Come July 2025, our church started a message series titled "Jesus >". I'm thrilled with this series as it focuses on the book of Hebrews. I wanted to revisit one of the early books in the bible I personally took time to read and studied; in order — Ruth, Ephesians and Hebrews. So now, I would like to write about my experience and realizations upon hearing through the weekly church services and personal study time regarding the letter to the Hebrews. So as I go on with this, I encourage you as well to look into the beautiful text and word of God and see for yourself why Jesus is better.

A brief "logos paraklēseōs" (λόγος παρακλήσεως)

Have you ever felt down? What do you do whenever you feel down? What do you do to encourage yourself whenever you feel down? Those were the opening questions Pastor Dave Estrera opened this series about. Personally, there were times I would stress eat, play games or watch something. Lately, I need to talk to people personally or via call to lighten up my mood. It generally falls to these options as given also by P.Dave; eating comfort food, talking to someone dear, physical activities, gaming, and binge watching. It's natural for us to feel down and to have a desire to be encouraged.

Too often though, we fall into a cycle of encouragement. After being encouraged, we feel we can do anything and after a while we get weak and sad once again, and then find again something that can get us encouraged. A cycle on repeat. The world offers us a lot of encouraging things; food, money, entertainment, relationships, and activities. Maybe even for some in the church; prayers, things that make us feel good, fellowship and serving in the church. Pastor Dave said there's nothing wrong looking for something encouraging or even desiring it. But he proposes something here; that the bible does talk about encouragement. The bible does want us to have this sense of encouragement; courage within. But it goes beyond that.

It's more than that. It is both encouragement and exhortation. The English language and word for encouragement focuses on emotion; to give someone hope or comfort. Exhortation on the other hand, does that as well. It gives comfort, security and hope. It also gives consolation and instruction. It gives correction, and an urge to do something. The world just focuses on encouragement, as it ends with emotions. The bible gives us encouragement but it also extends consolation, correction and teaching.

In Greek, which is the language the letter to the Hebrews was written, uses a single word for it. Encouragement and exhortation is just one Greek word and is used frequently in Hebrews; Parakaleō (παρακαλέω) — to exhort, encourage, comfort, urge. It is the root of the noun paraklēsis (παράκλησις = encouragement, exhortation).

• Hebrews 3:13 – "But encourage (παρακαλεῖτε) one another daily…"
• Hebrews 13:22 – "Bear with my word of exhortation (παρακλήσεως)..."

The same root word used as a description of how the Holy Spirit is.
Paraklētos (παράκλητος) – “Helper,” “Comforter,” or “Advocate

It is as a legal advisor that is for you and would stand with you.

And this is the overarching context to the letter of Hebrews. It is a brief logos paraklēseōs. A brief word of encouragement and exhortation.

²² Brothers and sisters, I urge you to bear with my word of exhortation, for in fact I have written to you quite briefly.

Hebrews 13:22