Hebrews 13:23

Know ye that [our] brother Timothy is set at liberty; with whom, if he come shortly, I will see you.

Know ye {G1097} that our brother {G80} Timothy {G5095} is set at liberty {G630}; with {G3326} whom {G3739}, if {G1437} he come {G2064} shortly {G5032}, I will see {G3700} you {G5209}.

Know that our brother Timothy has been released. If he comes soon enough, I will bring him with me when I come to see you.

Be aware that our brother Timothy has been released. If he arrives soon, I will come with him to see you.

Know ye that our brother Timothy hath been set at liberty; with whom, if he come shortly, I will see you.

Hebrews 13:23 provides a brief but significant personal note at the close of the Epistle to the Hebrews, offering a glimpse into the lives and relationships within the early Christian community.

Context and Background

The Book of Hebrews is an anonymous letter, likely written to Jewish Christians who were contemplating abandoning their faith due to persecution and a misunderstanding of the New Covenant's superiority over the Old. The final chapter, Hebrews 13, shifts from theological exposition to practical exhortations and personal greetings, a common feature of New Testament epistles. This particular verse shares news about Timothy, a prominent figure in early Christianity and a close associate of the Apostle Paul, indicating the author's connection to the wider apostolic circle.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Brotherhood and Fellowship: Referring to Timothy as "our brother" underscores the strong bonds of spiritual kinship that united early believers. This highlights the importance of mutual support and shared identity within the Christian family, a theme also explored in Hebrews 10:25.
  • Perseverance Amidst Persecution: The phrase "set at liberty" strongly implies that Timothy had been imprisoned for his faith, a common experience for Christians in the Roman Empire. His release would have been a source of encouragement, demonstrating God's faithfulness and the resilience of His servants. This echoes the call to endure hardship for Christ's sake.
  • Pastoral Connection and Anticipation: The author's desire to visit the recipients ("if he come shortly, I will see you") reveals a genuine pastoral heart and a longing for personal fellowship. This emphasis on physical presence underscores the value of direct interaction and strengthening relationships within the church, similar to Paul's own desire for reunion with believers (Romans 1:11).

Linguistic Insight

The Greek phrase translated "set at liberty" is apolelymenon (ἀπολελυμένον), which literally means "released" or "dismissed." While it doesn't explicitly state the reason for his confinement, in the context of early Christian life and the frequent persecution faced by believers (Acts 8:1), it almost certainly refers to a release from imprisonment or custody due to his missionary activities or profession of faith. This word choice carries a powerful message of divine intervention or legal acquittal in the face of adversity.

Practical Application

Hebrews 13:23 reminds us of several enduring truths for believers today:

  • Solidarity in Suffering: Like Timothy, believers may face challenges or persecution. This verse encourages us to share news, pray for one another, and celebrate God's deliverance when it comes.
  • Value of Christian Community: The deep connection between the author, Timothy, and the recipients emphasizes the vital role of fellowship and brotherhood. We are called to support and encourage one another, fulfilling the command to bear one another's burdens.
  • Hope for Future Reunions: The desire for a personal visit speaks to the importance of maintaining relationships and looking forward to times of gathering, both in this life and ultimately in the presence of Christ.

This short verse serves as a powerful testament to the bonds of faith, the reality of persecution, and the enduring hope that characterized the early church.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Philemon 1:1

    ¶ Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy [our] brother, unto Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellowlabourer,

  • 1 Thessalonians 3:2

    And sent Timotheus, our brother, and minister of God, and our fellowlabourer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith:

  • 2 Timothy 1:8

    Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;

  • 1 Timothy 6:12

    Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.

  • Revelation 7:14

    And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

  • Romans 15:25

    But now I go unto Jerusalem to minister unto the saints.

  • Philemon 1:22

    But withal prepare me also a lodging: for I trust that through your prayers I shall be given unto you.

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