Divinely EquippedR. W. Dale, LL. D.Hebrews 13:20-21
Only a ChiselGeneral Gordon.Hebrews 13:20-21
Peace from God Through ChristA. Saphir.Hebrews 13:20-21
Perfect in Every Good Work Through the Holy SpiritJohn Smith.Hebrews 13:20-21
The Blood of the CovenantC. H. Spurgeon.Hebrews 13:20-21
The Blood of the Everlasting CovenantC. H. Spurgeon.Hebrews 13:20-21
The Blood of the Everlasting CovenantA. Raleigh, D. D.Hebrews 13:20-21
The Closing PrayerF. B. Meyer, B. A.Hebrews 13:20-21
The God of Peace and Our SanctificationC. H. Spurgeon.Hebrews 13:20-21
The Great Pleas of a Great PrayerA. Maclaren, D. D.Hebrews 13:20-21
The Great Prayer Based on Great PleasA. Maclaren, D. D.Hebrews 13:20-21
The Great Shepherd of the SheepHebrews 13:20-21
The Names of the SaviourA. Maclaren, D. D.Hebrews 13:20-21
The Work of GodT. Guthrie, D. D.Hebrews 13:20-21
Workers NeededProctor's Gems of ThoughtHebrews 13:20-21
People
Christians, Hebrews, Italians, Timotheus, Timothy
Places
Italy, Jerusalem
Topics
Age-during, Agreement, Blood, Bring, Covenant, Dead, Eternal, Everlasting, Flock, Gives, Keeper, Peace, Power, Sheep, Shepherd, Virtue
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Hebrews 13:20

     1205   God, titles of
     1345   covenant
     1352   covenant, the new
     2018   Christ, divinity
     2069   Christ, pre-eminence
     2203   Christ, titles of
     2224   Christ, the Lord
     2330   Christ, as shepherd
     2530   Christ, death of
     2560   Christ, resurrection
     3215   Holy Spirit, and peace
     4684   sheep
     7314   blood
     7317   blood, of Christ
     9122   eternity, and God

Hebrews 13:20-21

     1461   truth, nature of
     2560   Christ, resurrection
     6704   peace, divine NT
     8126   guidance, need for
     8422   equipping, spiritual
     8440   glorifying God
     8460   pleasing God
     8462   priority, of God
     8634   amen
     8638   benedictions
     8646   doxology

Library
The Unchangeable Christ
Eversley. 1845. Hebrews xiii. 8. "Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to-day, and for ever." Let me first briefly remind you, as the truth upon which my whole explanation of this text is built, that man is not meant either for solitude or independence. He is meant to live WITH his fellow-men, to live BY them, and to live FOR them. He is healthy and godly, only when he knows all men for his brothers; and himself, in some way or other, as the servant of all, and bound in ties of love and
Charles Kingsley—All Saints' Day and Other Sermons

February 26. "Make You Perfect in Every Good Work" (Heb. xiii. 21).
"Make you perfect in every good work" (Heb. xiii. 21). In that beautiful prayer at the close of the Epistle to the Hebrews, "Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead, our Lord Jesus Christ, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you perfect in every good work to do His will," the phrase, "make you perfect in every good work," literally means, it is said, "adjust you in every good work." It is a great thing to be adjusted, adjusted to our
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

September 16. "I Will Never Leave Thee nor Forsake Thee" (Heb. xiii. 5).
"I will never leave Thee nor forsake Thee" (Heb. xiii. 5). It is most cheering thus to know that although we err and bring upon ourselves many troubles that might have been easily averted, yet God does not forsake even His mistaken child, but on his humble repentance and supplication is ever really both to pardon and deliver. Let us not give up our faith because we have perhaps stepped out of the path in which He would have led us. The Israelites did not follow when He called them into the Land of
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

The Doctrine of Arbitrary Scriptural Accommodation Considered.
"But the Righteousness which is of Faith speaketh on this wise,--Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into Heaven?' (that is, to bring Christ down from above:) or, Who shall descend into the deep?' (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.) But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth; and in thine heart:' that is, the word of Faith, which we preach; that if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from
John William Burgon—Inspiration and Interpretation

The Character and Supports of Widows Indeed.
"Now she that is a Widow indeed, and desolate, trusteth in God and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day." * * Preached at the house of one made a widow by her husband's desertion; who left her in straitened circumstances to provide for a young family. Timothy was ordained a bishop of the church at Ephesus; and this epistle was written to him by St. Paul, his spiritual father, to teach him "how to behave himself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God." The former
Andrew Lee et al—Sermons on Various Important Subjects

