Hebrews 13:1-25

What is the theme of this chapter?

The power of brotherly love ... plus concluding benedictions.

What is the key verse(s) of this chapter? Verse 1

Let love of the brethren continue.

What can I apply to my life from this chapter (things to do/avoid)?

Loving with Christ's love is applicable to all situations and circumstances.

Additional observations/questions:

Chapter two's question: Verses 3 and 4 are the hardest verses for me to understand; is the audience unsaved Hebrews or slothful, believing Hebrews, or maybe just believing Hebrews in general? For now I'm leaning toward unsaved Hebrews, but maybe I'll change my mind as I study more of this book.

Chapter three's question: "Have I come any closer to a conclusion on this? Maybe the audience is neither. Maybe it was just Hebrews who had believed Jesus Christ is the Messiah but now needed to understand all that the cross had accomplished, partly because Judaism as a religion (sacrifices, etc) was about to come to an end in 70 AD, but mostly because it was the next step in increasing their understanding. I think McLean was probably right when he said, "...the book of Romans explains the cross to the body of Christ, Hebrews explains the cross to Israel."

Chapter four's observation: Williams rather confirmed this interpretation this week. Are he and McLean right?

Chapter five's observation: Williams and McLean are still pretty much on the same track, though Williams seems to be saying that the book of Hebrews was to bring the Hebrews from Judaism to Christianity (the Body of Christ); not sure Williams is saying this, though.

Chapter six's question: Everybody except McLean seems to be saying that this chapter is hypothetical. I must confess it bothers me to read it hypothetically. In view of the context, I'm not sure it's warranted. But can McLean be right and EVERYBODY ELSE be wrong? That bothers me, too.

Chapter seven's question: McLean brings up Jer 31:33, Heb 8:10, and Ezek 36:27, verses that I have been struggling with for quite some time now. He suggests that they were meant for the Hebrews only, saying that in both the Old and the New Testament people are ever and always associated with the law while the Body of Christ is not under the law — ever — but under grace (Rom 6:14). This makes sense. He further suggests that with the change of the law reported in Hebrew 7:12, God enables Israel by His Spirit to keep the law, which before this change had not been possible. Is this a possible interpretation? Or is it a stretch?

No questions/observations regarding chapter eight; still pondering all questions I've posed up to this point, though.

Chapter nine's question/observation: Not sure if I agree with McLean regarding his interpretation of "to bear of the sins of many" versus "all," that when Christ came to earth, he came but to the lost sheep of Israel, which would be 'many,' not 'all.' Interesting observation, though. Also, before this study I never knew that some believe it is Christ's life, not His death (or maybe in addition to His death) that put into effect the new covenant. I certainly don't agree because I know of no Scripture that backs it up. I found Newell's comments particularly interesting.

Chapter ten's question/observation: I found Wuest's quote regarding verses 16 and 17 particularly interesting: "The Old Testament saint was regenerated, thus becoming a partaker of the divine nature, and thus had that impetus to the living of a holy life." Looking at the account of Nicodemus in John 3, of course this must be true. But I had never heard it put quite this way before, so I'm still thinking it through.

Chapter eleven's question/observation: I think McLean made a good and clear point regarding verse 26: "Hebrews 11:26 does not say that Moses was looking forward to Christ or that somehow Moses knew Christ would be Israel's better sacrifice someday. What the verse does say is that Moses took the same sort of reproach that Christ suffered; and it is the writer of this book that ties those reproaches together, not Moses foreseeing Christ. The danger is that preachers and commentators warning against sin in their spiritualized exegesis, will mix law with grace and have Moses looking forward to the cross, which he did not."

Chapter twelve's question/observation: The different outlooks between the commentators are clearly seen this week. I typed them all out as examples of this, not because I agreed with all of them.

Chapter thirteen's question/observation: So here I am at the end of Hebrews; can I now finally state who the audience is?  I have honestly looked at several options given by several different commentaries, but in staying consistent my literal, historical, grammatical hermeneutic, it makes the most sense to me that this book was applicable to not only the first century Jews, but also to those Jews who will go through the Tribulation.  Not Jews in general, but rather the believing remnant or "little flock."  However, just because the book of Hebrews was not written directly to us, the body of Christ, it still contains many practical portions that transcend all economies, which we can apply to our lives today. 

