Hebrews 13:1-19 - Concluding Ethical Instructions

¹ Let brotherly love continue. ² Stop neglecting to show hospitality to strangers, for by showing hospitality some have had angels as their guests without being aware of it. ³ Continue to remember those in prison as if you were in prison with them, as well as those who are mistreated, since they also are only mortal. ⁴ Let marriage be kept honorable in every way, and the marriage bed undefiled. For God will judge those who commit sexual sins, especially those who commit adultery. ⁵ Keep your lives free from the love of money, and be content with what you have, for God has said, "I will never leave you or abandon you." ⁶ Hence we can confidently say, "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can anyone do to me?"

⁷ Remember your leaders, those who have spoken God's word to you. Think about the impact of their lives, and imitate their faith. ⁸ Jesus, the Messiah, is the same yesterday and today and forever! ⁹ Stop being carried away by all kinds of unusual teachings, for it is good that the heart be strengthened by grace, not by food laws that have never helped those who follow them. ¹⁰ We have an altar, and those who serve in the tent have no right to eat at it. ¹¹ For the bodies of animals, whose blood is taken into the sanctuary by the high priest as an offering for sin, are burned outside the camp. ¹² That is why Jesus, in order to sanctify the people by his own blood, also suffered outside the city gate. ¹³ Therefore go to him outside the camp and endure the insults he endured. ¹⁴ For here we have no permanent city but are looking for the one that is coming. ¹⁵ Therefore, through him let us always bring God a sacrifice of praise, that is, the fruit of our lips that confess his name. ¹⁶ Do not neglect to do good and to be generous, for God is pleased with such sacrifices. ¹⁷ Continue to follow and be submissive to your leaders, since they are watching over your souls as those who will have to give a word of explanation. By doing this, you will be letting them carry out their duties joyfully, and not with grief, for that would be harmful for you. ¹⁸ Pray for us, for we are sure that we have a clear conscience and desire to live honorably in every way. ¹⁹ I especially ask you to do this so that I may be brought back to you sooner.