63 - Hebrews 13:1-7: Hospitality, Marriage and Respect

Hebrews 13:1-7

“Continue to love fellow Believers and remember to show hospitality to strangers, for some have had angels as their guests without realizing it. Remember the prisoners, as though you were in prison with them, and those who suffer maltreatment, for you are liable to suffer similar trials. Marriage is to be respected by everyone and the marital bed kept sacred, for God will judge those who sin sexually, whether single or married. Let your lifestyle be free from covetousness and be satisfied with what you have, for God has promised never to forsake or abandon you. We can then say with confidence, ‘Because the Lord is my helper, who can harm me?’ Remember your leaders who have taught you the Word of God and observe and follow their lifestyle of faith.”    (paraphrased)

Although the book of Hebrews is an essay, its conclusion resembles a personal letter. Having completed the major doctrinal portion of his epistle, the writer now turns to some pragmatic admonitions. The opening verses of this chapter provide us with five exhortations, arranged in couplets:

1. Practice brotherly love and hospitality.  vv. 1-2
2. Have empathy for prisoners and other sufferers. v. 3
3. Venerate marriage and abhor immorality. v. 4
4. Avoid greed and cultivate courage. vv. 5-6
5. Honor Bible teachers and emulate their faith. v. 7

v. 1
Jesus’ “new commandment” was simple: “Love one another as I have loved you” (Jn. 13:34). The writer encourages his readers to continue this practice. The word for “brotherly love” is philadelphia, a term derived from the blending of phileo and adelphos. Phileo means “affection” and adelphos means “from the same womb.” Believers are brothers and sisters because we all have the same Father (Jn. 17:11). Both Peter and Paul encourage their readers to display philadelphia to other members of God’s family (II Pet. 1:7 & I Thess. 4:9).

v. 2
To “entertain strangers” (philoxenias) refers to simple hospitality. The Lord’s parable of the Good Samaritan provides us with a classic example. The Jews regarded hospitality as a moral obligation. But the lodging available throughout the Roman Empire was scarce, expensive and often promoted prostitution. Travelers were dependant largely upon the hospitality of local residents. As a result, Believers used their homes to bless travelers and strangers. The strong bias against Christians in the first century prompted travel. If they were persecuted in one city, they fled to the next (Mt. 10:23). Paul encouraged Timothy to make hospitality habitual (I Tim. 3:2).

The writer’s reference to “entertaining angels without knowing it” may be an allusion to Abraham’s visit by three mysterious strangers (Gen. 18). Two of them later went to Sodom to visit Lot (Gen. 19). These angelic visitors informed Abraham and Sarah of the future miracle birth of Isaac and then rescued Lot and his family prior to the destruction of their city.

Gideon was visited by an angel at Ophrah who predicted his future victory over the Midianites (Jud. 6:11-22). Samson’s parents were told by an angel of the future miraculous birth of their son (Jud.13). However, the writer is not suggesting those they entertain are angels in disguise. He is assuring them that those to whom they extend hospitality may bless them in unexpected ways. The influence of such visitors can be mutually beneficial.   

v. 3
The writer has already commended his readers for demonstrating empathy to incarcerated friends (10:34). Those who dared to visit imprisoned Believers were in danger simply by associating with them. Paul blessed a visitor named Onesiphorus, for he “was not ashamed of my chains” (II Tim.1:16). Those “in bonds” include anyone who is in jail. Herod imprisoned John the Baptist, but Jesus sent him a message of comfort and assurance (Mt. 11:2-6). Paul’s Philippian friends supplied many of his needs during his incarceration (Phil. 4:15-16). Because Paul’s nephew visited him in jail, he saved his life (Acts 23:16-21).
To “remember” the prisoners involves more than merely calling them to mind. Inmates were often dependant upon friends and relatives to provide basic necessities. We are to identify with the oppressed by considering ourselves in bondage with them. Sympathy can evolve into empathy if we imagine ourselves to be imprisoned as well. Those who visit a prisoner visit Christ, for “inasmuch as you have done it to the least of these my brethren, you have done it unto Me” (Mt. 25:36-40).

