Heb Hebrews, chapter Epistle to the Hebrews, chapter 13
Concluding Exhortations
Continue to love one another sincerely, as members of the same family of faith.
Do not neglect showing hospitality; in doing so, some have unknowingly welcomed angels into their homes.
Remember those who are imprisoned as if you were in chains with them, and those who are mistreated as if you were experiencing it yourself.
Honor marriage, and keep the marriage bed pure, for God will judge those who are sexually immoral and adulterers.
Keep your life free from greed, and be satisfied with what you have, for God has promised, “I will never leave you, nor will I ever forsake you.”*
Therefore, we can confidently declare:
“The Lord is my helper; I will not fear.
What can anyone do to me?”*
Remember your leaders, who spoke to you God’s word. Reflect on how their lives turned out, and follow the example of their faith.
Jesus Christ remains unchanging—yesterday, today, and forever.
Do not be swayed by diverse and strange or novel teachings. It is better for the heart to be strengthened by God’s grace than by rituals or foods, which have not benefited those who focus on them.
We have a spiritual altar, from which those serving in the old tabernacle could not partake.
The blood of animals brought into the sanctuary as sin offerings was burned outside the camp.
In the same way, Jesus suffered outside the city gate, to make the people holy through His own blood.
Let us, then, go to Him outside the camp, bearing the shame He bore.
We do not have a permanent city here, but we are seeking the one to come.
Therefore, through Jesus, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise, the fruit of lips that acknowledge His name.
Do not neglect doing good and sharing with others; such sacrifices please God.
Obey and submit to your leaders, for they watch over your souls. Let them do this willingly, not reluctantly, for that would be harmful to you.
Request for Prayer
Pray for us, for we are confident that we live with a good conscience, desiring to act honorably in all things.
I urge you all the more to pray, so that I may be restored to you more quickly.
Prayer and Doxology
Now may the God of peace, who raised from the dead the great Shepherd of the sheep, our Lord Jesus, equip you with everything good to accomplish His will, working in us what is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
Final Greetings
I urge you, brothers, to accept this word of exhortation; indeed, I have written to you briefly.
Know that our brother Timothy has been released. If he comes soon, I will see you with him.
Greet all your leaders and all the saints. Those from Italy send their greetings.
May grace be with all of you.
Notes
5 Quoted from Jos. 1:5
6 Quoted from Ps. 118:6