Hebrews 13:18-19 Pray for us. We are sure that we have a clear conscience and desire to live honorably in every way. 19 I particularly urge you to pray so that I may be restored to you soon.
We do not know who wrote this epistle. There have been many ideas about this. Verse 19 indicates that this person is in some kind of hardship: illness or more likely, prison. He (mostly) is asking for prayer. Prayer will strengthen him and his companions for what they are facing. We also do not know where the author was or who was with him. There are many examples in the New Testament, especially in Acts and the Epistles, of people who were facing challenges of persecution. Persecution or any type of difficult situation brings temptations to forsake our faith by looking at the problems around us. The author is asking for a clear conscience and honorable desire. A clear conscience will come by living in holiness and obedience. It means that a person is right with God and has nothing to hide. This word is used three other times in Hebrews. In 9:9 we learn that sacrifices in the old system could not clear the conscience of worshippers because only the Creator and bring cleansing and new creation. In 9:14 cleansing of the conscience comes through the blood of Christ which removes the stain of sin and purifies us. In 10:22 the author gives a testimony that those who believe in Jesus have experienced this cleansing and are washed pure. As a result of these, now, in 13:18 believers can live honorably. They will have a strong testimony to those around them. All of their life gives evidence of God’s work within them. But to live out this purified conscience is difficult if not impossible on our own strength. We need God’s help, and this will come through prayer. It is also important that believers encourage one another so that we can continue in boldness of faith.
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