Hebrews 13:13 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Therefore let us go to him outside the camp and bear the reproach he endured.

NIV: Let us, then, go to him outside the camp, bearing the disgrace he bore.

NASB: So then, let us go out to Him outside the camp, bearing His reproach.

CSB: Let us then go to him outside the camp, bearing his disgrace.

NLT: So let us go out to him, outside the camp, and bear the disgrace he bore.

KJV: Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach.

NKJV: Therefore let us go forth to Him, outside the camp, bearing His reproach.

A dominant theme of the book of Hebrews has been the need to "hold fast" to faith in Christ, despite persecution (Hebrews 3:6; 4:14; 6:18; 10:23). The evidence given in this letter proves the superiority of the new covenant in Christ, over the old covenant of animal sacrifices. The components of the old covenant were all meant to symbolize something important about the ministry of Jesus Christ (Hebrews 10:1). In earlier verses, the writer extended this analogy to the way Jesus was taken outside the city walls of Jerusalem for His execution (John 19:17–20). This parallels how the animals sacrificed to consecrate Aaron's priesthood were also taken outside the camp to be burnt (Exodus 29:14).

Even when Christians face difficulty, this is not a sign of failure; it's often part of God's plan to grow our faith (Hebrews 12:3–11). And, persecution is expected for believers living in a fallen world (John 15:18–21). Rather than despairing when that hardship comes, or running from it, we should embrace being identified with Christ. Elsewhere in the New Testament, we're told that persecution which comes because we're so closely identified with Christ is a sign of our relationship with Him (1 Peter 4:14).

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.