CHAPTER THIRTEEN

OVERVIEW:

Commentary on Hebrews, by John Gill

apostle having finished the doctrinal part of this epistle, closes it with practical exhortations to these Hebrews, puts up prayers for them, and sends salutations to them. The exhortations are to brotherly love and the continuance of it (v. 1), to hospitality, by which some have entertained angels unawares (v. 2), to sympathy with those that are in bonds, and in afflictions (v. 3), to purity and chastity in the honorable state of marriage, urged by the judgment of God on unclean persons (v. 4), to avoid covetousness, and to be content with present things, enforced by the promises of God, which give boldness and strength to faith (vv. 5, 6), to remember their spiritual guides and governors, the preachers of the Gospel to them; to follow their faith, and consider the end of their conversation, which is Christ Jesus, the same yesterday, today and forever (vv. 7, 8). And then he cautions them from being carried about with the doctrines of men, which are divers and strange; which he urges from the profitable effect of the Gospel to establish the heart, and from the unprofitable effect of the Gospel to establish the heart, and from the unprofitableness of meats to legal worshippers, and from the Christians having an altar, which is Christ, which those who are seeking life by the service of the law have nothing to do with (vv. 9, 10). And this he illustrates in the type of burnt-offerings, which were burnt without the camp, and there was nothing left for the priests to eat of (v. 11). In like manner Christ, the antitype, suffered without the gates of Jerusalem, for the sanctification of his people, by his blood; and who only, and not those who seek for righteousness by the law, have an interest in (v. 12). However, it becomes the saints to quit everything, and all dependence on themselves, and fellowship with others, and go forth to Jesus, believing in him, whatsoever reproach they suffer on his account; for here is nothing permanent and durable in this world; but there is a state of happiness to come, which will last for ever (vv. 13, 14). And since Christ has offered himself for his people, they ought to offer up the sacrifices of praise to God by him, and to do acts of beneficence and goodness, which are sacrifices well-pleasing to God through him (vv. 15, 16). And to these exhortations the apostle adds others; as to obey their spiritual rulers and governors, and submit unto them; since they watch for their souls, and must give an account, which to do with joy, and not with grief, is best and profitable (v. 17), and to pray for the apostle, and other ministers, since they had a good conscience, and were willing to live honestly; and the rather, that he might be restored to them the sooner (vv. 18, 19), and to engage them to this their duty, he sets them an example by putting up prayers for them (vv. 20, 21), and desires them to take in good part the letter he had wrote unto them (v. 22), and acquaints them that Timothy was set at liberty, and with whom he hoped to see them in a short time (v. 23), and then closes the epistle with his own, and the salutations of others, and with his usual benediction (vv.  24, 25).

 Hebrews 13:1-25

 Part Three: The Superiority of the Christian’s Walk of Faith (10:19-13:25)
 

INTRODUCTION: Hebrews 13:1-3

As with many epistles in the New Testament, this letter ends with various exhortations. The first is regarding the objects of the Christian’s love. Here we find the author practicing what he preaches to stimulate love and good works.

1 Let brotherly love continue.

·        This implies that such love now existed among the Hebrews...there was a love that existed between them because of the same spiritual relation to God as their Father...there existed a love between them in that they shared each others burdens, they were able to forgive one-another, in the building up of one another in the faith and in the stirring up of each other to religious duties. There exists a bond of love between those that have been regenerated because of their mutual love of Christ.

·        The importance of brotherly love is seen in that it is a true mark of discipleship and is an indication of true spiritual life.

Þ      John 13:15— “ 35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.”

Þ      1 John 3:14— “ 14 We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.”

·        The Hebrews had manifested brotherly love. Note that the text says their love was to “continue.” They had demonstrated brotherly love in the past in their ministry to God and His saints (Heb. 6:10) and even in their service to the “writer” of this epistle (Heb. 10:32-34).

Þ      Hebrews 6:10— “ 10 For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.”

Þ      Hebrews 10:32-34— “ 32 But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions; 33 Partly, whilst ye were made a gazingstock both by reproaches and afflictions; and partly, whilst ye became companions of them that were so used. 34 For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance.”

