Theophylact of Ohrid, 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.”

“The subject is bishops. Having first praised them and called them faithful and worthy of imitation by those who look upon them, he then continues: "obey them." What then? Is it not necessary to obey every leader, even if he is evil? In what sense do you say: evil? If with respect to the faith, then flee from him, even if he were an angel from heaven. But if he is evil in his manner of life, then obey him. "Therefore whatever they tell you to observe, observe and do; but do not act according to their works" (Matt. 23:3). Concerning those who are corrupt in faith, he says: "do not be carried away by various and strange teachings." So why is this? Because the one who acts badly will perhaps not advise others to live badly, for he himself is ashamed of his bad deeds—this is clear also from the fact that he tries in every way to conceal his actions; but the one who is evil in faith will impart his way of thinking to the people as well. By the expression "be subject" he indicates such strong obedience that, if necessary, they would serve them by deed. Let the instructors hear that just as the people must obey, so too must the priest tirelessly care for the people, since he will have to give an account for their sins. If you submit, he says, and please your instructor, then you lighten for him the burden of caring for you, since he rejoices in your obedience. But if you act shamelessly, then although he will still care for your soul in that case, if you do not make amends for your disobedience, he will groan for you before God, which is of no benefit to you. Notice that he does not allow the instructor to defend himself with anything other than groaning. And although this imperceptibly instills in him a spirit of meekness, against that incorrigible one who provokes the fearsome avenger God, He kindles a terrible fire of punishment. Therefore you, who disobey your instructor, should not despise him because he groans, but rather should fear the fact that he is handing you over to God.”

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