Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Hebrews 13:18

"Pray for us: for we are persuaded that we have a good conscience, desiring to live honorably in all things." — Hebrews 13:18 (ASV)

The imperative “Pray” (GK 4667) implies a continuous activity, one that they had already been doing. “Keep praying for us” is its force. It seems that the plural “us” is an epistolary plural, meaning “me” (cf. 5:11; 6:9, 11).

The writer has rebuked his readers from time to time; he has warned them of the dangers in their conduct and exhorted them. But he depends on them, too, and looks to them now to support him with their prayers. At the same time there is a problem arising from the way he puts his request. He says (literal translation), “Pray for us, for we are persuaded that we have a good conscience.” Having a good conscience is a most unusual reason for requesting prayer. We could understand it if the writer spoke of his difficulties or the like. Lacking knowledge of the circumstances, we cannot be sure why he phrases it this way. Perhaps the readers have been accusing the writer of some fault. They may have attributed his absence from them to unworthy motives. The writer protests that he has a clear conscience and that this is a reason for asking for their fellowship in prayer.

The writer himself is not aware of having committed any sin. He goes on to affirm his determination (“desire” is too weak a translation for GK 2527) “to live honorably in every way.” He allows no exceptions but expresses wholeheartedness.