The readers are exhorted to remember those who are suffering, maltreated or injured. The phrase “also in the body” means “to be alive; to have a physical body.” Sympathy for the misfortunes of others should cause us to stand in their moccasins and imagine how we would feel in their situation. We are exhorted to identify with those who suffer, for our physical bodies are also exposed to personal injury. Paul reminds the Corinthians that when one Believer suffers, others feel their pain as well (I Cor. 12:26).

v. 4
After addressing prison life, the writer stresses the need to safeguard marital life. God knew it was not good for man to remain in solitude (Gen. 2:18). He created Eve and presented her to Adam (Gen. 2:22). Marriage was the first thing God sanctioned after creation. Only marriage is worthy of the analogy depicting Christ’s love for His bride (Eph. 5:22-33). A man should love his wife as Christ self-sacrificially loves His church (v. 25). In the last book of the Bible, the church continues to be seen as the Lamb’s wife (Rev. 21:9). 

Christian couples want Christ to bless their marital union with His presence. He was specifically invited to the wedding in Cana (Jn. 2:2). He further sanctified marriage when He stated, “From the beginning of creation God made them male and female. For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother and cleave to his wife. These two shall become one flesh, so they are thereafter no more two but one. Therefore, what God has joined together let no man attempt to separate” (Mk. 10:6-9).

Such bold affirmations sanction the marital union as a God-ordained covenant and must be held in the highest esteem. It sacred parameters must never be violated by a third party. “Honorable” is timios and can be translated as “beloved; expensive; especially dear; very valuable.” All God’s promises are deemed timios (II Pet. 1:4). Placing a high value on the marital relationship is a safeguard against extra-marital affairs. 

Matrimony is not only to be highly esteemed; it is to be honored “in all things.” Every aspect of marital life is sacred to God. Finances, emotions, children, and all other concerns should be brought under the control of the Holy Spirit. Having mentioned “all things” in general, he immediately mentions the sanctity of the conjugal union. “The marriage bed” is a reference to sexual intercourse. The fact that God has ordained consensual sex within the bonds of matrimony is stated clearly and emphatically. This clause affirms the sanctity of the sex life of a married man and woman.

In sharp contrast to the sanctity of marital conjugal privilege is the clear warning against sex outside its boundaries. A “defiled marital bed” was a common expression for adultery. God will judge and punish sex offenders, even if civil officials do not. All fornicators and adulterers are barred from God’s kingdom (I Cor. 6:9-10). The Lord is pictured as the One who monitors marital fidelity, judging all who violate this covenant.

“Whoremongers” (pornuos) is elsewhere translated “fornicators.” Pornuos includes all forms of sexual sins, including pornography, sodomy, date rape, homosexual acts, prostitution and premarital sex. Paul warned the Corinthians to “flee immorality” (I Cor. 6:18). When Potiphar’s wife attempted to seduce Joseph, “he left his garment in her hand and fled” (Gen. 39:7-12).

“Adulterers” is moichous and refers to impure husbands or wives. Extra-marital affairs are condemned by the seventh commandment (Deut. 5:18). Marriage is dishonored prior to marriage by fornication and dishonored during marriage by adultery. 

v. 5
“Conversation” (tropos) refers to conduct, not communication skills. The Believer’s lifestyle must be free from covetousness, whether it be the coveting of a neighbor’s wife or property (Ex. 20:14, 17). Paul also links immorality with covetousness (Col. 3:5 & Eph. 5:3). The writer urges his readers to rid themselves of all forms of greed. “Covetousness” (aphilarguros) is made from two words; phileo means “affection” and arguros means “silver.” Our world view should be free from the love of wealth and all other inordinate desires. Paul learned to be content in whatever situation he found himself (Phil. 4:11-13). 

