Hebrews 13:12 - Printer Friendly

ESV: So Jesus also suffered outside the gate in order to sanctify the people through his own blood.

NIV: And so Jesus also suffered outside the city gate to make the people holy through his own blood.

NASB: Therefore Jesus also suffered outside the gate, that He might sanctify the people through His own blood.

CSB: Therefore, Jesus also suffered outside the gate, so that he might sanctify the people by his own blood.

NLT: So also Jesus suffered and died outside the city gates to make his people holy by means of his own blood.

KJV: Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate.

NKJV: Therefore Jesus also, that He might sanctify the people with His own blood, suffered outside the gate.

When Jesus was crucified, the execution took place outside the walls of the city of Jerusalem (John 19:17–20). In the prior verse, the writer of Hebrews noted that leftover flesh from sacrificed animals was burned outside the borders of Israel's camp, under the old covenant (Exodus 29:14). This letter has also shown how the physical components of the old covenant, including the temple and sacrifices, were meant to symbolize the "real" sacrifice of Jesus Christ (Hebrews 9:23–24). Here, that idea is applied to the concept of being discarded, cast out, or rejected.

Just as animals were killed to consecrate Aaron and the priesthood, so too did Jesus die to consecrate those who believe in Him. This symbolic "casting out" was meant to imply something negative: the thing being discarded was unfit, unclean, or unwanted. Jesus willingly endured that kind of hatred (Hebrews 12:2), for our benefit. A major theme of the book of Hebrews has been the need to "hold fast" despite persecution. So, even when the world—or our own culture—hates and rejects us, we ought to be willing to "go to Him" (Hebrews 13:13) in that state, preferring God and His kingdom over the approval of other men (Hebrews 13:14).

Hebrews 13:7–17 contains practical instructions for the Christian believer. These follow major themes from the rest of this letter, including perseverance, peacefulness, and praise. This text also continues to parallel components of the old covenant with the ministry of Jesus Christ. Specifically, these verses compare the disposal of sacrificed animals with Jesus' crucifixion; both occurred outside the borders of the community. The writer also encourages good works and for believers to cooperate with their spiritual leaders.

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.