Bible Commentaries
Hebrews 13

Verse 8

Jesus Christ the same [ιησους χριστος ο αυτος] . The A. V. is slipshod, leaving the sentence without connection, or in apparent apposition with the end of their conversation. In translation this is commonly corrected by inserting is : "Jesus Christ is the same," etc. But even thus the real point of the statement is missed. No doubt the old teachers believed in the unchangeableness of Jesus Christ; but that fact is not represented as the subject of their faith, which would be irrelevant and somewhat flat. The emphatic point of the statement is Christ. They lived and died in the faith that Jesus is THE CHRIST - the Messiah. The readers were tempted to surrender this faith and to return to Judaism which denied Jesus 's messiahship (comp. ch. 10 29). Hence the writer says, "hold fast and imitate their faith in Jesus as the Christ. He is ever the same. He must be to you, today, what he was to them, yesterday, and will be forever to the heavenly hosts - CHRIST. Rend. therefore" Jesus is Christ. " Observe that our writer rarely uses the formula Jesus Christ. In ch. 10 10 it occurs in a passage in which the messianic mission of Jesus is emphasized (see vers. 5, 9), and in Hebrews 13:21, in a liturgical formula. The temptation to forsake Jesus as Messiah is treated in the next verse.

Verse 9

Be not carried about [μη παραφερεσθε] . A. V. follows T. R. periferesqe. Rend. "carried away." The present tense indicates a present and active danger.

With divers and strange doctrines [διδαχαις ποικιλαις και ξεναις] . For "doctrines" rend. "teachings." These teachings represent various phases of one radical error - the denial of Jesus 's messiahship and of his messianic economy as superseding Judaism and all other means of salvation. Among them the writer's mind would naturally turn to the prescriptions concerning clean and unclean meats and sacrificial festivals. See next clause. These teachings were various as contrasted with the one teaching of the gospel; they were strange as they differed from that teaching. Comp. Galatians 1:6-9. For poikilaiv see on 2 Timothy 3:16. That the heart be established [βεβαιουσθαι την καρδιαν] . There is an emphasis on heart as well as on grace. These strange teachings all emphasized externalism, in contrast with Christianity, which insisted upon the purification of the heart and conscience. The contrast is strongly stated in ch. 9 9, 14, and the Epistle constantly directs the readers to the heart as the true point of contact with God, and the source of all departures from him. See ch. Hebrews 3:8, Hebrews 3:10, Hebrews 3:12, Hebrews 3:15; Hebrews 4:7, Hebrews 4:12; Hebrews 8:10; especially Hebrews 10:22. Hence, the writer says, "it is good that the solid basis of your assurance before God be in the heart, purged from an evil conscience, so that you can draw near to God with a firmly - established confidence, with a true heart, in full assurance of faith" : ch. 10 22; comp. 1 Thessalonians 3:13; 2 Timothy 2:22.

With grace, not with meats [χαριτι ου βρωμασιν] . The heart is the proper seat of the work of grace. Free grace is the motive - power of Christ 's sacrifice (2 Corinthians 8:9; Galatians 1:15); it is behind the blood of the new covenant, and is the energetic principle of its saving operation. See Romans 5:2, Romans 5:15; 1 Corinthians 14:10; Ephesians 2:5, Ephesians 2:7, Ephesians 2:8; 2 Thessalonians 2:16; Hebrews 2:9; Hebrews 4:16; Hebrews 10:29. With meats stands for the whole system of ceremonial observances, in contrast with grace, working on the heart. See ch. Hebrews 9:10. This ceremonial system yielded no permanent benefit to those who lived under it. See ch. Hebrews 7:25; Hebrews 9:9, Hebrews 9:13, Hebrews 9:14; Hebrews 10:1, Hebrews 10:2, Hebrews 10:4. Which have not profited them that have been occupied therein [εν οις ουκ ωφεληθησαν οι περιπατουντες] . Lit. in the which they who walked were not profited. Peripatein to walk about is often used to express habitual practice or general conduct of life. See Romans 6:4; 2 Corinthians 10:3; Ephesians 2:10; Colossians 3:7; Colossians 4:5.

Verse 10

Those who persist in adhering to the Jewish economy can have no part in the blessing of the new covenant. The two are mutually exclusive. The statement is cast in the mould of the Jewish sacrificial ritual, and in the figure of eating a sacrificial meal.

