Expositor's Bible Commentary 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)

“Leaders” (GK 2451; cf. also vv.17, 24) is a general term, used of leaders of religious bodies as well as of princes, military commanders, etc. This makes it difficult to say precisely who these leaders were. They may have been “elders,” but that word is not used of them and so we cannot be sure about this. They “spoke the word of God,” so that one of their principal functions was preaching or teaching. The specific tense used may point to the original proclamation of the Gospel to these readers (cf. 2:3). “The word of God” is the totality of the Christian message, and the expression reminds the readers that this word is no human invention but one of divine origin.

The word translated “outcome” (GK 1676) may mean death, and thus it seems as though past leaders were in mind. They are held up as examples to be imitated; specifically, their faith is singled out. Faith is the important thing, and the readers were being tempted to unbelief in falling back from the Christian way. They should instead follow these good examples of faith.