Nazarene Commentary 2000©
21st Century Paraphrase of the Hebrew Scriptures©
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21st Century Version of the Christian Scriptures©
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THE LETTER TO THE HEBREWS
CHAPTER THIRTEEN:
“SACRIFICES THAT PLEASE GOD”
[Sacrificial Preparations]
Theme Verse: 21
Hebrews 13:1-7 – Several Exhortations
HE13:1 Continue in brotherly affection.
| 644 | Continue in brotherly affection: Or, KJV: let brotherly love continue; TCN: let your love for the Brethren continue; NEB: never cease
to love your fellow-Christians. The Greek is PHILADELPHIA [Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #5360]. [1 Thessalonians 4:9; 1 Peter 1:22] |
HE13:2 Do not forget to be loving to strangers,
because by such [hospitality] without realizing it some entertained angels as strangers.
| 645 | Do not forget to be loving to strangers: Or, KJV: entertain strangers; BEC: welcome guests; ABU: do not forget hospitality; BAS: take care to keep open house. Compare notes on Romans 12:13 and 1 Timothy 3:2 in Nazarene Commentary 2000©. [Matthew 25:35] The Friend of the Nazarene is characterized by hospitality and love of strangers. |
| 646 | Some entertained angels as strangers: Paul alludes to Abraham and Lot. [Genesis 18:3; 19:1] |
HE13:3 Continue to remember those in prison as if you were bound with them.
For you are still in a body and may also be treated badly.
| 647 | Continue to remember those in prison as if you were bound with them: Compare Hebrews 10:32-34. [Matthew 25:36; Colossians 4:18] |
| 648 | For you are still in a body and may also be treated badly: Or, NOR: since you, too, have mortal bodies; LAM: because you are human also;
GDS: as being yourselves liable to the same trials. Compare 2 Corinthians 5:10. See notes on 1 Corinthians 15:40-52 regarding the soul-like and spirit-like bodies. |
HE13:4 All honor marriage,
and the bed undefiled,
because The God will judge the sexual immoral and adulterers.
| 649 | All honor marriage: Or, GDS: marriage should be respected by everyone; BEC: everybody should think highly of marriage. What is “marriage”?
Compare the Nazarene’s teachings at Matthew 19:3ff and Mark 10:2ff. |
| 650 | The bed undefiled: Or, marriage
bed, married life, marriage-bond. The Greek is COITE from which comes the English for sexual relations coitus. [Proverbs 5:16, 20] Compare notes on Matthew 5:28 in Nazarene Commentary 2000©. |
| 651 | God will judge the sexual immoral and adulterers: Or, fornicators, whoremongers, unchaste. For details see notes on Hebrews 11:30 and Hebrews 12:16. [Proverbs 6:32; 1 Corinthians 5:9; 6:9, 18; Galatians 5:21] Note Revelation 21:8; 22:15. |
HE13:5 Your life-style should be one free of the love of money,
content with your present possessions.
For He has said:
“I will never desert you, nor ever forsake you.”
[Deuteronomy 31:6, 8]
| 652 | Your life-style should be one free of the love of money: Or, KJV: let your conversation be without covetousness; NAS: way of life
be free from the love of money; CON: conduct free from; TCN: do not let your conduct be ruled by the love of money; ABU: your disposition; WMS: you must have a turn of mind that is free from avarice; NE: do not live for money. [1 Timothy 6:7-10, 17-19] Compare
the Nazarene in Luke 12:13-34. |
| 653 | Content with your present possessions: Or, KJV: content with such things as ye have; RHM: with the present things; BER: let what there is suffice; BEC: be satisfied with what you have. Compare Philippians 4:11. |
| 654 | I will never desert you, nor ever forsake you: Paul quotes Deuteronomy 31:6, 8. |
HE13:6 So we will be of good courage and say,
“YHWH is my Helper,
I shall not fear! What will a human do to me?”
[Psalm 118:6]
| 655 | YHWH is my Helper: Paul quotes Psalm 118:6. The Greek KYRIOS is without the article. The Hebrew Text and ancient copies of the LXX
likely had Yehowah [YHWH] thus it is possible the Tetragram was present here. |
HE13:7 Mind your [spiritual] guides who spoke to you the Word of The God.