The need for brotherly love never diminishes:

Þ      1 Thessalonians 4:9 & 10— “9 But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another. 10 And indeed ye do it toward all the brethren which are in all Macedonia: but we beseech you, brethren, that ye increase more and more;”

Þ      Philippians 1:9— “ 9 And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment;”

Þ      2 Peter 1:7— “ 7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.”

Even now the “writer” of Hebrews says, “Let brotherly love continue”! No matter how much we may have manifested love towards one another as brethren in the past, it is imperative that such love continues in both the present and in the future.

2 Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.

·        “Be not forgetful to entertain strangers:” - that is, all strangers in distress and all hospitality is to be exercised towards them by providing food, raiment, lodging, etc., and comforting, counseling, and directing them in all matters in which they may stand in need thereof. Those that are to exercise such hospitality are not just ministers of the Gospel, but all saints which is to be extended without grudge and in a friendly and loving manner. Hospitality, means “love of strangers,” (philoxenia) according to Jesus’ Parable of the Good Samaritan, is included in love of neighbor. In many ancient cultures, hospitality was a solemn duty and was regarded as a sacred obligation by the ancient Greeks and Romans. Hospitality is one form of “worship” and was to be extended by the following:

1.      Traveling evangelists:

Þ      3 John 5-8— “5 Beloved, thou doest faithfully whatsoever thou doest to the brethren, and to strangers; 6 Which have borne witness of thy charity before the church: whom if thou bring forward on their journey after a godly sort, thou shalt do well: 7 Because that for his name’s sake they went forth, taking nothing of the Gentiles. 8 We therefore ought to receive such, that we might be fellowhelpers to the truth.”

2.      Elders or Bishops:

Þ      1 Timothy 3:2— “ 2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;”

Þ      Titus 1:8— “ 8 But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate;”

3.      All Christians:

Þ      Romans 12:13— “ 13 Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.”

Þ      1 Peter 4:9— “ 9 Use hospitality one to another without grudging.”

·        “For thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” - (See Gen. 18:1-8) The motive here urged for doing it is, that by entertaining the stranger we may perhaps be honored with the presence of those whose society will to us an honor and a blessing

Þ      Genesis 18:1-8— “ 1 And the LORD appeared unto him in the plains of Mamre: and he sat in the tent door in the heat of the day; 2 And he lift up his eyes and looked, and, lo, three men stood by him: and when he saw them, he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself toward the ground, 3 And said, My LORD, if now I have found favour in thy sight, pass not away, I pray thee, from thy servant: 4 Let a little water, I pray you, be fetched, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree: 5 And I will fetch a morsel of bread, and comfort ye your hearts; after that ye shall pass on: for therefore are ye come to your servant. And they said, So do, as thou hast said. 6 And Abraham hastened into the tent unto Sarah, and said, Make ready quickly three measures of fine meal, knead it, and make cakes upon the hearth. 7 And Abraham ran unto the herd, and fetcht a calf tender and good, and gave it unto a young man; and he hasted to dress it. 8 And he took butter, and milk, and the calf which he had dressed, and set it before them; and he stood by them under the tree, and they did eat.

The point is not that we should expect angels to literally come our way but that some that we may entertain may serve to be His messengers in a providential sense. The key idea is that one never knows what hospitality might bring; one often receives unexpected benefits from his/her guests and there is always blessedness in giving. The physical need for hospitality today may not be as great as it was in ancient time, but the spiritual need is just as important in the development and strengthening of spiritual ties.

3 Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body.

·        “Remember them that are in bonds,” - those that are in bonds for the sake of Christ and the Gospel...those that are imprisoned for righteousness’ sake.

Þ      Acts 26:9-11— “ 9 I verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. 10 Which thing I also did in Jerusalem: and many of the saints did I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I gave my voice against them. 11 And I punished them oft in every synagogue, and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly mad against them, I persecuted them even unto strange cities.”

·        “As bound with them;” - that is, they were consider themselves, in the same bonds (as if chained with them)...religion teaches us to identify ourselves with all who are oppressed, and to feel what they suffer as if we endured it ourselves...Christianity unties all hearts in one; binds us to all the race.