Hebrews 13:20-25

Now the God of peace, who brought up from the dead the great Shepherd of the sheep through the blood of the eternal covenant, even Jesus our Lord, equip you in every good thing to do His will, working in us that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen. But I urge you, brethren, bear with this word of exhortation, for I have written to you briefly. Take notice that our brother Timothy has been released, with whom, if he comes soon, I will see you. Greet all of your leaders and all the saints. Those from Italy greet you. Grace be with you all.


equip - "fully provide, adjust, make ready.  Some other occurrences of the Greek word are in Matt 4:21; Gal 6:1; 1 Thes 3:10." (Ryrie)

"There can be no doubt as to the identity of the great shepherd of the sheep:

Isaiah 40:11:  He shall feed his flock like a shepherd:  he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.

Matthew 10:5-6:  These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not:  But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

Romans 15:8:  Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers.

Jesus said 'I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep (John 10:11);' and since the Messiah came not but to the lost sheep of Israel, it is folly to suppose otherwise.  By exhorting the reader to perform well-pleasing works, it should be noted that the book of Hebrews is perfectly situated in that James follows, and James has as it theme those well-pleasing works which are to accompany tribulation Israel's faith and commandment-keeping." (McLean)

bear - be patient with

briefly - "Perhaps also outspokenly." (Ryrie)

Timothy - "Apparently he had been imprisoned (see Acts 16:1; Rom 16:21)." (Ryrie)

"...we know this book was written to early Acts Hebrews to inform them about changes in the law and the priesthood so as to equip them with information about their tribulation situation while focusing on their kingdom world to come.  Reading ... the Body of Christ into the book of Hebrews is either ignorant or intellectually dishonest." (McLean)

saints - believers

those from Italy - "Probably some Italians living outside Italy sending their greetings home." (Ryrie)

Grace be with you all - "Grace was a familiar concept to the Hebrew people in that Noah was said to have found grace in the eyes of the Lord and there are thirty-eight mentions of 'grace' in the Old Testament (Gen 6:8).  Of all people, Lot was given grace (Gen 19:19); and so the word and the concept were known.  The difference between God's gracious dealing with Israel and our present dispensation of God's grace is that Israel's grace was always dispensed in accordance with proscribed performance:

Romans 10:5:  For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them.

Deuteronomy 6:25:  And it shall be our righteousness, if we observe to do all these commandments before the Lord our God, as he hath commanded us.

In our dispensation, grace stand alone, without a requirement for works to validate one's faith.  Another dispensational distinction is that we enjoy a present possession of God's grace while Israel must endure to the end of the tribulation, at which time grace is delivered to the Hebrew people at the return of Christ for His kingdom:

1 Peter 1:13:  Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus  Christ;

Acts 3:19:  Repent ye therefore, and be concerts, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the present of the Lord." (McLean)

"The Syriac says 'The epistle to the Hebrews was written from Roman Italy, and sent by the hand of Timothy.' The Vulgate says nothing; but the Coptic states 'Written in Italy, and sent by Timothy.' There are more than a dozen different subscriptions extant, none of which is part of the actual text, but perhaps the best of all of them would be the Aethiopic which says: 'The Epistle to the Hebrews is completed. The end.'" (McLean)

Hebrews 13:7-19

Remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you; and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Do not be carried away by varied and strange teachings; for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by foods, through which those who were so occupied were not benefited. We have an altar from which those who serve the tabernacle have no right to eat. For the bodies of those animals whose blood is brought into the holy place by the high priest as an offering for sin, are burned outside the camp. Therefore Jesus also, that He might sanctify the people through His own blood, suffered outside the gate. So, let us go out to Him outside the camp, bearing His reproach. For here we do not have a lasting city, but we are seeking the city which is to come. Through Him then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name. And do not neglect doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is pleased. Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with grief, for this would be unprofitable for you. Pray for us, for we are sure that we have a good conscience, desiring to conduct ourselves honorably in all things. And I urge you all the more to do this, so that I may be restored to you the sooner.


