Hebrews 13

1 Let love of the brethren continue.2 Forget not to show love unto strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.3 Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; them that are illtreated, as being yourselves also in the body.4 Let marriage be had in honor among all, and let the bed be undefiled: for fornicators and adulterers God will judge.5 Be ye free from the love of money; content with such things as ye have: for himself hath said, I will in no wise fail thee, neither will I in any wise forsake thee.6 So that with good courage we say, The Lord is my helper; I will not fear: What shall man do unto me?

7 Remember them that had the rule over you, men that spake unto you the word of God; and considering the issue of their life, imitate their faith.8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and to-day, yea and for ever.9 Be not carried away by divers and strange teachings: for it is good that the heart be established by grace; not by meats, wherein they that occupied themselves were not profited.10 We have an altar, whereof they have no right to eat that serve the tabernacle.11 For the bodies of those beasts whose blood is brought into the holy place by the high priest as an offering for sin, are burned without the camp.12 Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people through his own blood, suffered without the gate.13 Let us therefore go forth unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach.14 For we have not here an abiding city, but we seek after the city which is to come.15 Through him then let us offer up a sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of lips which make confession to his name.16 But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit to them: for they watch in behalf of your souls, as they that shall give account; that they may do this with joy, and not with grief: for this were unprofitable for you.18 Pray for us: for we are persuaded that we have a good conscience, desiring to live honorably in all things.19 And I exhort you the more exceedingly to do this, that I may be restored to you the sooner.20 Now the God of peace, who brought again from the dead the great shepherd of the sheep with the blood of an eternal covenant, even our Lord Jesus,21 make you perfect in every good thing to do his will, working in us that which is well-pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be the glory for ever and ever. Amen.22 But I exhort you, brethren, bear with the word of exhortation, for I have written unto you in few words.23 Know ye that our brother Timothy hath been set at liberty; with whom, if he come shortly, I will see you.24 Salute all them that have the rule over you, and all the saints. They of Italy salute you.25 Grace be with you all. Amen.

HEBREWS 13

Service That Pleases God

1 Keep being concerned about each other as the Lord's followers should.

2  t Be sure to welcome strangers into your home. By doing this, some people have welcomed angels as guests, without even knowing it.

3 Remember the Lord's people who are in jail and be concerned for them. Don't forget those who are suffering, but imagine you are there with them.

4  t Have respect for marriage. Always be faithful to your partner, because God will punish anyone who is immoral or unfaithful in marriage.
5  t Don't fall in love with money. Be satisfied with what you have. The Lord has promised that he will not leave us or desert us.

6 t This should make you feel like saying,
“The Lord helps me!
Why should I be afraid
of what people
can do to me?”

7 Don't forget about your leaders who taught you God's message. Remember what kind of lives they lived and try to have faith like theirs.
8 Jesus Christ never changes! He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. 9 Don't be fooled by any kind of strange teachings. It is better to receive strength from God's gift of undeserved grace than to depend on certain foods. After all, these foods don't really help the people who eat them.

10 But we have an altar where even the priests who serve in the place of worship have no right to eat.
11  t After the high priest offers the blood of animals as a sin offering, the bodies of those animals are burned outside the camp. 12 Jesus himself suffered outside the city gate, so his blood would make people holy. 13 This is why we should go outside the camp to Jesus and share in his disgrace.

14 On this earth we don't have a city that lasts forever, but we are waiting for such a city.
15 Our sacrifice is to keep offering praise to God in the name of Jesus.

16 But don't forget to help others and to share your possessions with them. This too is like offering a sacrifice that pleases God.

17 Obey your leaders and do what they say. They are watching over you, and they must answer to God. So don't make them sad as they do their work. Make them happy. Otherwise, they won't be able to help you at all.
18 Pray for us. Our consciences are clear, and we always try to live right.

19 I especially want you to pray that I can visit you again soon.

Final Prayers and Greetings

21 t I pray God will make you ready to obey him and that you will always be eager to do right. May Jesus help you do what pleases God. To Jesus Christ be glory forever and ever! Amen.

22 My friends, I have written only a short letter to encourage you, and I beg you to pay close attention to what I have said.

23 By now you surely must know that our friend Timothy is out of jail. If he gets here in time, I will bring him with me when I come to visit you.

24 Please give my greetings to your leaders and to the rest of the Lord's people.
His followers from Italy send you their greetings.
25 I pray that God will be kind to all of you!t