Obey them that have the rule over you

[KeptByTheWord]

Originally Posted by thephnxman

"THEM" are they who have "...spoken unto you the word of God...". It is safe to assume
that it could be the Ministry or someone in the Church who performed "...the work of
the ministry". Paul declared, "I have begotten you through the gospel."

"RULE OVER" means those who have gone before, who has preceded you: who
have been saved before you and are mature in the faith and know how to perform
"...the work of the ministry".

Awesome. This is what we understood as well when we studied this passage out.

Obey
πείθω STRONG’S NUMBER: g3982
To persuade, particularly to move or affect by kind words or motives.

Obedience is unto their example, as in verse 7 mentioning "whose faith follow" not unto their person or desires. Their example is produced by the Holy Ghost, and so one's obedience would be to the Holy Ghost-- not to a particular man.

Rule over
ἡγέομαι STRONG’S NUMBER: g2233
To lead or go before, go first, lead the way.

Better said:
Be persuaded by the example of those who go before you


I had never heard it taught this way all the many, many years I was in OP churches though. We were to "obey" - meaning every little whim and wish of the pastor - because this verse was used as a stick to beat us with if we didn't.