Hebrews 13:1-6

The Christian's Daily Duties

The author exhorted the Hebrew brethren to continue loving one another as members of the Christian family. He seems to assume that they are aware of the instruction of the law ofMoses (Leviticus 19:34) and exhorts them to continue in such loving displays of hospitality. He reminds them that some have entertained angels without knowing it, (Genesis 18:2-10; Genesis 19:1-3) thus showing that there are advantages to such hospitality. The greatest advantage would seem to be the display of love that must have gained a good name for Christians (Hebrews 13:1-2).

Further, they were encouraged to be mindful of those who were bound and in prison. They, especially those who were prisoners because of wearing the name of Christ, deserved the sympathy of a loving people (Hebrews 13:3).

It was also important for followers of Jesus to exhibit proper conduct in marriage, since God established it as the proper place to satisfy natural sexual desires. At the same time, the writer of Hebrews warned against the sins that so often slip in on those who do not keep their marriages honorable in all points (Hebrews 13:4).

The author exhorted his readers to stay away from the world's greed. He asked them to be happy in the state in which they found themselves. This is more readily done when one remembers God will not forsake the righteous (Psalms 37:25). All things will be for the best as long as God is on one's side (Romans 8:28; Romans 8:31). This realization should help one to affirm the bold statement of Psalms 118:6, which displays the same total trust as Psalms 23:1-6 (Hebrews 13:5-6).