·        “And them which suffer adversity,” - that is, outward afflictions of body, distress for the want of food and raiment and persecution by enemies or even spiritual corruptions. If one member suffers all the members suffer.

Þ      1 Corinthians 12:26— “26 And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.”

·        “As being yourselves also in the body.” - as being yourselves exposed to persecution and suffering, and liable to be injured. That is, we are to extend to them the same mercies that we would wish extended to us if we were suffering. By their awareness of their own vulnerability they should be sensitive to the sufferings of others.

CONCLUSION: Hebrews 13:1-3

In providing a “new and living way,” it is true that Jesus, made possible a close relationship between man and God. But the purity we experience through obeying the truth is not just that we may have fellowship with God but also that we may have fellowship with each other in sincerity and love. Thus it naturally follows that as we draw near to God, we should also draw near to one another; this we do when we manifest love toward the brethren, toward strangers, and toward prisoners and the persecuted.

INTRODUCTION: Hebrews 13:4

In today’s society, the honor and sanctity of marriage is under constant attack. Divorce is acceptable and made easy through “no-fault” laws. Adultery is considered normal and faithfulness to one’s spouse is deemed unrealistic. Among religious and political leaders, many say that the standards against sexual immorality are antiquated. Even in the church, sexual immorality is a major problem evidenced by the high number of divorces among Christians and the frequent reports of sexual failings among preachers, elders, and other Christians.

In truth, our culture today is not much different from the society of the first century where divorce and remarriage was rampant (women were known to date events in their lives by what husband they were married to; e.g., “Yes that happened during husband #5.”). Fornication was acceptable and adultery was barely frowned upon. But Christianity offers a true contrast of standards regarding morality through clear and unequivocal teaching:

Þ      1 Corinthians 6:9 & 10— “9 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, 10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.”

Þ      Galatians 5:19-21— “19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.”

Þ      Ephesians 5:3-5— “3 But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; 4 Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. 5 For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.”

The same sort of teaching is needed today, which is the reason that this verse 4 needs to be carefully examined.

4 Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.

·        “Marriage is honourable in all,” - the object here is to state that honor is to be shown to the marriage relation...it is honorable because it was instituted by God (Gen 2:22,24); whereby the ends of it is to procreate children and to prevent fornication.

Þ      Genesis 2:22 & 24— “22 And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man. 24 Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.”

The verb “is” is not in the Greek, leading some to translate the first phrase to read: “Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled.” Why? Because God will judge those who violate it!

·        “And the bed undefiled:” - the bed will remain undefiled by not letting others into it by the act of adultery...this is fidelity to the marriage vow. The Christian is to value his relationship with his spouse so highly that he will avoid defiling the marriage bed by keeping himself from any kind of sexual relationship while married.

·        “But whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.” - that is, all violations of the marriage covenant, will be severely punished by God.

 Let us define some terms:

1.      Fornicators; the Greek word is pornos, from which we get pornography. It is a general word for unlawful and immoral sexual relationships and includes any kind of sex outside of marriage: pre-marital, extra-marital (adultery), homosexual and various others.

2.      Adulterers; the Greek word is moichos and it means to have unlawful intercourse with another’s wife or husband. This may be while they are still married or even after they are divorced if the divorce is not for the biblical reason:

Þ      Matthew 5:32— “32 But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.”

Þ      Matthew 19:9— “9 And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery.”

A person can be guilty of adultery either by having relations with another’s spouse or by marrying someone who either did not put their first spouse away for fornication or was put away for any other reason short of death. Therefore, marriage should be held in honor, because the Bible makes it clear that God will condemn and somehow inflict penalty on those who are fornicators and adulterers who do not repent!

Why will God judge fornicators and adulterers? Because they destroy the lives of others through the destruction of marriages. This can be either their own, by infidelity within the marriage and even the marriage of the other party. Sexual immorality is a major cause of divorce, which God hates.

Þ      Malachi 2:16— “16 For the LORD, the God of Israel, saith that he hateth putting away: for one covereth violence with his garment, saith the LORD of hosts: therefore take heed to your spirit, that ye deal not treacherously.”