Jesus warned one’s life does not consist of possessions (Lk. 12:15). Riches are deceitful (Mt. 13:22). Wealth can bar men from the Kingdom of God (Mk. 10:23). The love of money has caused some to fall from grace (I Tim. 6:10). Judas betrayed Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. Ministers must be free from the love of money (I Tim. 3:3). Such pointed admonitions should cause us to realize a balanced, godly lifestyle is our best asset (I Tim. 6:6-7). Focusing upon heavenly things helps diminish our desire for earthy things (Col. 3:2). We are to love the brethren (v. 1), to love strangers (v. 2), to love prisoners (v. 3), to love one’s spouse (v. 4), but not to love money (v. 5).

Covetousness is the enemy of contentment. Being satisfied with our current financial situation will help us avoid envy, anxiety, and fear of the future. But being satisfied with what we possess does not mean one should become lazy, for we are admonished not to slothful in our work (Rom. 12:11). Believers can rest assured all their needs will be provided. Financial pressures can be overpowering, but we cannot allow greed to cause us additional stress. He states his reason: God will “never leave us or forsake us.” We should be content to know our lives are not measured by the things the world tends to value (Lk. 12:15).

Several emphatic negative terms are grouped together here to give Believers absolute assurance. A more literal translation is, “I will not, I will not, I will not ever let you down, leave you destitute and helpless, or abandon you.” God will never desert us, fail to sustain us, or relax His hold upon our lives. Moses assured the Israelites God will never fail or forsake them (Deut. 31:6-8). The Lord made an identical promise to Joshua, which David later passed on to Solomon (Josh. 1:5 & I Chron. 28:20). 

v. 6
The Psalmist fearlessly proclaimed Jehovah was on his side and no man could harm him (Ps. 118:6). Without doubt or hesitation, we can confidently claim the Lord’s help in any situation. Because He is our Shepherd, we need not fear even when in the valley of the shadow of death (Ps. 23:4). Knowing God will help us in times of trouble and we should not be afraid (phobethesomai) of the pain or injury others may inflict.

v. 7
Three times in this chapter the writer mentions Christian leaders. We are encouraged to imitate them (v. 7), obey them (v. 17), and greet them (v. 24). To forget those who have positively impacted our lives demonstrates ingratitude to God for sending them to us. We should think of them often, recall their advice and emulate their example.

The writer qualifies this remark by pointing to those teachers who personally taught them the word of God. As shown in verse five, the word “conversation” (anastrophe) refers to one’s life. The tenor of this verse seems to refer to leaders who have passed away. We should attentively observe and reflect upon the lives of former teachers. Each of us should fondly remember those who have helped us in our spiritual walk, carefully considering how each of them lived and died. To “follow” (mimesithe) their faith is to mimic or imitate it. Reviewing their lives should serve as a great encouragement, for those who have “obtained a good report through faith” continue to speak to us (11:4, 39).

QUESTIONS: HOSPITALITY, MARRIAGE AND RESPECT

Hebrews 13:1-7

1. What does Philadelphia mean?

2. What must be allowed to continue?  (Hebrews 13:1)

3. What must we not neglect? (Hebrews 13:2)

4. Who should we remember? (Hebrews13:3)

5. According to I Corinthians 12:26, what happens when one member of the Body of Christ suffers?

6. What must our lives be freed from?  (Hebrews13:5)

7. With what must we be content? (Hebrews 13:5)

8. Who blessed Paul and was not ashamed of his chains?

9. What is honorable? (Hebrews 13:4)

10. What was the occasion of Christ’s first miracle? (John 2:2) 

11. What is the Church called in Revelation 21:9?

12. The word “fornication” includes which of the following?
A. pornography
B. date rape
C. homosexuality
D. premarital sex
E. all of the above

13. Who will God judge? (Hebrews13:4)    

14. Discuss with your mate way in which you can “divorce proof” your marriage. What things should you be doing—and not doing—to enhance your relationship?

 

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