Heb 13 is very much like 1 Thes 5:12-28 and Rom 12:9-21, for instance. Each of the verses from 1 to 17 are a succession of divers commands and instructions as Paul brings this letter to a close. These “bullet points” are unlike the the former chapters. Paul has finished his “gospel presentation” to the Hebrews and is now summing up some main things that anyone who reads this epistle must keep in mind to do consistently.
Love the brethren – v.1. “Let brotherly love continue”. This command was given by Jesus, Jn 13:34-35; Paul, Rom 12:9-10; and John, 1 Jn 4:7-8, 20-21. Loving the brethren becomes increasingly important as we approach the Lord’s return.
Entertain strangers – v.2. Abraham did, Gen 18:1-9. Lot did, Gen 19:1-3. Angels appear as men. Therefore, it’s impossible to discern them unless they reveal that they are angels. Entertaining strangers will be particularly important in the Tribulation as you can see the numerous references to angels in the Book of Revelation.
Remember the bound and suffering – v.3. Paul wrote to the Colossians, “Remember my bonds”, Col 4:18. And he said to the Romans, “weep with them that weep”, Rom 12:15. Many will be bound and suffering affliction in the Tribulation. See Rev 2:10, for example.
Don’t defile the marriage bed – v.4. Marriage is honourable. Indeed it should be; God instituted it, Gen 2:24. And it is honourable in all. Therefore, no one should be forbidden to marry, 1 Tim 4:3, i.e., priests and monks, for example. The bed is undefiled, and should not therefore, be defiled. Homosexuality, fornication, and adultery are defiling, 1 Cor 6:9-20. As we approach Jesus’s return, even current laws defile marriage.
Be content with what you have – v.5. Let your conversation by without covetousness. Covetousness is idolatry, Col 3:5. By contrast, godliness with contentment is great gain, 1 Tim 6:6-10. Your greatest possession, by far, is the Lord Jesus Christ who will never leave thee nor forsake thee. In Laodicea, Rev 3:16-18, covetousness ruins the church.
Don’t fear man – v.6. The Lord is your helper. Therefore, you can boldly say, I will not fear what man can do unto me. See Ps 118:6, Ps 27:1, and Ps 56:11. Men will be causing plenty of fear in the Tribulation. You see it going on right now.
Remember your elders – v.7. These are they which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God. See 1 Pet 5:1-3. They have the oversight (watchful and responsible care). You should follow their faith, 1 Cor 11:1. Consider the end of their conversation, that is, the end of their conduct and behavior. They are ensamples to the flock.
Know that Jesus doesn’t change – v.8. He is now what he has always been and he will be what he is now. It seems that people want to make Jesus out to be someone other than who he is to suit their personal desires and justify their sins.
Don’t get carried away with strange doctrines – v.9. Paul warned about this in Eph 4:14. Today, the popular false doctrines are Calvinism, hyper-dispensationalism, hyper-grace, post-millennialism, baptismal regeneration, tongues and healing, and so forth. Further, it’s important to remember Rom 14:17, and not be carried away with doctrines concerning meats, 1 Tim 4:3-5.
Bear Christ’s reproach – v.10-14. As the sin offering was burned without the camp, Lev 4:3-12, so Christ suffered without the gate. Even so we should go forth without the camp and bear his reproach, 1 Pet 4:12-14. We don’t have a continuing city here; we seek one to come, Rev 21:10-27.
Offer spiritual sacrifices – v.15-16. Praise the Lord continually, giving thanks to his name, Eph 5:20, 1 Thes 5:18. Do good, Gal 6:10, and communicate 1 Tim 6:17-19. Communication means giving, Phil 4:15.
Obey your elders – v.17. Like v.7, these are they who watch for your soul. Obey them and submit to them. They must give account. When you obey and submit, they rule with joy and you profit. When you don’t, they rule with grief and that’s not profitable for you. Obedience is for your benefit.
Conclusion
Prayer – Paul asked for prayer, v.18-19, primarily for his release so that he could return to them, Phil 1:19. While in Rome, he maintained a good conscience by living honestly.
Blessing – Paul looked to God to make them perfect in every good work to do his will, v.20-21, through Jesus Christ.
Closing – Paul encouraged them to submit to this word of exhortation and to salute all the saints and those who had the rule over them, v.22-24. He sent salutations from those in Italy and told them that Timothy had been set at liberty.
To study the prior lesson, see Refuse Not Him That Speaketh. This is the final lesson.