Instructions for Christian living

1Let brotherly love continue. 213.2: Gen 18.1-8; 19.1-3.Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. 3Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them; and those who are ill-treated, since you also are in the body. 4Let marriage be held in honour among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled; for God will judge the immoral and adulterous. 513.5: Deut 31.6, 8; Josh 1.5.Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have; for he has said, “I will never fail you nor forsake you.” 613.6: Ps 118.6.Hence we can confidently say,

“The Lord is my helper,

I will not be afraid;

what can man do to me?”

7Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God; consider the outcome of their life, and imitate their faith. 8Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and for ever. 9Do not be led away by diverse and strange teachings; for it is well that the heart be strengthened by grace, not by foods, which have not benefited their adherents. 10We have an altar from which those who serve the tent13.10 Or tabernacle have no right to eat. 1113.11, 13: Lev 16.27.For the bodies of those animals whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest as a sacrifice for sin are burned outside the camp. 12So Jesus also suffered outside the gate in order to sanctify the people through his own blood. 13Therefore let us go forth to him outside the camp, and bear the abuse he endured. 14For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city which is to come. 1513.15: Lev 7.12; Is 57.19; Hos 14.2.Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. 16Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.

17Obey your leaders and submit to them; for they are keeping watch over your souls, as men who will have to give account. Let them do this joyfully, and not sadly, for that would be of no advantage to you.

18Pray for us, for we are sure that we have a clear conscience, desiring to act honourably in all things. 19I urge you the more earnestly to do this in order that I may be restored to you the sooner.

2013.20: Is 63.11; Zech 9.11; Is 55.3; Ezek 37.26.Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, 21equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in you13.21 Other ancient authorities read us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

22I appeal to you, brethren, bear with my word of exhortation, for I have written to you briefly. 23You should understand that our brother Timothy has been released, with whom I shall see you if he comes soon. 24Greet all your leaders and all the saints. Those who come from Italy send you greetings. 25Grace be with all of you. Amen.