As you behold their behavior, imitate their conviction. | 656 | Mind your [spiritual] guides who spoke to you the Word of The God: Or, KJV: remember them which have the rule over you; MOF: your leaders; KNX: those who have charge of you. The Greek for “guide” here is HEGOUMENON
[Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #2233, to lead, command with official authority]. Though some use “Leaders” [or, Governors] in view of our Master’s command at Matthew 23:10 we refrain. Compare Hebrews 13:17. [1 Timothy 5:17] |
| 657 | As you behold their behavior, imitate their conviction: Or, KJV: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation; ASV: issue
of their life; ABU: manner of life; RHM: the outgoing of whose behaviour reviewing be imitating; WEY: how they ended their lives, and imitate; MOF: look back upon the close of their career, and copy; KNX: contemplate the happy issue of the life they lived.
[1 Corinthians 11:1; 2 Thessalonians 3:7] Judging from the qualifications of elders and overseers at 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9 these Christian men are worthy of imitation. [See notes on elder qualifications in Nazarene Commentary 2000©.] |
Hebrews 13:8 – The Unchanging Christ
HE13:8 Jesus Christ is the very same One yesterday and today and throughout all future periods of time. | 658 | Jesus Christ is the very same One yesterday and today and throughout all future periods of time: Or, MOF: is always the same; GDS: is the
same today that he was yesterday, and he will be so forever. The Nazarene has not changed from that humble servant of God who left his footprints on the beaches of Galilee. A reading of the Gospels, focusing particularly on the kind of man Jesus was, will be a reassuring program. The stirring phrase follows the matter of the Church’s elders. These may fail or wander astray, but the Nazarene remains the same person he was in the Gospels, and will continue so forever. |
Hebrews 13:9 – Beware Strange Doctrines
HE13:9 Do not be led astray by a variety of strange doctrines.
For it is better that the heart be well founded by unmerited favor
rather than foods that do not benefit anyone’s conduct. | 659 | Do not be led astray by a variety of strange doctrines: Or, strange teachings, novel forms of teaching. As he does in other epistles, Paul warns of that apostasy foretold by Jesus. [Matthew 13:33; 24:4, 5, 23, 24; Luke
21:8] On the subject of strange doctrine(s) see notes in Nazarene Commentary 2000© on First Timothy and Titus. Compare also 2 Corinthians 11:3, 4, 14, 15 and Galatians 1:6-9. |
| 660 | For it is better that the heart be well founded by unmerited favor: Or, KJV: for it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; RHM: noble; MON: beautiful thing; ABU: heart be
confirmed; NOR: made stable; RHM: with gratitude should the heart be getting confirmed; TCN: to rely for spiritual strength upon the divine help. [John 1:17] Paul’s statement comes in the context of “strange doctrines” and then Jewish dietary
practices. How can the heart become “well founded by Grace”? |
| 661 | Rather than foods that do not benefit
anyone’s conduct: Or, meats, scruples about food, rules of diet. [Romans 14:17; 1 Corinthians 8:8; Colossians 2:16] Paul seems clear that the “different doctrine” could also include strictures regarding kosher foods. |
Hebrews 13:10-16 – Christian Sacrifices
HE13:10 We have an Altar
from which those who are authorized to perform worship-services at the Tabernacle cannot eat.
| 662 | We have an Altar: Or, NOR: ours is a spiritual altar. Paul alludes to an “altar” associated with that “more perfect
tent [tabernacle]” he has already written about in chapters 9 and 10. He alluded to this altar in Hebrews 10:22 and now mentions it directly. We may understand this to be that spiritual arrangement upon which our Lord was sacrificed and upon which the
sacrifices of the Saints are also placed. Compare notes on Revelation 6:9-11 in Nazarene Commentary 2000©. |
| 663 | From which those who are authorized to perform worship-services at the Tabernacle cannot eat: Paul refers to the contemporary services being performed at the Jerusalem Temple. It was destroyed in fulfillment of prophecies by Daniel 9:26, 27 and Matthew 24:1-3, 15. This confirms that the epistle to the Hebrews was written before 70 CE, and likely before 66 CE. Jewish worshippers shared in the animal sacrifices at the altar by eating that portion the Law appointed. [Note Malachi 1:7, 8; 1 Corinthians 10:18-21.] Compare John 6:48-51. |
HE13:11 For the carcasses of those animals
– the sin-offering with their blood having been carried into the Most Holy
by the high priest – are burned up outside the encampment.