When God’s highest creation (man), because of purely selfish reasons, destroys marriages, families, friendships, even their own selves, we can understand why God will judge such, and why Paul wrote what he did to the Corinthians:

Þ      1 Corinthians 6: 9 & 10— “9 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, 10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.”

CONCLUSION: Hebrews 13:4

There are many good reasons to honor marriage and keep the “marriage bed” undefiled. The bond between a man and a women whose relationship is built upon trust and love, joy and peace of children, and the value of a strong family is that which God expects and demands. Here a warning is given, and need be heeded, that God’s judgment will fall on those that destroy this important fabric of our society. Marriage is that which God instituted to eliminate immorality and as such, we are to value this institution and remain pure in our commitment and obligations.

INTRODUCTION: Hebrews 13:5-6

In these verses we now find a warning against covetousness. The previous verse spoke a warning against the “lust of the flesh” (immorality), here we find a warning against the “lust of the eyes” (materialism), both of which are contrary to the word of God.

Þ      1 John 2:15-17— “15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. 17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.”

Covetousness is a strong desire for material things and is strongly condemned by the Bible.

1.      Jesus said that it defiles man, and we should be alert to it in our lives:

Þ      Matthew 7:21-23— “21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”

Þ      Luke 12:15— “15 And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.”

2.      Paul taught that covetousness will keep people out of the kingdom of God; and like fornication, should not even be named among us; and is nothing less than idolatry:

Þ      1 Corinthians 6:9 & 10— “9 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, 10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.”

Þ      Ephesians 5:3— “3 But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints;”

Þ      Colossians 3:5— “5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:”

The antidote to covetousness is contentment and is found in verses 5 and 6 of this chapter. If we are content, then we won’t be covetous, therefore, contentment is an important virtue for Christians to develop.

5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

·        “Let your conversation be without covetousness;” - that is, an immoderate desire of riches, an over-anxious care for worldly things, attended with a dissatisfaction, and discontent with their present state.

·        “And be content with such things as ye have:” - the particular reason is that God has promised never to leave His people...we are to be content with our present riches or with our present poverty, afflictions, reproaches...being content therein shows itself by thankfulness for every mercy and submission to God in His acts of providence.

The English word “content” means “desiring no more than what one has.” The Greek word is arkeo which means “to be satisfied.” When one is content, they are satisfied with what they have; with no desire for more, covetousness in no longer a problem. Paul wrote,

Þ      1 Timothy 6:6— “6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.”

Godliness, which is godly living expressed in devotion to God, is of great value only when accompanied with contentment. Contrawise, covetousness or a lack of contentment, would render any service to God of no value.

·        “For he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” - God will not leave His people in the hands of their enemies, nor forsake them in their time of distress, nor withhold any good thing from them in their time of need, but will supply them with the necessities of life, with which we are to be content. Also, God will not leave His people to live in their own corruptions which in the end will overpower them...He will not forsake them in salvation...regeneration, sanctification, and glorification. With the Lord as our helper, what can man do?

Þ      1 John 4:4— “4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.”

6 So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.

·        “So that we may boldly say,” - that is, confidently assert, without hesitation or doubt, in all times of perplexity and threatening want, we may trust in God, and be assured that He will not leave us to suffer....because;

·        “The Lord is my helper,” - He is able to help, and does help, when none else can (See Ps. 27:1 and 118:6)...what can we fear if we have the assurance that the Lord is on our side, and that He will help us...our help is ONLY in the Lord, who helps us out of the pit of sin and misery,; out of the hands of our enemies, out of all afflictions, and out of all the dangers we are exposed unto by Satan.

Þ      Psalm 27:1— “1 The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

Þ      Psalm 118:6— “ 6 The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?”

·        “And I will not fear what man shall do unto me.” - men are not to be feared, when opposed to God. Nothing that they can do to us is to be feared...even to the killing of the body...nothing can be done to us more than God allows.

