Oecumenius, on Heb 13:17

“Obey your prelates, and be subject to them. For they watch as being to render an account of your souls; that they may do this with joy, and not with grief. For this is not expedient for you.”

“"Obey your leaders." Paul speaks about bishops. Earlier, having praised them in saying that they are faithful and worthy of being rivalled, in saying: "Considering the outcome of their conduct, imitate their faith," (Heb. 13:7) he then adds, "Obey." What then? Should one obey every ruler? One should not obey the one who believes wrongly; but one should obey the one who lives poorly, yet believes well. For he says, "be careful to do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach." (Matt. 23:3) And concerning those corrupted regarding the faith he says: "Do not be led astray by various and strange teachings." (Heb. 13:9) Why is that? Because the one who lives poorly would not advise others to live poorly; for even he, doing these things, is ashamed; and it is clear that he is trying in every way to hide what he does; but the one who is wicked regarding the faith will proclaim wickedness to the people. "and submit to them." The stretched persuasion through the phrase, "and submit to them," indicates that they may also serve them through deeds, if it is necessary. "for they are keeping watch over your souls." Let the leaders hear that, just as it is necessary for the people to be obedient, so too must the priest be keeping watch for the sins of the people; for the leaders are subject to punishment for the sins of the people. "Let them do this with joy." They will certainly stay awake for your souls; but whether you are obedient or not will prepare them to do this either with joy or with groaning, which will be unprofitable for you, that is to say, no advantage to you, useless; for God will help.”

Imported from an open dataset — not yet checked against the printed edition.