| 664 | For the carcasses of those animals: Or, bodies. [Exodus 29:14; Leviticus 16:27] The Law provided for the offering to be divided among
Yehowah, the priesthood, and the communion worshipers who ate their meal at booths provided around the outside of the courtyard. |
| 665 |
Blood having been carried into the Most Holy: Compare Hebrews 9:7, 12. The blood was then sprinkled on the Ark of the Covenant. |
| 666 |
Burned up outside the encampment: Compare Exodus 29:14. Paul uses the Greek word PAREMBOLES in the same breath with the word “city.” This proves interesting when one compares Revelation 20:9 where the New Jerusalem is associated with the
“camp [PAREMBOLEN] of the Saints.” The word has to do with a temporary bivouac of an army. |
HE13:12 Therefore, also, Jesus suffered outside the gate
that he might sanctify the People with his own blood.
| 667 | Jesus suffered outside the gate: The Nazarene was executed on Golgotha outside the walls of Jerusalem. [John 19:17] The word “suffer”
was drawn from Psalm 22 and Isaiah chapter 53 as a synonym for the whole processes of impalement and execution. Jesus uses the word. [Matthew 16:21; 17:12; Luke 22:15; 24:26, 46] Both Peter and Paul use it. [Acts 3:18; 17:3] |
| 668 | That he might sanctify the People with his own blood: Or, hallow, consecrate, make holy, purify. Compare notes on Hebrews 9:14, 22; 10:29. The “people”
are the Saints, members of the Church of the Firstborn. |
HE13:13 Now, let us go out and face toward him outside the encampment
bearing his reproach.
| 669 | Let us go out and face toward him outside the encampment: Or, unto him, going forth unto him; camp, circle of tents. Paul speaks in metaphor reflecting the idea behind Matthew 16:24 – the Nazarene’s disciples must follow his pattern or model of suffering. [1 Peter 2:21; 4:1] |
| 670 | Bearing his reproach: It is not just a matter of suffering as millions among humanity have suffered throughout their lifetimes. It is a matter of suffering reproachfully after the manner of Christ. Compare the examples of Stephen and Paul. [Acts 7:58; 2 Corinthians 12:10] See notes on Romans 15:3; 1 Peter 4:1, 14. |
HE13:14 For we do not have here [in Jerusalem] a city which will remain,
but rather we are earnestly seeking that future City to come.
| 671 | For we do not have here [in Jerusalem] a city which will remain: Or, KJV: for here have we no continuing city; ASV: an abiding city;
TCN: no permanent city; MOF: no lasting city. It seems likely Paul means the literal city of Jerusalem which still existed as of the writing of the epistle to the Hebrews. Both Daniel and Jesus foretold the end of Jerusalem with its holy temple. [Daniel 9:26,
27; Luke 21:1-7, 21-24] It is likely that the word “encampment” is a parallel to the word “city” which suggests a temporary position on the earth. See Revelation 20:7-13. |
| 672 | We are earnestly seeking that future City to come: Or, KJV: but we seek one to come; BER: the future one; KNX: the city that is to be. He alludes to that foretold “New Jerusalem”
foretold by Isaiah 65:17-21 and described by John in Revelation 21 and 22. [Revelation 3:12] According to Galatians 4:26 and Hebrews 12:22 the celestial City of God already existed. The “Jerusalem above” [or, the “heavenly Jerusalem”]
would become “new” when the Church of the Firstborn is raised to living citizenship within the celestial city. [Philippians 1:27; 3:11, 20, 21] This is related to the marriage of the Lamb to his Church. [2 Corinthians 11:3; Ephesians 5:25-27; Revelation
19:9; 21:10] |
HE13:15 By means of [Christ] let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to The God
– that is, the fruit of lips confessing his name.
