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Also, do not forget doing good and sharing [with others],1 for with such sacrifices The God is favorably pleased.2
| 1 | Also, do not forget doing good and sharing [with others]: Or, MON: forget not to be kind and liberal; CON: not unmindful of benevolence and liberality; MOF: beneficence and charity. Compare Romans 12:13 and James 1:27. Paul’s second feature of acceptable sacrifices is charity. [Some interpret the Greek COINONIAS more like “communion” or “fellowship.”] The Nazarene associates “doing good” with material acts of kindness in giving. [Luke 6:35] |
| 2 | With such sacrifices The God is favorably pleased: Or, well pleased, greatly pleased, highly pleased, approves. [Philippians 4:18] Compare Malachi chapter 1. |
Dear Friends of the Nazarene,
We choose Hebrews 13:16 as the theme verse of chapter thirteen – Sacrificial Preparations. Paul’s closing chapter begins with several exhortations. [1-7] These include showing brotherly love, love of strangers or hospitality, remembering those in prison, honoring marriage by avoiding adultery, and following a lifestyle free of the love of money. He references Deuteronomy 31:6, 8 and Psalm 118:6 and tells Christians to mind their spiritual guides.
Suddenly Paul states an eternal principle – Christ is the same yesterday, today, and throughout all future periods of time. [8]
He warns of “strange doctrines.” [9]
Paul then discusses Christian sacrifices. [10-16] Christians have a spiritual Altar in what was prefigured by the courtyard of the priests outside the Tabernacle of Moses. He contrasts the Jewish sacrifices and that of Christ. Christian sacrifices take two forms: the fruit of lips and charity to others. Christians should obey their spiritual guides. [17-19]
Paul prays that God equip Christians to be good in doing His will. [20, 21] Paul shows that the New Covenant is already in affect. He closes with recent news and greetings.
Abba our Father bless our sacrifices.
[24 August 2002]