We have an altar [εχομεν θυσιαστηριον] . It is a mistake to try to find in the Christian economy some specific object answering to altar - either the cross, or the eucharistic table, or Christ himself. Rather the ideas of approach to God, - sacrifice, atonement, pardon and acceptance, salvation, - are gathered up and generally represented in the figure of an altar, even as the Jewish altar was the point at which all these ideas converged. The application in this broader and more general sense is illustrated by Ignatius : "If one be not within the altar (ejntov tou qusiasthriou the sacred precinct), he lacketh the bread of God.... Whosoever, therefore, cometh not to the congregation [επι το αυτο] , he doth thereby show his pride, and hath separated himself," Ephesians 5:0. Ignatius here uses the word, not of a literal altar, but of the church. Comp. Trall. 7. Again : "Hasten to come together as to one temple, even God; to one altar, even to one Jesus Christ," Magn. 7.

Of which - to eat [εξ ου - φαγειν] . The foundation of the figure is the sacrifice of the peace or thank - offering, in which the worshippers partook of the sacrifice. See Leviticus 7:29-35; Deuteronomy 12:6; Deuteronomy 27:7. The peace - offerings were either public or private. The two lambs offered every year at Pentecost (Leviticus 23:19) were a public offering, and their flesh was eaten only by the officiating priests, and within the holy place. The other public peace - offerings, after the priests had received their share, were eaten by the offerers themselves. Jehovah thus condescended to be the guest of his worshippers. The large scale on which such festivals were sometimes celebrated is illustrated in 1 Kings 7:63. In private peace - offerings, the breast of the victim belonged to the Lord, who gave it to the priests (Leviticus 7:30), and the right shoulder was given directly to the priests by Israel (Leviticus 7:32). After the ritual of waving, the entrails were consumed, and the rest was eaten by the priest or the worshippers and their invited guests, among whom were specially included the poor and the Levites.

Right [εξουσιαν] . See on John 1:12.

Which serve the tabernacle [οι τη σκηνη λατρευοντες] . This does not mean the priests only, but the worshippers also. Skhnh tabernacle is used figuratively for the whole ceremonial economy. A reference to the priests alone is entirely foreign to the context, and to the whole drift of the discussion which contrasts the privileges of Christians at large (we) with those of Israel at large. The writer is speaking in the present tense, of institutions in operation in his own time, to which tabernacle, in any other than a figurative sense, would be inappropriate. Moreover, latreuein to serve is used throughout the N. T., with the single exception of Hebrews 8:5, of the service of the worshipper and not of the priest.

Verse 11

The statement that the adherents of the old economy are excluded from the privileges of the new is justified by an illustrative argument drawn from the ceremonies of the Great Day of Atonement. See Leviticus 16:0, and comp. Hebrews 9:7. Of the victims offered on that occasion neither people nor priest were allowed to eat. The blood of the bullock and of one of the goats was carried into the sanctuary and sprinkled upon the mercy - seat, and afterward on the horns of the great altar outside; and the bodies of the slain animals were burned in a clean place outside of the camp or city. Beasts [ζωων] . Lit. living creatures. The victims for the Day of Atonement were a bullock and two young goats for sin - offerings, and two rams for burnt - offerings. Only one goat, chosen by lot, was slain; the other served as the scape - goat. Zwon animal is not used elsewhere of a sacrificial victim, either in N. T. or LXX The word in N. T. mostly in Revelation. See on Revelation 1:16; Revelation 4:6.

Without the camp [εξω της παρεμβολης] . Burning without the camp was also required in the case of victims offered at the consecration of the priests, Exodus 29:14; at the sin - offering for the priest, Leviticus 4:11, Leviticus 4:12; and at the sin - offering for the congregation, Leviticus 4:21. For parembolh camp, see on Acts 21:34.

Verse 12

That he might sanctify the people [ινα αγιαση τον λαον] . Agiazein to sanctify had a peculiar significance to Jews. It meant to set them apart as holy. Hence, the Israelites were called agioi, as separated from other nations and consecrated to God. Our writer extends the application of the word to Christians. For Christ 's work he claims the same efficacy which the Jew claimed for the special call of God to Israel, and for the operation of the Jewish sacrificial system. The office of his atoning work is to sanctify; to make for himself a holy nation [εθνος αγιον] , a people "prepared for the Lord" (Luke 1:17); a true Israel of God. O laov the people, or laov my people, occurs constantly in O. T. as a designation of Israel, and also in N. T. See, in this epistle, ch. Hebrews 5:3; Hebrews 7:5, Hebrews 7:11, Hebrews 7:27; Hebrews 9:7, Hebrews 9:19. The N. T. extends the title to all who, under the new dispensation, occupy the position of Israel. See 1 Peter 2:10; Matthew 1:21; Luke 2:10; Hebrews 4:9; Hebrews 8:10; Hebrews 10:30; Hebrews 11:25.

