ESV Global Study Bible :: Footnotes for Hebrews 13

Heb. 13:1–25 Concluding Encouragements and Remarks. The author concludes with some specific points of application for the community (vv. 1–19), with a word of blessing (vv. 20–21), and with greetings to the community (vv. 22–25).

Heb. 13:2 hospitality. Hosting and caring for visitors (Rom. 12:13; 1 Tim. 3:2; Titus 1:8; 1 Pet. 4:9). This virtue was especially valued in ancient times since travel was difficult and inns could be dangerous. entertained angels. See Gen. 18:1–15; also Judg. 6:11–24; 13:3–24.

Heb. 13:3 Remember those . . . in prison. See Matt. 25:35–36. “Remembering” means active response to needs. In the body here probably means “in the real world of everyday life.” Christians should pay attention to the needs all around them.

Heb. 13:4 Marriage is to be held in honor. Sexual faithfulness in marriage is commanded. The author warns that God will judge anyone who is sexually immoral (which means engaging in sexual conduct outside of marriage) or adulterous (which means being unfaithful to a spouse). This warning is addressed to members of the church. Thus, if they are genuine Christian believers, this judgment does not refer to eternal separation from God in hell (Rom. 8:1); it means disciplinary judgment in this life (see Heb. 12:5–11) or loss of reward at the last day, or both. However, in light of earlier warning passages (3:12–14; 6:4–8; 10:26–31; 12:14–17), it is possible that such sexual immorality indicates the people mentioned are not true believers.

Heb. 13:5–6 The citation from Ps. 118:6 shows that believers should trust in God for more than financial needs (especially in light of persecution, Heb. 13:3).

Heb. 13:7 leaders. See also v. 17. Those who spoke the word of God (likely referring to doctrinal instruction; see 6:2) are especially positive models of faith. The primary role of leaders is to preach and teach God’s Word. Their lives should reflect the Word they teach.

Heb. 13:8 This verse appears as a transition from v. 7 (their leaders trusted in this Christ, and Jesus remains trustworthy) to v. 9 (strange teachings are departures from the Jesus who is always the same).

Heb. 13:9–11 led away. The author warns of false teaching. The central concern appears to be doctrines about foods (9:10; Rom. 14:17; Col. 2:16–17; 1 Tim. 4:3). The author argues against such doctrines by: (1) contrasting them with grace (which truly nourishes the heart); (2) noting that special foods are of no spiritual benefit (see 1 Cor. 8:8); and (3) observing that the Christian altar is better than the food of the tabernacle. Unlike most OT offerings, the tabernacle priests could not eat the sin offering from the Day of Atonement, since it was burned outside the camp (Lev. 16:27). However, all Christians participate in Jesus’ sacrifice. Some see a reference to the Lord’s Supper here. Others view this as a broader reference to the saving results of the shedding of Jesus’ blood.

Heb. 13:12 Outside the gate refers to Calvary, which was outside the gate of Jerusalem. Jesus’ sufferings and death make his people holy (sanctify; see 2:11; 10:10; 14), since his blood provides forgiveness and atonement (9:11–14).

Heb. 13:13–14 go to him outside the camp. A metaphor of leaving behind the love of this world and desire for its approval, and embracing the reproach of Christ. This imitates Jesus’ response to his shameful sufferings (see 12:2–3). Christian endurance is based on knowing that this world is a mere temporary dwelling (no lasting city). Believers are on the way to an eternal home (see 11:14–16; 12:22–24).

Heb. 13:15–16 Sacrifice of praise is a concept found repeatedly in the Psalms (Ps. 50:14; 23; 107:22; 116:17). It is not an offering of an animal, but the verbal praise of God’s name (see also Heb. 12:28–29). To do good and to share what you have are also called sacrifices that are pleasing to God.

Heb. 13:17 Obey, submit. Here submission to leaders is directly commanded (compare v. 7). This strong statement may indicate the church was divided.

Heb. 13:18–19 The author requests prayer that he might be restored to those to whom he is writing. He wants to visit them.

Heb. 13:20–21 Following a common practice in NT letters, the author asks God’s blessing on his readers. God of peace. See Rom. 16:20; Phil. 4:9; 1 Thess. 5:23. from the dead. See Heb. 5:7; 7:16. shepherd. See John 10:1–18; 1 Pet. 2:25; 5:4. blood. See note on Heb. 12:24. eternal covenant. The new covenant.

Heb. 13:23 Timothy. Likely Paul’s fellow worker. The author and audience both knew Timothy. released. Presumably from prison.

Heb. 13:24 Greet. New Testament letters often end with a series of greetings. your leaders. See vv. 7, 17. saints. Or “holy ones.” A common NT expression for believers (6:10). Those who come from Italy. Literally, “those from Italy.” This may indicate that the author writes from Italy. More likely he is elsewhere and is passing on the greeting of Italians living at his current location. This last option has led to the suggestion that the recipients were also Italians, perhaps from the churches around Rome.

Heb. 13:25 Compare Titus 3:15; also Eph. 6:24; Col. 4:18; 1 Tim. 6:21; 2 Tim. 4:22.