CONCLUSION: Hebrews 13:5-6

The virtue of contentment is a wonderful blessing, one that comes from God Himself. As such, God’s word reveals to us the temporary nature of material things, the inadequacy of material things to satisfy man, and the things that are truly essential in life. Furthermore, it promises that God will never leave us or forsake us and will continually provide the true essentials in and for life. God Himself will fill our soul with that which can truly satisfy and He will enable us to enjoy the material blessings we do acquire in life. However, what God has promised is contingent upon what Jesus said:

Þ      Matthew 6:33— “33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”

INTRODUCTION: Hebrews 13:7-14

As this epistle nears its end, we find some of the final exhortations that appear to encourage steadfastness which is sprinkled throughout verses 7-17. There also warning given concerning the danger of “various and strange doctrines (Heb. 13:9). The need for such exhortations is, I believe, given as warning about the various and strange doctrines that the church will be confronted with throughout its life. If we are not to be carried about with various and strange doctrines, then “stability in our service to God,” must be founded on solid and well defined doctrine. Notice what Paul says to Timothy:

Þ      1 Timothy 1:3-7— “3 As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine, 4 Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do. 5 Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned: 6 From which some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling; 7 Desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm.”

7 Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.

·        “Remember them which have the rule over you,” - those that have rule over us is here meant, the pastors of the churches, teachers...those appointed to lead and guide us to eternal life...our guides into the understanding of the Scriptures, and the truths of the Gospel.

·        “Who have spoken unto you the word of God:” - that is, the Scriptures, given by the inspiration of God in Christ...of which He is the author of...which will enable us to persevere in the Christian course and will not faint or fail therein.

·        “Whose faith follow,” - that is, whose faith we are to emulate...we are to stand fast in the faith due to those that have left such a witness...we are to hold fast to the end our profession of faith and follow as an example those whose faith sustained them unto the end.

Þ      Philippians 3:7— “17 Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.”

·        “Considering the end of their conversation.” - or the faithful discharge of their duties of their several offices.

8 Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.

The direct meaning of this verse in the original Greek text is that Christ is unchangeable (immutable)...He is unchangeable in His person, perfection, and essence, as God; and in the love to His people; and in fullness of His grace, and in the efficacy of His blood, and in the virtue of His sacrifice and His righteousness. The effect of this verse is, to encourage us to persevere by showing that our Savior was, is, and shall always be the same...the argument here, therefore, for perseverance is founded on the immutability of the Redeemer. The very doctrine that Jesus gave us is unchangeable because He that gave it is unchangeable. Therefore, as a rule, when we hear of a strange new doctrine, the question that need be asked is, “Did Jesus or His apostles teach this?”

Þ      Galatians 1:8 & 9— “8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. 9 As we said before, so say I now again, if any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.”

9 Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein.

·        “Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines.” - that is, the Hebrews should have settled and fixed points of belief, and yield to every new opinion which would come along...there being a variety and multitude of other doctrines...doctrines that are not taught by God. Probably the principal reference here is to the Judaizing teachers, and to their various doctrines about their ceremonial observances and traditions (a return to the law).

·        “For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace;” - that is, with the doctrines of grace, which is food for faith, and does not leave men at uncertainties about things, but establishes the heart, with respect to the love and favor of God...this being true religion, wherefore we shall love the truth, and love it in the right manner...if the belief of the truth has its seat in the heart, it will be accompanied by acts of faith which spring from pure religion.

·        “Not with meats,” - our religion or belief in the truth is to be established on sound doctrine and not on ceremonial law that is unable to secure forgiveness from sin.

·        “Which have not profited them that have been occupied therein.” - which have been of no real benefit to the soul, they being only profitable to the body...they were established as a type or shadow that would point to Christ.

10 We have an altar, whereof they have no right to eat which serve the tabernacle.

·        “We have an altar,” - By which is meant, not the cross of Christ, on which He was crucified; nor the Lord’s table, where His flesh and blood are presented to faith; but Christ Himself, who is a refuge of His people who believe in Him...these are preserved and protected by His power and grace...all that come to Him in belief are allowed to eat thereof.

