Charles Ellicott Commentary Hebrews 13:7

"Remember them that had the rule over you, men that spake unto you the word of God; and considering the issue of their life, imitate their faith." — Hebrews 13:7 (ASV)

Which have the rule.—Rather, who were your leaders (Hebrews 13:17; Hebrews 13:24; Acts 15:22), who spoke to you the word of God. These spiritual guides had been removed from them by death.

Whose faith follow.—Better, and, contemplating the end (or, issue) of their life, imitate their faith. Their Christian life and course (James 3:13; 1 Peter 1:15, and others) had been known by the Church. They, too, have obtained a good report by faith (Hebrews 11:2), and all who contemplate the blessed issue of such a life will be strengthened to imitate their faith.

We may well suppose that some had died a martyr’s death, but the writer seems carefully to avoid any direct expression of this thought. His words apply to all who have ended their course in the triumph of faith.

This verse recalls a striking passage in the Book of Wisdom (Wisdom 2:17-18, especially Wisdom 2:17), where the ungodly say of the righteous man, Let us see if his words be true, and let us prove what shall happen in the end of him.