Under inspiration, the apostle Paul wrote: “Remember those who are taking the lead among you, who have spoken the word of God to you, and as you contemplate how their conduct turns out imitate their faith.

Hebrews 13:7,

 8. What does Paul invite us to “contemplate,” and how should we “be obedient”?

⁸ Notice that Paul invites us to “contemplate,” or carefully observe, the outcome of the faithful conduct of the elders and to follow such examples of faith.

10, 11. In what way have overseers “spoken the word of God” to their fellow Christians in the first century and today?

¹⁰ At Hebrews 13:7, 17, quoted above, the apostle Paul gives four reasons why we should be obedient and submissive to Christian overseers. The first is that they “have spoken the word of God” to us. Recall that the “gifts in men” that Jesus gives to the congregation are for “the readjustment of the holy ones.” (Ephesians 4:11, 12) He readjusted the thinking and conduct of first-century Christians by means of faithful undershepherds, some of whom were inspired to write letters to the congregations. He used such spirit-appointed overseers to guide and build up the early Christians.​—1 Corinthians 16:15-18; 2 Timothy 2:2; Titus 1:5.

¹¹ Today, Jesus directs us by means of “the faithful and discreet slave,” represented by its Governing Body and the appointed elders. (Matthew 24:45) Out of respect for “the chief shepherd,” Jesus Christ, we heed Paul’s counsel: “Have regard for those who are working hard among you and presiding over you in the Lord and admonishing you.”​—1 Peter 5:4; 1 Thessalonians 5:12; 1 Timothy 5:17.