·        “Whereof they have no right to eat which serve the tabernacle.” - to eat from the altar is to believe that Christ came in the flesh and that He offered His flesh up for the forgiveness of our sins...we thereby, receive, embrace, and possess the blessings procured by His offering; which is done be means of faith (none put the priests were allowed to eat from the altar under the previous economy).

11 For the bodies of those beasts, whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest for sin, are burned without the camp.

·        “For the bodies of those beasts,” - that is, the bullock and the goat on the day of atonement, which were typical of Christ, in the bringing of their blood into the most holy place by the high priest for sin...atonement was made through the sprinkling of the blood which was a type of the death of Christ by which reconciliation is made for the sins of all God’s people.

·        “Whose blood is brought into the sanctuary” - that is, into the holy of holies.

·        “By the high priest for sin,” - to make atonement for “sin.”

·        “Are burned without the camp.” - all of the sacrificed animal was carried outside of the camp and burned and the men that performed this task were deemed unclean, though, being washed they were received; which was typical of the sorrowful sufferings of Christ outside of Jerusalem...reaching to all parts of His body, and even to His soul; and expresses not only the pains, but the shame and reproach He endured.

12 Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate.

·        “Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood,” - Jesus also did so to answer the type...that there might be conformity between His death for sin and the sacrifices which He typified...He sanctified the people, that is, those who are the objects of divine love and favor; a chosen and covenant people; a distinct and peculiar people...Christ’s own special people that are sanctified by His own blood He has provided expiation of the guilt of sin, pardoned completely, and brought in a perfect righteousness.

·        “Suffered without the gate.” - that is, outside of the city of Jerusalem, which answered to the camp of Israel in the wilderness, outside of which the bodies of the sacrifices on the day of atonement were burnt.

13 Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach.

There is a symbolism in the location of the sacrifice of Jesus and that of the animals. Those who go to Calvary, to the altar of Jesus, can no longer serve and worship at the altar of the world. We are to leave the world and profess to be in the camp of Jesus...we must go to Christ...there must be a quitting of the world and all that is therein. We are to follow Christ with unquestionable obedience...the very act of going forth to Him is to believe in Him, to make a profession of Him.

When we bear His reproach we sympathize with Him...it is His reproach because of our union with Him and His sympathy with us in our time of reproach...there is a likeness in the reproach that Christ suffered and that which is suffered by those that profess Him as the Christ.

Þ      1 Peter 4:13— “13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.”

Þ      Philippians 3:10— “10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;”

Þ      Colossians 1:24— “24 Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body’s sake, which is the church:”

14 For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come.

·        “For here have we no continuing city,” - that is, we do not regard this as our final home, or our fixed abode, and we should be willing to bear reproached during the little time that we are to remain here...we are not of the world though we are in the world...let them drive us from our temporal homes because our permanent home is in heaven (just as the heroes of the faith; Chp. 11), we are to look beyond this world and our pilgrimage here.

·        “But we seek one to come.” - heaven is future, yet to come, though certain, being built and prepared by God for those that are His and are called thereunto.

15 By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.

·        “By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise” - that is, for temporal and spiritual mercies...for sanctification, or expiation of sin, by the blood of Christ...let us persevere in adherence to our profession which is our reasonable service and is well-pleasing to Him and glorifies Him. This is our reasonable sacrifice.

Þ      Romans 12:1— “1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.”

·        “To God continually,” - God is to continually praised because He is constantly bestowing on us grace upon grace, and such mercies of one kind or another...God therefore, is to be continually praised even in times of trials and afflictions, in the midst of reproach and persecution.

·        “That is, the fruit of our lips” - that is the sacrifice of praise is the fruit of our lips that brings honor and glory to name of God.

·        “Giving thanks to his name.” - that is, to the honor of His name and to all His divine perfections and all the mercies bestowed by Him to those that He loves.

16 But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.

·        “But to do good and to communicate forget not:” - that is, to share with others what we have which is to exercised to all men in need, even to our enemies, especially to poor saints, and ministers of the Gospel...we are not to forget this because it is a duty of importance...we are prone to think constantly of our own interests, and there is a danger of forgetting the duty which we owe to the poor and the needy. True Christian religion manifests itself in action.