The Blood of the Covenant
The subject of the Epistle to the Hebrews is deep, for it passes on from the superficial rudiments to those underlying truths which are more mysterious and profound. It is a book for the higher classes in Christ's school; and hence this prayer is not for babes, but for men of understanding. We could not say to all the saints, "after this manner pray ye," for they would not know what they were asking; they have need to begin with something simpler, such as that sweet "Our Father, which art in heaven,"
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 20: 1874

The Immutability of Christ
But greater things have changed than we; for kingdoms have trembled in the balances. We have seen a peninsula deluged with blood, and mutiny raising its bloody war whoop. Nay, the whole world hath changed; earth hath doffed its green, and put on its somber garment of Autumn, and soon expects to wear its ermine robe of snow. All things have changed. We believe that not only in appearance but in reality, the world is growing old. The sun itself must soon grow dim with age; the folding up of the worn-out
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 4: 1858

The Unchangeable Christ
"Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever."--Hebrews 13:8. LET me read to you the verse that comes before our text. It is a good habit always to look at texts in their connection. It is wrong, I think, to lay hold of small portions of God's Word, and take them out of their connection as you might pluck feathers from a bird; it is an injury to the Word; and, sometimes, a passage of Scripture loses much of its beauty, its true teaching, and its real meaning, by being taken from the
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 40: 1894

The Blood of the Everlasting Covenant
I. First of all, then, I have to speak this morning of THE COVENANT mentioned in the text; and I observe that we can readily discover at first sight what the covenant is not. We see at once that this is not the covenant of works, for the simple reason that this is an everlasting covenant. Now the covenant of works was not everlasting in any sense whatever. It was not eternal; it was first made in the garden of Eden. It had a beginning, it has been broken; it will be violated continually and will
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 5: 1859

A New Year's Benediction
"Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee nor forsake thee."--Hebrews 13:5. OBSERVE the way in which the apostles were accustomed to incite believers in Christ to the performance of their duties. They did not tell them, "You must do this or that, or you will be punished; you must do this, and then you shall obtain a reward for it." They never cracked the whip of the law in the ears of the child of God. They
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 60: 1914

Never! Never! Never! Never! Never!
Hence, let us learn, my brethren, the extreme value of searching the Scriptures. There may be a promise in the Word which would exactly fit your case, but you may not know of it, and therefore miss its comfort. You are like prisoners in a dungeon, and there may be one key in the bunch which would unlock the door, and you might be free; but if you will not look for it you may remain a prisoner still, though liberty is near at hand. There may be a potent medicine in the great pharmacopia of Scripture,
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 8: 1863

Twenty-Second Day for all who are in Suffering
WHAT TO PRAY.--For all who are in Suffering "Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; them that are evil entreated, as being yourselves in the body."--HEB. xiii. 3. What a world of suffering we live in! How Jesus sacrificed all and identified Himself with it! Let us in our measure do so too. The persecuted Stundists and Armenians and Jews, the famine-stricken millions of India, the hidden slavery of Africa, the poverty and wretchedness of our great cities--and so much more: what suffering
Andrew Murray—The Ministry of Intercession

Calvin -- Enduring Persecution for Christ
John Calvin was born in 1509, at Noyon, France. He has been called the greatest of Protestant commentators and theologians, and the inspirer of the Puritan exodus. He often preached every day for weeks in succession. He possest two of the greatest elements in successful pulpit oratory, self-reliance and authority. It was said of him, as it was afterward said of Webster, that "every word weighed a pound." His style was simple, direct, and convincing. He made men think. His splendid contributions to
Various—The World's Great Sermons, Volume I

The Action of Jesus Christ in the Souls of Men.
The divine action continues to write in the hearts of men the work begun by the holy Scriptures, but the characters made use of in this writing will not be visible till the day of judgment. "Jesus Christ yesterday, to-day, and for ever" (Heb. xiii, 8), says the Apostle. From the beginning of the world He was, as God, the first cause of the existence of souls. He has participated as man from the first instant of His incarnation, in this prerogative of His divinity. During the whole course of our life
Jean-Pierre de Caussade—Abandonment to Divine Providence

Paul and his Requests for Prayer (Continued)
We announce the law of prayer as follows: A Christian's prayer is a joint agreement of the will and his cabinet, the emotions, the conscience, the intellect, working in harmony at white heat, while the body co-operates under certain hygienic conditions to make the prayer long enough sustained at high voltage to insure tremendous results, supernatural and unearthly.--Rev. Homer W. Hodge We come to the request of Paul made to the Church at Ephesus, found in the latter part of Ephes. 6 of the Epistle
Edward M. Bounds—Prayer and Praying Men

