Hebrews 13:23

23. Know ye The Greek form may be either indicative or imperative. But it is clear that our writer introduces this remark here to inform the Hebrews that he hopes that Timothy will visit them with himself, and that requires the imperative. The words are very conclusive proof that the writer is Paul. For, 1. They accord with the relations of Paul with Timothy, appearing in every mention of Timothy, and with no other. 2. The terms in which Timothy is mentioned as ο αδελφος , “the brother,” are precisely the terms in which Timothy is designated in 2 Corinthians 1:1; Colossians 1:1; 1 Thessalonians 3:2; and Philemon 1:1. The words is set at liberty, Delitzsch acknowledges are as well rendered sent on an official mission, (Acts 13:3; Acts 15:30;) and what that mission was we learn from Philippians 2:19: “I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you.” This was written shortly before the epistle to the Hebrews, and fits with our present text so perfectly as to form a strong probability of unity. 3. If Timothy returns soon enough for Paul’s visit to the Hebrews, then they will come together; if not, Paul comes alone. Delitzsch says, that there is no apparent subordination of Timothy here; but assuredly there is. Paul’s visit to them is the main fact, Timothy’s is the incidental. Timothy is as subordinate in being an attendant on Paul’s visit, as he is in being sent on a mission by Paul to Philippians 4:0. The words in regard to Timothy’s quick return curiously correspond with Paul’s words in Philippians 2:19; Philippians 2:24, where the same Greek word for shortly is used. In all this is an accumulation of coincidences not to be set aside.