With his own blood [δια του ιδιου αιματος] . In contrast with the blood of animal - sacrifices. Comp. ch. Hebrews 9:12, Hebrews 9:28.

Suffered [επαθεν] . Used of Christ in Hebrews, 1st Peter, and Acts, but not in Paul, who, however, has paqhmata tou Cristou sufferings of Christ, 2 Corinthians 1:5; Philippians 3:10 [αυτου] .

Without the gate [εξω της πυλης] . Gate is substituted for camp (ver. 11), as more appropriate to a city.

Verse 13

Bearing his reproach [τον ονειδισμον αυτου φεροντες] . The reproach of exclusion from the Jewish commonwealth.

Verse 14

For here have we no continuing city [ου γαρ εχομεν ωδε μενουσαν πολιν] . Here, on earth. Continuing city. Let us go forth without the gate to Jesus; for the system which has its center in Jerusalem, the Holy City, is no more ours. We are excluded from its religious fellowship by embracing the faith of him who suffered without the gate. The city itself is not abiding. As a holy city, it is the center and representative of a system of shadows and figures (ch. Hebrews 8:5; Hebrews 9:9, Hebrews 9:23, Hebrews 9:24; Hebrews 10:1), which is to be shaken and removed, even as is the city itself (xii. 27); Hebrews 8:13; Hebrews 9:10; Hebrews 10:9, Hebrews 10:18. If the epistle had been written after the destruction of Jerusalem a reference to that event could hardly have been avoided here. One to come [την μελλουσαν] . Rend. "that which is to come." The heavenly Jerusalem. Comp. ch. Hebrews 11:10, Hebrews 11:13-16.

The course of thought in vers. 9 - 14 is as follows : Be not carried away with divers and strange teachings, for example, those concerning meats and drinks and sacrificial feasts. It is good that the heart be established, rather than that the body should be ceremonially pure; and that the heart be established by the grace of God in Christ, which alone can give inward peace, a pure conscience, an established rest and security - rather than by the consciousness of having partaken of meats ceremonially clean : for those whose religious life was under the regimen of this ceremonial system derived no permanent profit from it. Not only so, the two systems exclude each other. You cannot hold by the Levitical system and enjoy the blessings of Christian salvation. It is the sacrifice of Christ through which you become partakers of grace. It is impossible to obtain grace through meats; for meats represent the economy which denies Christ; and, by seeking establishment through meats, you exclude yourselves from the economy which is the only vehicle of grace.

Accordingly, we have an altar and a sacrifice from which the votary of Leviticalism is excluded. By the Levitical law it was forbidden to eat the flesh of the victim offered on the Great Day of Atonement; so that, if the Levitical law still holds for you, you cannot partake of the Christian 's atoning victim. The law under which you are prohibits you. According to that law, there is nothing to eat of in an atoning sacrifice, since the body of the victim is burned. Neither priest nor people have anything more to do with it, and, therefore, it is carried outside of the camp or city, outside of the region of O. T. covenant - fellowship. Similarly, so long as you hold by Judaism, participation in Christ 's atoning sacrifice is impossible for you. It is outside your religious sphere, like the body of the victim outside the gate. You cannot eat of our altar.

The blood of the Levitical victim was carried into the holy of holies and remained there. If you seek the benefit of that blood, it must be within the camp, at the Levitical tabernacle or temple. And you cannot have the benefit of Christ 's blood, for that compels you to go outside the gate, where he suffered. According to the O. T. law, you could partake of the benefit of the blood, but you could not eat of the body. Christ 's sacrifice gives you both body and blood as spiritual food; but these you must seek outside of Judaism. Thus, by means of the O. T. ritual itself, it is shown that the Jewish and the Christian systems exclude each other. Christ must be sought outside of the Jewish pale.

Verse 15

By him therefore [δι αυτου] . Rend. "through him." Omit therefore. A. V. follows T. R. oun. Through Jesus, and not through the Jewish ritual. Let us offer [αναφερωμεν] . Lit. bring up the offering to the altar. See James 2:21, where the full phrase occurs. For the phrase offer up through Jesus Christ, comp. 1 Peter 2:5.