| 673 | Let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to The God: Or, a praise offering. Here Christian worship has two features to it:
first – praise. This may echo Psalm 50:14. [1 Peter 2:5] |
| 674 | The fruit of lips confessing his name: Or,
NEB: tribute of lips which acknowledge his name; MOF: fruit of lips that celebrate his name. Some translators infer this is God’s Name, others the name of Jesus Christ. On the basis of such Hebrew Bible verses as Hosea 14:2 the former could be the case.
However, judging from Paul’s general line of thought, he may have the name of Jesus in mind. Compare Romans 10:9, 10; Philippians 2:9-11; Hebrews 3:1; 4:14. The first part of this sacrificial offering to God must be what we speak to others about the Lord Jesus Christ. Conviction results in speech as Paul teaches in 2 Corinthians 4:12, 13. Such sacrifices may include prayers, hymns, and public confession. |
HE13:16 Also, do not forget doing good and sharing [with others],
for with such sacrifices The God is favorably pleased. | 675 | 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] |
| 676 | With such sacrifices The God is favorably pleased: Or, well pleased, greatly pleased, highly pleased, approves. [Philippians 4:18] Compare Malachi chapter 1. |
Hebrews 13:17-19 – Several Exhortations
HE13:17 Be obedient to those guiding you
and yield [to them].
For these very men remain sleepless while watching over your souls
– because they will have to render an account
– so they do this with joy and not groaning, for that would cost you.
| 677 | Be obedient to those guiding you: Or, KJV: them that rule over you; RHM: guiding; WMS: leaders. See notes on Hebrews 13:7. |
| 678 | Yield [to them]: Or, submit, obey, give ear, recognize their authority, give way to them. There is no question that the early Church was
arranged in an orderly manner under apostolic guidance. [1 Corinthians 14:34; 16:16; Titus 2:15; 1 Peter 5:5] |
| 679 | For
these very men remain sleepless while watching over your souls: Or, KJV: they watch over your souls; BER: they are attentive about; MOF: alive to the interests of; WMS: ever watching in defense of; LAM: watchful guardians; PME: standing guard. Compare Paul himself at 2 Corinthians 11:27, 28. |
| 680 | They will have to render an account: Or, GDS: accountable for the trust. [Acts 20:28; James 3:1, 2] |
| 681 | So they do this with joy and not groaning, for that would cost you: Or, with grief, with sighing, lamentation, with regrets. One of the most dangerous things which can befall an ecclesia are elders who feel burdened in carrying for an unyielding, unsubmissive flock. Such resistance to the guidance of elders results in only hurt and personal spiritual injury to the flock. |
HE13:18 Continue praying for us,
for we are convinced we have an excellent conscience,
conducting ourselves correctly in everything.
| 682 | Continue praying for us: [Colossians 1:9] |
| 683 | For we are convinced we have an excellent conscience: Or, KJV: for we trust we have a good conscience; BER: clear conscience. Compare Acts 20:26, 31. |
| 684 | Conducting ourselves correctly in everything: Or, honestly, honorably, noble. Paul knows he has not taken advantage of the Church. [1 Thessalonians 2:10; Titus 2:10] His life-style was like
that of the Nazarene – homeless and without possessions or property. Though he accepted charity and hospitality from some, he at least on one occasion supported himself by tent-making. [Acts chapter 18] |
HE13:19 Now, I encourage you more abundantly to [pray] that I might speedily be restored to you. | 685 | Be restored to you: It seems likely he means to Jerusalem where the bulk of Hebrew Christians lived. |
Hebrews 13:20-21 – God Equip You
HE13:20 Now The God of peace – the One who raised
the Great Shepherd of the sheep
with the
blood of
an everlasting
covenant,
our Master Jesus –
| 686 | The One who raised: The Christian Bible is uniform in who raised Jesus from the grave and death – The God. [Acts 2:24; 3:15;
Romans 4:24; 1 Corinthians 6:14; Colossians 2:12] |
| 687 | The Great Shepherd of the sheep: Compare 1 Peter 2:25; 5:4; John 10:7. |
| 688 | With the blood of an everlasting covenant: The same phrase as “blood of the covenant” with an added word “everlasting” or “ageless.” Such “ageless” [AIONIOU] covenants are mentioned at Isaiah 55:3; Ezekiel 37:26; Zechariah 9:11. Compare notes on Hebrews 9:20. |
HE13:21 equip you in everything good unto the doing of His will,
performing in us everything well-pleasing in His sight
by means of Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory throughout all future periods of time.
