Letter to the Hebrews, chapter 13
interpretation, meaning, commentary, explanation
(1) Let brotherly love continue.
We are to love people as if they were our brothers or sisters. Every person is a child of God, and this is how we should approach others. There is no room for anger or hatred.
(2) Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.
Another verse from Scripture that says angels are among us and sometimes take human form. We never know if the person in need is an angel, who, at God's command, checks what kind of heart we have. This verse, can also mean hospitality to persecuted Christians.
Let us not forget that these letters were written in difficult times. The Roman Empire persecuted believers, persevering in the faith was threatened with death. We should give refuge to all those who are subjected to persecution for the sake of faith in Jesus Christ.
(3) Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body.
It was difficult to visit prisoners held for religious reasons. Each such visit, made the visitor a potential future prisoner. The author of the letter, perhaps Paul, despite these dangers, calls for remembrance of the imprisoned. To the end, it is not clear whether he meant visitation or prayer? Paul's earlier letters, make it clear that he also meant visitation. If Jesus were in prison, would you visit him, knowing that he might die in suffering?
Peter, during the capture of Jesus in the Garden of Olives, denied the Lord, seized by fear. Later, however, he gave his life for Jesus. We should not condemn those who feared such visits, they required great courage and faith. To bring help, should also be done to the oppressed.
(4) Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.
Our married life is to be undefiled. Today's world seems to have forgotten this important instruction. Jesus said that we already commit adultery in our thoughts by looking lustfully at another person. All adulterers and fornicators will be judged by God, not man. It is up to God to administer justice. This is contrary to what is happening in Arab countries, the days of stoning for such transgressions are gone.
Matthew 5.27-30 "Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart. And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell. And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell."
Are we then forbidden to look at pretty people and see their beauty? We have no such prohibition, Christ is talking about something else. The words "lusts after her" are mentioned, that is, when we look at another person, we simultaneously imagine him looking naked, undressing or having sexual intercourse with that person. God knows that a person's sin does not begin with an act, but with a thought. There is also a battle of good and bad thoughts going on in our head, if we spend too much time thinking about something bad, such as infidelity, over time it may seem natural to us. Also, watching pornography, movies or erotic photos where our thoughts run to having sex with the person in the movie/photo is adultery. Adultery is not only physical betrayal, but also betrayal with thoughts, which is why Jesus used such strong arguments when talking about gouging out an eye and cutting off a hand. All evil begins in our head, in our thoughts.
(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.
God knows what we need. Let's not waste our lives in the pursuit of money. The real treasure is gathered in heaven, everything we have on earth will not be taken by us anyway. How many people have lost eternal life because of greed. How many lives have been lost because of the greed of evildoers. It's not worth it! For a few measly years of living in sin we lose eternity. What an unwise behavior.
God is always with us
(6) So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.
God is always with us, if we so desire. There is no greater helper and friend for us than the Creator. We don't always get what we want, even when it seems right to us. However, God knows better than us what we need. Man can do us physical harm. God from the heart no one can take away from us. It is we ourselves who reject our Friend, finding one reason or another, often blaming God or people rather than ourselves.
(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.
The letter was written at a time when the Old Testament prophets were role models, and we should follow their example. Despite tremendous persecution, they persevered in faith, did not betray God and died with faith in their hearts.
(8) Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.
God is unchangeable. This guarantees us that the dwellings He has gone to prepare will be waiting for us. The question is how many people will want to take advantage of this invitation.
(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.
We should beware of foreign and strange teachings. The Israelites, despite offering sacrifices, had defiled hearts, unworthy of having God's love dwell in them. Even God's close presence and daily services of apparent worship to Him do not guarantee that our hearts will be with the Lord.
(10) We have an altar, whereof they have no right to eat which serve the tabernacle.
The altar is Jesus Christ, who died for our sins. The grace of salvation has no power on those who continue to offer sacrifices while rejecting the true God. The Israelites, despite Jesus' many miracles, did not believe in him, yet they continued to serve the temple of the God they had murdered.
Jesus killed outside the temple
(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.
The bodies of these animals, whose blood was carried to the Most Holy Place, were burned outside the camp of Israel. This indicated that the Messiah was killed outside the temple.
(12) Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate.
Despite being God, Jesus did not enter the holiest place. Except for a dozen days in the temple, Jesus' ministry continued outside Jerusalem. He was also, crucified outside the city walls.
(13) Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach.
The Jews, recognizing Jesus as their Lord, should abandon the old sacrificial system.
(14) For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come.
The Word of God should be preached throughout the world. Our inch is to dwell in the New City of Jerusalem.
(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.
Through Christ we should give glory to God. Jesus was no longer alive, yet there is no question of any man as intermediary. Nor is there any question of Marian worship replacing the Lord as the only mediator. Whoever does not do this is going against the Word of God. Our mouths cannot be ashamed of God. How often do you lower your voice when talking about God? Let us not be ashamed to speak and our Dear Creator! How would you feel if a parent or child was ashamed of you?
(16) But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.
God is pleased with our charity, let us be guided by this in our lives. Helping others, is one of our goals in this life. Man was not created for, living for himself. We live in a society and this is how we are supposed to behave.
(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.
The people who are our spiritual guides take on a lot of responsibility, for this reason we are to obey them. It will be good if their relationship with us goes well. Constant complaining, criticizing does not serve the good. Let's remember that the Scriptures also warn against deceivers in the skin of a lamb and the heart of a wolf. Let's read the Bible, let's check if the person who helps us get closer to God is preaching the truth according to what is written. Let's not believe people just because they speak nicely or give the impression of being trustworthy. We live in such times that the Holy Scriptures are freely available to the public, it is a book given to us by God.
(18) Pray for us: for we trust we have a good conscience, in all things willing to live honestly.
When praying, let us remember others, let prayer not be just incessant words of requests. Let us strive so that others can take example from us. A clear conscience and good conduct are rare today.
(19) But I beseech you the rather to do this, that I may be restored to you the sooner.
These words indicate that the author of the letter is Paul. However, these are only speculations.
(20) Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, (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.
God made a covenant with people through the blood of Jesus Christ, whose body was raised from the dead. Every sheep (i.e., us) that confesses His name will receive the grace of eternal life. God cares for us and has endowed us with abilities that serve for good. Doing God's will pleases the Lord.
(22) And I beseech you, brethren, suffer the word of exhortation: for I have written a letter unto you in few words.
The author knows that human memory and desires are fleeting. We can have an inspired day today, only to become discouraged a week later. The Letter to the Hebrews, while not as short in volume as other letters, would certainly be much longer if it contained more teachings and exhortations.
(23) Know ye that our brother Timothy is set at liberty; with whom, if he come shortly, I will see you.
Another verse pointing to Paul's authorship, nevertheless this letter is not signed, so 100% certainty we do not have. The ending, the greetings and the time in which it was written give a strong case for assuming that the apostle is its author.
(24) Salute all them that have the rule over you, and all the saints. They of Italy salute you. (25) Grace be with you all. Amen.
Guides are those who brought us to God, helped us understand the truths, taught us to know the Scriptures. Saints are those who show with their lives that God matters to them, and their hearts are pure, without hypocrisy and living for show. Each of us can be a saint, no canonization is needed for that. God's grace is all we need in this world. Having the grace of the Lord, we have everything else.
