Hebrews 13:1 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Let brotherly love continue.

NIV: Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters.

NASB: Let love of the brothers and sisters continue.

CSB: Let brotherly love continue.

NLT: Keep on loving each other as brothers and sisters.

KJV: Let brotherly love continue.

NKJV: Let brotherly love continue.

The end of chapter 12 saw the writer explain, yet again, how the new covenant in Jesus Christ is superior to the old covenant. As with prior passages, this came with a reminder: there are consequences for disobedience. Echoing other passages in the New Testament, earlier verses described how Christ offers us something eternal, which "cannot be shaken," instead of something temporary and earthly.

This passage continues giving practical instructions, though these are much more specific than the prior chapters. The writer is closing up this message to persecuted Jewish Christians with some final thoughts.

The New Testament routinely identifies love for fellow Christians as evidence of a person's relationship with Christ. These indications come from Jesus (John 15:12), Paul (Romans 12:10), Peter (1 Peter 3:8), and John (1 John 4:20), making it among the most well-established teachings of Christianity. In a biblical context, this kind of love implies more than an emotion. "Love" for a Christian means a sincere, selfless concern for others, exhibited in actions. In other words, the Bible calls on us to "show" love, not merely to "feel" it.

Hebrews 13:1–6 contains practical, real-world instructions for Christian believers. These mirror some of the more common themes in the New Testament. Brotherly love, hospitality, care for the abused, sexual morality, and contentment are all commended. The writer ties the ability to be content, and faithful, to our trust in Christ to be there with us, and for us, in all of our circumstances. This grounding is strengthened in the following passage.

Chapters 1—9 explained how the new covenant in Jesus Christ is superior to the old covenant of animal sacrifices. This comparison drew on extensive use of Old Testament Scripture. Chapters 10––12 applied that evidence to encourage Christians to ''hold fast'' despite persecution. The summary of these applications was that believers ought to trust in their faith, and choose to obey God, during times of struggle. Chapter 13 adds a few specific reminders about Christian conduct. This passage also reiterates the idea that Christ is meant to be our ultimate example. The letter concludes with a request for prayer and words of blessing.

The last chapter of the book of Hebrews follows a pattern common in New Testament books, especially those written by Paul. The writer gave extensive evidence in chapters 1––9 to support a central idea. This concept was that the new covenant, in Jesus Christ, is superior to the old covenant, composed of the Levitical laws. Chapters 10¬-––12 applied this knowledge to the need for persecuted Christians to maintain their faith. Here, in chapter 13, the writer offers a few specific encouragements for the reader, before signing off with a request for prayer and a benediction.

The book of Hebrews is meant to challenge, encourage, and empower Christian believers. According to this letter, Jesus Christ is superior to all other prophets and all other claims to truth. Since God has given us Christ, we ought to listen to what He says and not move backwards. The consequences of ignoring God are dire. Hebrews is important for drawing on many portions of the Old Testament in making a case that Christ is the ultimate and perfect expression of God's plan for mankind. This book presents some tough ideas about the Christian faith, a fact the author makes specific note of.