Hebrews 13:20

Hebrews 13:20 is a powerful benediction, a prayer of blessing, that encapsulates core Christian doctrines. It presents God as the ultimate source of peace and highlights His supreme act of raising Jesus from the dead, establishing Him as the supreme Shepherd through the new, everlasting covenant sealed by His blood.

Context

This verse is part of the concluding remarks and benediction of the Epistle to the Hebrews. The author has extensively argued for the superiority of Christ over Old Testament figures and institutions, emphasizing His high priesthood and the new covenant established through His sacrifice. This benediction serves as a final prayer for the readers, grounding their faith and walk in God's mighty acts and His covenant faithfulness. It follows exhortations for brotherly love, hospitality, and obedience to leaders.

Key Themes

• The God of Peace: God is identified not just as powerful or just, but specifically as the "God of peace." This attribute speaks to His desire for reconciliation with humanity and the inner peace He grants to believers. It contrasts with the turmoil of sin and the Old Covenant's judgment, emphasizing God's benevolent nature and His desire for our well-being.
• The Resurrection of Jesus: The verse powerfully declares God's act of bringing "our Lord Jesus" back "from the dead." This is the cornerstone of Christian faith, validating Jesus' claims and His victory over sin and death. It's the ultimate demonstration of God's power and the foundation of hope for believers, assuring them of their own future resurrection and eternal life.
• Jesus as the Great Shepherd: Jesus is called the "great shepherd of the sheep." This title echoes Old Testament imagery of God as a shepherd (e.g., Psalm 23:1) and Jesus' own declaration in John 10:11 as the Good Shepherd. It signifies His loving care, guidance, protection, and provision for His followers, distinguishing Him as the supreme overseer of His flock.
• The Everlasting Covenant: The entire redemptive work, including the resurrection and Jesus' role as Shepherd, is "through the blood of the everlasting covenant." This refers to the new covenant established by Christ's sacrifice, which is superior to the old covenant because it offers permanent forgiveness and a renewed relationship with God, as detailed throughout the book of Hebrews (e.g., Hebrews 9:14). Its "everlasting" nature guarantees its permanence and efficacy, ensuring that God's promises are forever secure.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "brought again from the dead" uses the Greek word anagō (ἀνάγω), which means "to lead up" or "bring up." In this context, it specifically refers to God's divine initiative and power in raising Jesus from the realm of death. The term "everlasting covenant" (διαθήκης αἰωνίου, diathēkēs aiōniou) highlights the eternal, unending nature of this new agreement between God and humanity, established through Christ's sacrifice, distinguishing it from the temporary and conditional covenants of the Old Testament.

Practical Application

This verse provides immense comfort and assurance for believers. It reminds us that the God we serve is the "God of peace," capable of overcoming the greatest enemy, death itself, through Jesus' resurrection. As the "great shepherd," Jesus actively cares for His sheep, guiding and protecting them in every aspect of life. The "everlasting covenant" ensures that our salvation and relationship with God are secure and permanent, not dependent on our fleeting efforts but on Christ's finished work. This truth should inspire confidence, peace, and a desire to live in obedience and love, knowing we are under the care of such a mighty and loving God.