v 7 - "Though these leaders had likely died, their example should still be imitated." (Ryrie)

yesterday - "In the days of His life on earth (Heb 2:9; 5:7-8)." (Ryrie)

today - "As our high priest in heaven (Heb 4:15-16)." (Ryrie)

forever - "To secure and consummate our salvation (Heb 7:25; 9:28)." (Ryrie)

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever - "Clearly Hebrews 13:8 and similar verses such as Malachi 3:6 (For I am the Lord, I change not;) are not intended to be applied to physical truths, but rather to the unchangeable nature of the Godhead.  Always holy, always perfect, God demonstrates His attributes in verses such as Isaiah 11:2 (And the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord.)  God is love, and so much more:  and it is those attributes which are the same yesterday, today and forever." (McLean)

v 9 - "Previously, meats were said to belong to them that are of full age, and strong mean was spoken of favorably, unlie the verse above: Hebrews 5:13-14 (For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe.  But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.)  However, there is no conflict between these verses:  meaty doctrine is to help the believer to function, discerning both good and evil.  The distinction is that strong meat is not to be an end in and of itself.  The skillful believer is to use the strong meat to good advantage rather than to selfishly hoard the strong meat to no one's benefit.  This perhaps explains why some people who know so very much seem to understand so very little.  Implicit in the verse is the concept that occupying oneself in strong meats can lead to divers and strange doctrines while using strong meats brings discernment.  Clearly stated in the verse is the concept that the Hebrew reader should stay well within the doctrinal boundaries being confirmed or established by this book (Heb 7:12)." (McLean)

v 10 - "Those who still want to be under the law cannot enjoy the benefits of our altar — the cross and all it stands for." (Ryrie)

"The 'we/they' cannot be Christians in our dispensation versus the unsaved nor can it be Roman Catholic with their sacrifice of the Mass as opposed to those outside that church, as the Vatican would have you to believe.  The 'we/they' can only be those who were continuing in the Mosaic system of sacrifices being contrary to those who had accepted the Messiah as their sin offering.  Those sacrificing beasts had no right to eat at the altar shared by believers who had followed their Messiah." (McLean)

"We (Hebrews) have an altar.  At the moment the Apostle was writing it was still standing in front of the Temple at Jerusalem and on it was still annually sacrificed the sin-offering (v 11).  Of that offering none were permitted to eat (Lev 6:30).  The altar was shortly afterwards destroyed by the Romans.  To suppose this altar to be what is today called the Lord's Table is strange, for all partake of that table; but no one partook of the altar of the sin-offering, and this prohibition is the argument of verses 10-12." (Williams)

outside the camp - "where the carcasses of sin-offering animals were burned (Lev 4:21; 16:27)." (Ryrie)

Jesus also ... suffered outside the gate - "See John 19:17-20.  This showed Jesus to be our sin offering." (Ryrie)

"The victim personating sin was wholly burned without the camp, and thus was symbolized God's wrath against sin. But its blood was brought into the immediate presence of God as being most precious to Him. So Christ suffered the wrath of God without the gate and entered into the presence of God within the vail (v 12).  These Hebrew believers were urged to go forth unto Him outside 'the camp' i.e., Jerusalem and the law of Moses, and bear His reproach." (Williams)

