Love One Another as Family
13 1 Let love for one another as family continue. 2 Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing this some have entertained angels without knowing it. 3 Remember those in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you yourselves also have bodies. 4 Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be kept pure, for our Father will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous.
5 Keep your life free from the love of money, and be content with what you have, for he himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you."
6 So we can say with confidence, "Our Father is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can anyone do to me?" a a v6 The writer quotes Psalm 118:6 — the cry of trust spoken by every covenant child who has found our Father as their helper.
7 Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of our Father. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith. 8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. 9 Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teachings, for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by foods, which have not benefited those devoted to them. 10 We have an altar from which those who serve the tent have no right to eat. 11 For the bodies of those animals whose blood is brought into the holy places by the high priest as a sacrifice for sin are burned outside the camp. 12 So Jesus also suffered outside the gate in order to make the people holy through his own blood. 13 Therefore let us go out to him outside the camp, bearing the shame he endured. 14 For here we have no lasting city, but we are seeking the city that is to come.
15 Through him, then, let us continually offer up to our Father a sacrifice of praise, that is, the fruit of lips that confess his name. b b v15 The sacrifice our Father now wants is grateful praise, since Jesus secured our place. 16 And do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for with such sacrifices our Father is well pleased.
17 Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who must give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.
18 Pray for us, for we are confident that we have a clear conscience, desiring to act honorably in everything. 19 I urge you all the more to do this, so that I may be restored to you the sooner.
20 Now may our Father of peace, who brought up from the dead our Lord Jesus — the great Shepherd of the sheep — by the blood of the eternal covenant, c c v20 Our Father raised Jesus from the dead and made him the great Shepherd of his sheep — the same Shepherd who said, "I am the good shepherd" (John 10:11). The Father and the Son together gather and keep the flock. 21 equip you with everything good to do his will, working in us what is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
22 I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, bear with my word of encouragement, for I have written to you only briefly. 23 You should know that our brother Timothy has been released, and if he comes soon, I will see you with him.
24 Greet all your leaders and all the saints. Those from Italy send you greetings.
25 Grace be with you all. Amen.