Hebrews Chapter 13

The author concluded the previous chapter by exhorting us to “have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably…” (12:28). He tells us how in this chapter, before finally signing off.

In other words, the message is to serve God by showing grace towards various people – strangers (2), prisoners in Christ (3), our spouses (4), others around us who may have more (5-6) or less (16) than us, and church rulers (7, 17). The reason for the need to do so is, again, given in the previous chapter – our God is a consuming fire (12:29).

Therefore, understanding the nature of God’s promises (12:25-27; cf 6:17-18) should lead one to show grace to others. More generally, a proper understanding and appreciation of our Christian faith should compel us to exhibit good conduct; this line of argument is repeated elsewhere in the New Testament (cf Rom12:1ff, Eph4:1ff).

While we may not have angels pass us by (2; cf Gen18), Jesus specifically discussed before His crucifixion, that serving the needy is the same as serving God, and people who do so shall have eternal life (Mt 25:31-46).

As a reflection, let us think about how we can love others in our own daily lives.

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