Þ      James 1:22-27— “22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. 23 For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: 24 For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. 25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed. 26 If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain. 27 Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.”

·        “For with such sacrifices God is well pleased.” - God is pleased with the sacrifices of prayer and of praise; with the offerings of a broken and contrite heart: but He is especially please with a religion which leads us to do good to others...He is pleased because, this shows the right state of heart and accords with the very nature of God.

17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.

·        “Obey them that have the rule over you,” - The reference here is to religious teachers and not to civil rulers. Christians must be constantly attending to those things that are taught to them and preached to them...subordination to the leaders of the church is necessary to the welfare of the church.

·        “And submit yourselves:” - that is, to all which they enjoin that is lawful and right...the leaders of the church are ambassadors of Christ, they stand in His stead, and represent Him, by which they derive their authority. They are given oversight of the local congregation.

Þ      1 Peter 5:1 & 2— “1 The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: 2 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;”

·        “For they watch for your souls, as they that must give account,” - they do not watch for themselves or worldly gain; but they watch for the souls of men that they might render unto them knowledge and understanding leading to salvation...they are to discharge their duty without neglect for they must stand before the Bema Seat of Christ an give account for their ministry.

·        “That they may do it with joy, and not with grief:” - the meaning is, that they should so obey, that when their teachers came to give account they need not do it with sorrow over their perverseness and disobedience.

·        “For that is unprofitable for you.” - that is, in giving up their account in a manner as unsuccessful in their efforts to save you, would not be to an advantage to you, but would be highly injurious both to themselves and to you.

CONCLUSION: Hebrews 13:7-17

If we are to remain steadfast in our faith and remain stable in our service to God, then, we must remember such things as the examples that have been given to us to emulate; the doctrine given us by the immutable Christ; and the blessings of hearts established by grace; the altar of the supreme sacrifice of Christ; and, the heavenly city that awaits us whose builder and maker is God. We are further exhorted to offer the spiritual sacrifices of praise and doing good to others and we are to obey those who have been entrusted to watch for our souls.

INTRODUCTION: Hebrews 13:18-25

Within the last eight verses of this epistle, we find, a request for prayer of behalf of the “writer” (H13:18-19); a benediction offered in behalf of the readers (13:20-21); and the final exhortation, comment and farewell (13:22-25). These final verses touch upon themes developed earlier in the epistle, therefore serving as a close worthy of such an epistle as we have studied.

18 Pray for us: for we trust we have a good conscience, in all things willing to live honestly.

·        “Pray for us:” - that is, those that are in the ministry as teachers and pastors since the work is of such great importance and due to the difficulty involved in the carrying out of ones duty.

·        “For we trust we have a good conscience,” - a good conscience is one in which there is satisfaction through the sanctification of the Spirit of God. Here the good conscience is made possible only through the blood of Christ and as such, the apostle may properly discharge the duties on the office of minister. The apostle uses this argument to illicit the prayers of the Hebrews.

·        “In all things willing to live honestly.” - not only as men but as ministers properly dispensing the word of truth, without any regards to the favors or afflictions of men. “In all things” we are to have a good conscience towards God in the performance of our duty that all that see such ministry may be willing to live honestly.

19 But I beseech you the rather to do this, that I may be restored to you the sooner.

Here it is clearly implied that the apostle was deterred from visiting them by some adverse circumstance over which he had no control. This could have been imprisonment or sickness, or the want of a convenient opportunity of reaching them. The probability is, judging from the particular statement in verse 23, that he was then a prisoner.

We now approach the conclusion of the epistle which is ended with a prayer, made up of suitable petitions for the Hebrews.

·        “Now the God of peace,” - God is called “the God of peace,” because of His concern in the peace and reconciliation of His people...He is the promoter of peace both temporal and eternal where the saints are concerned. Such peace is opposed to all that would disturb or trouble the mind, and may refer, therefore, to reconciliation with God; to a quite conscience; to the evidence of pardoned sin; to health and prosperity, and to the hope of heaven.

