Hebrews 13. Works of Righteousness

Paul concluded his epistle to the Hebrews with some brief teachings and statements of counsel. Read Hebrews 13 and find statements about the following questions:

• How should we treat strangers and those “in bonds”?

Verse two says: “Be not forgetful to entertain strangers…” The footnote for entertain says hospitality. So we should be hospitable to strangers. Verse 3 says: “Remember them that are in bonds.” The footnote here references back to Matthew 25:36 which says: “Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.” So, we need to remember those who are in need and serve them to the best of our ability. 

• How is marriage looked upon?

Verse four tells us: “Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled…”

• What warnings are given about covetousness?

Verse five explains that we need to be content with what we have and that our conversations should be “without covetousness.”

• What is “the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever”?

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever because he remains constant, as does His church and His doctrine. They all remain the same in truthfulness.

• How are we sanctified?

Verse twelve explains that Jesus Christ has sanctified us with His blood. In other words we are sanctified because of the atonement of Jesus Christ.

• How do we respond to those who rule over us?

In verse 17 we learn that we should “obey them that have rule over you, and submit yourselves…” We should show respect to those who rule over us by obeying what they tell us to do.

• Who did Paul ask the people to pray for?

In verse 18 Paul says: “Pray for us…" meaning to pray for him and the other apostles.