Amen.| 689 | Equip you in everything good unto the doing of His will: Or, KJV: make you perfect in every good work to do his will; BER: fit
you out; WEY: finish; PME: equip you thoroughly; KNX: grant you every capacity. We are not alone in our struggle to do the will of God. The Father has provided everything we need to accomplish this. That “complete knowledge, wisdom, and spiritual comprehension”
found in the Christian Bible is the main instrument in this process of equipping the Saints. [Colossians 1:9-12] |
| 690 |
Performing in us everything well-pleasing in His sight: Or, KJV: working in you that which is well pleasing in his sight; MOF: creating in your lives… what is acceptable. “In His Sight” is the Greek ENOPION AUTOU and means that which
God beholds. Research ENOPION in Nazarene Commentary 2000©. [Philippians 2:13] |
| 691 | To whom be the glory
throughout all future periods of time: That is, to God. [Romans 11:36; 16:27; 2 Corinthians 4:15; Galatians 1:5; Ephesians 3:21; Philippians 2:11; 4:20; 2 Timothy 4:18; 1 Peter 4:11] |
Hebrews 13:22-23 – Bear with Short Letter
HE13:22 Now, I encourage you, brothers, to bear with this word of exhortation and the brevity of the message I send you.
| 692 | Bear with this word of exhortation and the brevity of the message I send you: Or, KJV: suffer the word of exhortation… in few words; WMS: short letter; PME: compressed into a short letter. One wonders what a long or lengthy letter would be! Compare 1 Peter 5:12. He may write in modesty or gentle sarcasm. |
HE13:23 Be aware that our brother Timothy has been released,
with whom, if he comes shortly, I shall see you.| 693 | Be aware that our brother Timothy has been released: This mention of Timothy would
seem to insure that Paul is the author of the epistle to the Hebrews. [1 Thessalonians 3:2] |
Hebrews 13:24 – Greetings to Leaders
HE13:24 Greetings to all those guiding you
as well as to all the Saints. Those from Italy greet you. | 694 | Those guiding you: See notes on Hebrews 13:7, 17. |
| 695 | Those from Italy greet
you: A strong suggestion the author is in Rome or on the way to Rome. [Acts 27:1] |
Hebrews 13:25 – Closing Petition
HE13:25 The unmerited favor be with all of you. | 696 | The unmerited favor be with all of you: Similar to other conclusions by Paul. [2 Timothy 4:22] |
Review Questions on Chapter Thirteen
- What exhortations does Paul give the Hebrews?
- What Bible verse of encouragement does he share?
- What are we encouraged to say?
- Who are they to mind?
- What does Paul say about Jesus Christ?
- What warning does Paul give?
- What is it best to do?
- Using language from the Tabernacle what does Paul encourage?
- What two cities does he mention?
- With what two kinds of sacrifices is God pleased?
- To whom are they to be obedient?
- Why?
- For what does he ask them to pray?
- What is Paul’s prayer?
- For what does Paul encourage them?
- How does Paul conclude his letter to the Hebrews?
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Summary Of Chapter Thirteen
Paul concludes his epistle to the Hebrew Christians with various exhortations and warnings. He draws on Tabernacle shadows again in exhorting them to follow the example of the suffering Christ. He encourages obedience to the elders and asks for their prayers.
He concludes with a prayer and a final exhortation.
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Nazarene Commentary 2000©
Mark Heber Miller
©2000 All Rights Reserved
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