Carey's College
1761-1785 The Heart of England--The Weaver Carey who became a Peer, and the weaver who was father of William Carey--Early training in Paulerspury--Impressions made by him on his sister--On his companions and the villagers--His experience as son of the parish clerk--Apprenticed to a shoemaker of Hackleton--Poverty--Famous shoemakers from Annianus and Crispin to Hans Sachs and Whittier--From Pharisaism to Christ--The last shall be first--The dissenting preacher in the parish clerk's home--He studies
George Smith—The Life of William Carey

The Never Changing One.
"JESUS Christ the same yesterday, and to-day and forever" (Heb. xiii:8). Blessed truth and precious assurance for us poor, weak creatures, yea, among all His creatures the most changing; He changeth not. "For I am the Lord, I change not" (Mal. iii:6). "Of old hast Thou laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the work of Thy hands. They shall all perish, but Thou shalt endure: yea all of them shall wax old like a garment, as a vesture shalt Thou change them, and they shall be changed;
Arno Gaebelein—The Lord of Glory

Covenanting Provided for in the Everlasting Covenant.
The duty of Covenanting is founded on the law of nature; but it also stands among the arrangements of Divine mercy made from everlasting. The promulgation of the law, enjoining it on man in innocence as a duty, was due to God's necessary dominion over the creatures of his power. The revelation of it as a service obligatory on men in a state of sin, arose from his unmerited grace. In the one display, we contemplate the authority of the righteous moral Governor of the universe; in the other, we see
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting

Meditations to Stir us up to Morning Prayer.
1. If, when thou art about to pray, Satan shall suggest that thy prayers are too long, and that therefore it were better either to omit prayers, or else to cut them shorter, meditate that prayer is thy spiritual sacrifice, wherewith God is well pleased (Heb. xiii. 15, 16;) and therefore it is so displeasing to the devil, and so irksome to the flesh. Bend therefore thy affections (will they, nill they) to so holy an exercise; assuring thyself, that it doth by so much the more please God, by how much
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

The Two Covenants: the Transition
"Now the God of peace, who brought again from the dead the great Shepherd of the sheep, in the blood of the everlasting covenant, even our Lord Jesus, 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."--HEB. xiii. 20, 21. THE transition from the Old Covenant to the New was not slow or gradual, but by a tremendous crisis. Nothing less than the death of Christ was the close of the Old. Nothing less than His resurrection
Andrew Murray—The Two Covenants

Discourse viii. The Help of Religion.
THE HELP OF RELIGION. For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come.--HEBREWS xiii, 14. There are a good many people who, apparently, are never troubled by any speculations arising out of a comprehensive view of things. They are keenly alive to all objects within their sphere; but their eyes are close to the surface, and their experience comes in shocks of sensation, and shreds of perception. They know the superficial features of the world and its conventional expressions; are conversant
E. H. Chapin—Humanity in the City

Kallihirua the Esquimaux.
Kallihirua, notwithstanding the disadvantages of person (for he was plain, and short of stature, and looked what he was,--an Esquimaux), excited a feeling of interest and regard in those who were acquainted with his history, and who knew his docile mind, and the sweetness of his disposition. Compliance with the precept in the Old Testament, "Love ye the stranger[1]," becomes a delight as well as a duty in such an instance as that about to be recorded, especially when we consider the affecting injunction
Thomas Boyles Murray—Kalli, the Esquimaux Christian,

"Honorable," Therefore, "Is Marriage in All, and the Bed Undefiled. ...
8. "Honorable," therefore, "is marriage in all, and the bed undefiled." [1954] And this we do not so call a good, as that it is a good in comparison of fornication: otherwise there will be two evils, of which the second is worse: or fornication will also be a good, because adultery is worse: for it is worse to violate the marriage of another, than to cleave unto an harlot: and adultery will be a good, because incest is worse; for it is worse to lie with a mother than with the wife of another: and,
St. Augustine—On the Good of Marriage

Memorandum. --On Other Letters Ascribed to Athanasius.
The above Collection of Letters is complete upon the principle stated in the Introduction (supr., p. 495). But one or two fragments have been excluded which may be specified here. (1.) Fragment of a letter to Eupsychius;' probably the Nicene Father referred to Ep. Æg. 8, (cf. D.C.B. ii. 299 (4)). The Greek is given by Montf. in Ath. Opp. 1. p. 1293 (Latin, ib. p. 1287). It was cited in Conc. Nic. II. Act vi., but although it has affinities with Orat. ii. 8 (high-priestly dress'), it has the
Athanasius—Select Works and Letters or Athanasius

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