Hebrews 13:17 — Persuaded by Leaders, Not Ruled by Clergy

This verse is used to place the congregation under the authority of a pastor or church covering. “Obey” is peitho (G3982), here in a form that means to be persuaded, to yield to. It is the root under apeitheo, the word for disobedience in Hebrews 3:18. “Them that have the rule” is hegeomai (G2233), those who lead, who go before.

Ten verses earlier the writer described these leaders: they “have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation” (13:7). A leader earns a hearing by speaking the word of God and living it, and the hearer is told to weigh how his life ends. The Bereans searched the Scriptures to test even Paul (Acts 17:11). When men and Yahuah disagree, “we ought to obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29). Yahushua said, “one is your Master, even Messiah; and all ye are brethren” (Matthew 23:8).