The sacrifice of praise [θυσιαν αινεσεως] . The Levitical term for a thank - offering. See LXX, Leviticus 7:2, Leviticus 7:3, Leviticus 7:5; 2 Chronicles 29:31; 2 Chronicles 33:16; Psalms 49:14, Psalms 49:23; Psalms 106:22; Psalms 115:8. Ainesiv praise, N. T. o. Often in LXX, o Class. For "the sacrifice" rend. "a sacrifice." The sacrifice of thanksgiving is to take the place of the animal sacrifice. For the emphasis on thanksgiving in N. T. see Ephesians 5:20; Colossians 1:12; 1 Thessalonians 5:18. The Rabbins had a saying, "in the future time all sacrifices shall cease; but praises shall not cease." Philo says : "They offer the best sacrifice who glorify with hymns the savior and benefactor, God." That is the fruit of our lips [τουτεστιν καρπον χειλεων] . Omit our. From LXX of Hosea 14:3, where the Hebrew reads, "we will account our lips as calves" (offered in sacrifice). Comp. Isaiah 57:19. Giving thanks to his name [ομολογουντων τω ονοματι αυτου] . The phrase N. T. o, o LXX Rend. "of lips which make confession to his name."

Verse 16

But to do good and to communicate forget [της δε ευποιιας και κοινωνιας μη επιλανθανεσθε] . Lit. but be not forgetful of doing good and communicating. Eupoiia beneficence, N. T. o, o LXX, o Class. For koinwnia communication, of alms, etc., see on Luke 5:10; Acts 2:42. See also Romans 14:26; 2 Corinthians 8:4; 2 Corinthians 9:13. Comp. the verb koinwnein to impart, Romans 12:13; Romans 14:27; Philippians 4:15.

Verse 17

They watch (ajgrupnousin). See on Mark 13:33, and comp. Luke 21:36; Ephesians 6:18.

With grief [στεναζοντες] . Lit. groaning. See Romans 8:23, 2 Corinthians 5:2, 2 Corinthians 5:4; James 5:9.

Unprofitable [αλυσιτελες] . N. T. o, o LXX From aj not, and lusitelhv paying for expenses. Hence, what does not pay; unprofitable.

I may be restored to you [αποκατασταθω υμιν] . Not implying imprisonment, but enforced absence through sickness or other cause.

Verse 20

The God of peace. Not an O. T. phrase, and found only in Paul and Hebrews. See Romans 14:33; Romans 16:20; 1 Corinthians 14:33; Philippians 4:9, 1 Thessalonians 5:23; 2 Thessalonians 3:16. The phrase signifies God who is the author and giver of peace.

Who brought again from the dead [ο αναγαγων εκ νεκρων] . The only direct reference in the epistle to the resurrection of Christ. ch. 6 2 refers to the resurrection of the dead generally. Anagein of raising the dead, only Romans 10:7. Rend. "brought up," and comp. Wisd. 16 13. Ana in this compound, never in N. T. in the sense of again. See on Luke 8:22; Acts 12:4; Acts 16:34; Acts 27:3. The verb often as a nautical termt to bring a vessel up from the land to the deep water; to put to sea.

That great shepherd of the sheep [τον ποιμενα των προβατων τον μεγαν] . The Greek order is, "the shepherd of the sheep the great (shepherd)." Comp. John 10:2, John 10:11, John 10:14; 1 Peter 2:25, and see Isaiah 63:11. Of God, Ezekiel 34:0.

