Much of the worship in the Old Testament involved sacrifices. There were five major types of sacrifice which were offered to God. Each was costly and was offered to make peace with God or a fellow Israelite.
Leadership is a fragile commodity. Many, in their homes, work and churches have to lead but find it hard, and all make mistakes. Some who seek leadership do so for personal gain, and some exploit the trust placed in them. However, leaders are necessary. God has given some a gift of leadership (Romans 12:8) and without leadership, God's people will be like sheep without a shepherd (Mark 6:34).
Pastors and evangelists pray for those they minister to. But who will pray for the ministry leaders? Ministry colleagues, friends and family will pray - but what about the people who receive ministry? It is no accident that the writer of these verses, and the apostle Paul, asked their churches to pray for them (2 Thessalonians 3:1-2).
Of the twenty-eight benedictions and doxologies of the New Testament, these verses possibly present the most remarkable doctrinal statement of the gospel and discipleship. God is described as the 'God of peace'. The holy God has made it possible for rebellious people to be at peace with Him through the death of Jesus Christ (1 Thessalonians 5:23).
At the end of his letter, the writer of Hebrews is quite personal. He was obviously well known to his readers, although there is no clear way for us to identify him.
