Hebrews 13:17 instructs Christians to “obey” (Gr. peitho) them that have the rule over you, and “submit” (Gr. Hupeiko) to them. While the Greek word hupeiko appears only in Hebrews 13:7, the Greek word peitho, translated to obey, has been used 55 times in the New Testament. This word has been translated “persuaded” (Acts 26:28), “trust,” (Luke 18:9), and “confidence” (Rom. 2:19), all of which fits with the nature of their rule. Hebrews 13:7 reads, “Remember them that had the rule over you, men that spake unto you the word of God.” Taken together, verse 7 and 17 teaches that the teaching leadership is persuasive, building confidence and trust. Given the fact that Paul’s list of qualities identifies one who is skilled in teaching, it is clear that the spiritual leader of the first century persuaded others to action through the skillful use of the word. They were an agent of the Holy Spirit and, therefore, had the confidence and trust that what they were teaching was from God. Consequently, saints were expected to (1) treat them with honor and respect, and (2) obey and submit to them.
The first-century Christians were not coerced, manipulated, or ordered into obedience because they have an authoritarian position that grants them that power over others in an organization. Also, it does not describe the arbitrary rule of one’s personal judgment. As has been demonstrated throughout this site, teaching is the primary role of these men. Thus, it is very understandable why Paul gives warning to Ephesus about men who would come on the scene speaking perverse things to draw or persuade disciples to follow them (Acts 20:28). As is always the case with human beings, this gift presents the power for good or evil. The ability to misuse this gift and teach that which is not the will of God was a very present danger, and was, no doubt, the cause of many departures and divisions. By the influence of convincing evidence from the Scriptures and history, Christians would more readily conform to a shepherd’s teaching at that time than in our own era. If today’s charismatic teacher with little Bible knowledge can develop a huge following, imagine the danger of first-century teachers to whom the people honored and supported.
First-century saints were watched in their daily walk of life. That arrangement was given by direct order from God. They recognized their shepherds as a gift from God, arranged by Him in those days. Therefore, they could much more readily submit to this divine plan by allowing that oversight and permitting to keep a vigilant eye over (“oversee”) them. Their elders became a welcomed guest in their homes and were familiar with his voice as a result of it. Consequently, they submitted to their words, not as the word of men but as being the word of God.