Through the blood of the everlasting covenant [εν αιματι διαθηκης αιωνιου] . Rend. "in the blood of an eternal covenant." See Zechariah 9:11. The phrase eternal covenant N. T. o. Common in LXX; see Genesis 9:16; Genesis 17:19; Leviticus 24:8; 2 Samuel 23:5; Jeremiah 39:40; Ezekiel 16:60. Const. with the great shepherd of the sheep. It may be granted that the raising of Christ from the dead, viewed as the consummation of the plan of salvation, was in the sphere of the blood of the covenant; nevertheless, the covenant is nowhere in the N. T. associated with the resurrection, but frequently with death, especially in this epistle. See Matthew 26:28; Luke 22:20; Hebrews 9:15, Hebrews 9:16, Hebrews 9:17, Hebrews 9:20. The connection of the blood of the covenant with Christ 's pastoral office gives a thoroughly scriptural sense, and one which exactly fits into the context. Christ becomes the great shepherd solely through the blood of the covenant. Comp. Acts 20:28. Through this is brought about the new relation of the church with God described in ch. 8 10 ff. This tallies perfectly with the conception of "the God of peace "; and the great Shepherd will assert the power of the eternal covenant of reconciliation and peace by perfecting his flock in every good work to do his will, working in them that which is well pleasing in his sight. With this agree Jeremiah 50:5, Jeremiah 50:19; Ezekiel 34:25, and the entire chapter, see especially vers. 12 - 15, 23, 31. In these verses the Shepherd of the Covenant appears as guiding, tending his flock, and leading them into fair and safe pastures. Comp. Isaiah 63:11-14, and Revelation 7:17, see note on poimanei shall shepherd. En aimati" in the blood, " is in virtue of, or in the power of the blood.

Verse 21

Make you perfect [καταρτισαι υμας] . The verb is aptly chosen, since the readers are addressed as a body - the flock of Christ. The prayer is for the complete mutual adjustment of all the members of the flock into a perfected whole, fitted to do the perfect will of God. See on 1 Peter 5:10, and comp. notes on 2 Timothy 3:17; 1 Corinthians 1:10; 2 Corinthians 13:11. Ignatius uses the word of the church 's being joined [κατηρτισμενοι] in common subjection to the Bishops and the Presbytery (Eph. ii), and of himself as one composed or settled into union [εις ενωσιν] , that is, avoiding division in the church (Philad. 8); and again to the Smyrnaeans (1) "I have perceived that ye are settled or compacted in faith immovable, being, as it were, nailed on the cross of the Lord Jesus Christ in flesh and in spirit."

In every good work [εν παντι αγαθω] . A. V. follows T. R. ergw work. Rend. "in every good thing."

To do his will [εις το ποιησαι το θελημα αυτου] . To the end that you do, etc.

Working in you [ποιων εν ημιν] . Rend. "in us." A. V. follows T. R. uJmin you. For "working" rend. "doing." The word plays on poihsai to do. "Make you perfect to do his will, he doing in us what is well - pleasing in his sight."

That which is well - pleasing in his sight [το αυαρεστον ενωπιον αυτου] . Comp. Ephesians 5:10. The phrase N. T. o. Euareston usually with the simple dative, as Romans 12:1; Romans 14:8; Ephesians 5:10; Philippians 4:18. Comp. 1 John 3:22.

Verse 22

Suffer the word of exhortation [ανεχεσθε του λογου της παρακλησεως] . For "suffer," rend. "bear with." See Acts 18:14; 2 Corinthians 11:1; 2 Timothy 4:3. Do not become impatient at my counsels in this letter. The word of exhortation refers to the entire epistle which he regards as hortatory rather than didactic or consolatory. The phrase only in Acts 13:15.

I have written a letter unto you [επεστειλα υμιν] . A. V. supplies a letter. Rend. "I have written unto you." The verb only here, Acts 14:20; Acts 21:25. Lit. to send, not letters only. Sometimes with ejpistolai or ejpistolav letters added, as Nehemiah 6:19; Nehemiah 1:0 Macc. 12 7. In N. T. always of sending a letter.

In a few words [δια βραχεων] . There is a suggestion of apology. Do not grow impatient. The letter is short. The phrase N. T. o, but comp. dij ojligwn, 1 Peter 5:12, and ejn ojligw briefly, Ephesians 3:3.

Verse 23

Our brother Timothy [τον αδελφον ημων τιμοθεον] . Paul 's habit, when using oJ aJudelfov brother with a proper name, is to put the proper name first. See Romans 16:23; 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 16:12; 2 Corinthians 1:1; 2 Corinthians 2:13; Philippians 2:25.

Set at liberty [απολελυμενον] . Nothing is known of the fact referred to. Apoluein of releasing from confinement, Matthew 27:15; John 19:10; Acts 3:13; Acts 4:21, Acts 4:23; Acts 5:40.

Verse 24

They of Italy [οι απο της ιταλιας] . This may mean, "those who are in Italy send greeting from Italy "; or," those of Italy (Italian Christians with the writer at the time) send greeting' from the place at which the letter is being written. See Introduction. The phrase affords no reliable indication as to the residence of the persons addressed.