·        “That brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus,” - who having died for our sins, was resurrected by His Father in the same body that He suffered and died in. Being the first fruits of His people, and their Lord and Savior, head and surety, for their justification, and as a pledge to their resurrection. Thus through His resurrection, we have peace, for it is only by Him that we have the prospect of an admission into heaven.

·        “That great shepherd of the sheep,” - the idea here is, that it is through the tender care of that great Shepherd that true happiness is bestowed on the people of God. He is the great Shepherd of the people of God, the ones that He has chosen and given to Christ.

·        “Through the blood of the everlasting covenant,” - the meaning is, that Christ was brought from the dead, by His blood, and denotes the particular influence that His blood had upon His resurrection, and the continued virtue of it since. Here the everlasting covenant is the covenant of grace, the new and better covenant of which Christ is the surety and the head of. Christ has been set up in eternity past to be the Mediator for all eternity of the covenant of grace.

21 Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

·        “Make you perfect in every good work to do his will,” - a good work is what is done in obedience to the command of God, and in faith, and from a principle of love, in the name and in the strength of Christ, and with a view to the glory of God...in every such work we should diligently attend to...and the will of God is the rule of every good work, both as to matter and manner. Whatever is not agreeably to the revealed will of God, regardless of the religious show of it, it is not a good work.

·        “Working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ;” - the good work of grace is necessary to the performance of good works...no man can do a good work unless he has the good work of grace wrought in him...all such works are pleasing in His sight even though they may not be evident to others for all thee grace necessary for the beginning and carrying on, and finishing of the good work of grace, and for the performance of every good work, comes through the hands of Christ, in whom all fullness of it dwells, through His blood.

·        “To whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” - that is, either to God the Father or God the Son for He is the author and finisher of our salvation, the great shepherd of the sheep. Such glory is rendered through proper worship, prayer, obedience, and trust alone in Him.

22 And I beseech you, brethren, suffer the word of exhortation: for I have written a letter unto you in few words.

·        “And I beseech you, brethren,” - Here the apostle addresses the Hebrews as “brethren.” He is not speaking to them in an authoritative manner, nor by way of advice, but by way of earnest request.

·        “Suffer the word of exhortation:” - the subject matter of the request is, they listen to all that the Gospel , their ministers, their teachers, and everything within this epistle, would exhort them to be obedient unto.  An exhortation to perseverance in adhering to Christianity.

·        “For I have written a letter unto you in few words.” - meaning that the length of the epistle was short in comparison to what it could have been, as the subject matter contained in the epistle should require even greater expounding...it treating on the great doctrines of the Gospel, and mysteries of grace...things of the greatest importance.

23 Know ye that our brother Timothy is set at liberty; with whom, if he come shortly, I will see you.

·        “Know ye that our brother Timothy is set at liberty;” - Timothy had been set free from the bonds of imprisonment of which he had been held for the sake of Christ and the Gospel.

·        “With whom, if he come shortly, I will see you.” - evidently, Timothy was at the time of the writing of this epistle was absent form Paul, but upon his return both he and Paul would come shortly to see them.

24 Salute all them that have the rule over you, and all the saints. They of Italy salute you.

·        “Salute all them that have the rule over you,” - that is, all the pastors and teachers or offices of the church.

·        “And all the saints.” - the several members of the church, who were set apart for the holiness of God, whose sins were expiated by Christ; to whom Christ was made satisfaction.

·        “They of Italy salute you.” - that is, all the Christian brethren in Italy, possibly Rome (this indicates the Paul was them in Rome).

25 Grace be with you all. Amen.

The magnificent epistle ends with the standard epistolary close used in Christian letters. The full meaning of the word “grace” was artfully presented as the case for the permanent superiority of Christ’s saving work as it was argued throughout the epistle. This is a final prayer that the Hebrew Christians would all experience such grace.

CONCLUSION: Hebrews 13:18-25

So ends “the word of exhortation,” that this grad epistle known simple as “The Epistle to the Hebrews.” Thought written to Jewish Christians, with a particular need in mind, it is of great value to all Christians. It tells us more about the Old Testament and the intercessory work of our Lord as High Priest than any other book in the New Testament. Its warnings and exhortations are needed just as much today by Christians who are being tempted to leave Christ and go back into the world.