"This was entirely contrary to Jewish ideas.  All that was outside the camp was ceremonially unclean.  Yet the Jews had delivered Christ into the hands of unclean Gentiles.  To obtain salvation was therefore impossible inside the camp of Judaism.  The works of the Jewish economy of ritually and ceremonial ordinances must be abandoned.  It was necessary to go outside the gate to the place where along the needs of the soul had been met by God.  Hope lay not in national privilege or any exclusive Jewish position.  The reproach of Christ, an indignity in the yes of a Jew and a degradation in the eyes of a Gentile, was the only possible means of acceptance with God.  The covenant of grace must not be mingled with the covenant of law.  Separation to Christ always brings enmity and opposition." (Vine)

v 13 - "Christians are exhorted to go outside the camp; i.e., to leave all false religions and join themselves to Christ." (Ryrie)

vss 15-16 - "The believers' sacrifice are praise, doing good, and sharing (Phil 4:18)." (Ryrie)

we are seeking the city which is to come - "Vain attempts at having every verse of the Bible apply doctrinally to all persons at any time invariably come to conclusions which are confusing to the point of doctrinal chaos ... Imagine Christians teaching that their denomination is the Bride of Christ (a term which does not appear in the Bible), when the bride is that Jewish city (Rev 20:2) which comes to Earth while the Body of Christ is ever with the Lord in heavenly places." (McLean)

your leaders - "present church leaders (cf. Heb 13:7)." (Ryrie)

obey your leaders and submit to them - "Paul's suppression of himself and his Apostolic authority, and his urging affection and submission to the Twelve Apostles (Heb 13:7, 17), and his humbly asking only prayer for himself, were all calculated to disarm the prejudices of those to whom he wrote (v 22)." (Williams)

unprofitable for you - "not to your advantage." (Ryrie)

Hebrews 13:1-6

Let love of the brethren continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it. Remember the prisoners, as though in prison with them, and those who are ill-treated, since you yourselves also are in the body. Marriage is to be held in honor among all, and the marriage bed is to be undefiled; for fornicators and adulterers God will judge. Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, “I WILL NEVER DESERT YOU, NOR WILL I EVER FORSAKE YOU,” so that we confidently say, “THE LORD IS MY HELPER, I WILL NOT BE AFRAID. WHAT WILL MAN DO TO ME?”


some have entertained angels without knowing it - "The word 'angel' may refer to superhuman beings (see Gen 18:1-8 for an example of such entertaining) or it may refer to a human being who is a messenger from God (see James 2:25 for an example of such entertaining)." (Ryrie)

"Abraham, Lot and Manoah entertained angels unawares." (Williams)

"It is important to notice that Israel must endure to the end of their Great Tribulation while keeping the faith of Christ and the commandments, which is referred to as the 'everlasting gospel,' the source of which is angels: 

Revelation 14:6:  And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people,

Revelation 14:12:  Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.

And it is the utmost importance for remnant Israel to pay attention to angels, hence this instruction to entertain strangers because those strangers might actually be angels; and angels have the everlasting gospel to preach to remnant Israel.

These instructions are very much opposite the apostle Paul's clear teaching that we in our dispensation are not under the commandments (Romans 6:14, Colossians 2:16, Galatians 5:1) and that we are not to listen to angels:

Galatians 1:8:  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." (McLean)

remember the prisoners, as though in prison with them - "Prisoners at that time, and in some lands today, were dependent on their friends for food.  They starved to death if they got none.  So these Hebrew believers were to remember these Christ-confessors and send them food." (Williams)

He Himself has said -  "See Deut 31:6.  The idea is that Christians need not be anxious (cf. Matt 6:25-34)." (Ryrie)

I WILL NEVER DESERT YOU, NOR WILL I EVER FORSAKE YOU - "While the apostle Paul agrees that godliness with contentment is great gain (1 Tim 6:6), there can be little doubt that the promise to never leave nor forsake belongs to Israel (Deut 31:6; Josh 1:5; 1 Chron 28:20).  Such a promise is of no consequence to believers in our dispensation in that we know that judicially we are already complete in Christ (Col 1:9-10) and that while we are apart from Christ (2 Cor 5:6) we will be with Him soon (1 Thes 4:17).  The Lord is not our help: rather, we are His ambassadors (2 Cor 5:20).  The Hebrew people of remnant Israel, hiding from the antichrist, eschewing the mark of the beast at the expense being unable to buy or sell, living with the dangers inherent during the time of the Great Tribulation, would have every reason to believe that God had left and forsaken them.  These verses would serve as a needful reminder." (McLean)