LET brotherly love continue. (2)Forget not to exercise hospitality: for
thereby some have entertained angels unawares.
(3)Remember those who are in chains, as in chains with them; and those
who are suffering afflictions, as being yourselves also in the body.
(4)Marriage is honourable for all persons, and the marriage bed
undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.
(5)Let the tenor of your life be divested of the love of money; content
with your present possessions: for he hath said, "I will in no wise
leave thee, neither will I in any case forsake thee[144]." (6)So that
we may with confidence say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear
what man shall do unto me.
(7)Remember your presidents, who have spoken to you the word of God:
the ultimate issue of whose conduct attentively observing, be imitators
of their fidelity.
(8)Jesus Christ _is_ the same yesterday, to-day, and for ever. (9)Be
not tossed about by various and strange doctrines: for it is good to
have the heart firmly established by grace, not by meats, in which
observances they who have walked have found no manner of advantage.
(10)We have an altar, of which they have no right to eat, who perform
the service in the tabernacle. (11)For the bodies of those beasts are
burnt without the camp, whose blood for a sin offering is brought into
the holy of holies by the high-priest. (12)Wherefore Jesus also, that
he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the
gate.
(13)Therefore let us go forth to him without the camp, bearing his
reproach. (14)For we have not here an abiding city, but we earnestly
seek that which is to come. (15)By him therefore let us offer a
sacrifice of praise perpetually to God, that is the fruit of our lips
confessing his name. (16)But of beneficence, and liberal distribution,
be not unmindful: for such sacrifices God accepts with delight.
(17)Obey your presidents, and be subject to them: for they are vigilant
for your souls, as being to render an account, that they may do it with
joy, and not groaning: for that would be disadvantageous for you.
(18)Pray for us: for we have confidence that we maintain a good
conscience, in all things desirous to conduct ourselves with
propriety.--(19)But I entreat you the rather to do this, that I may the
more speedily be restored to you.
(20)Now the God of peace, who brought again from the dead our Lord
Jesus, the great pastor of the sheep, by the blood of the everlasting
testament, (21)make you fit for every good work to do his will,
producing in you that which is acceptable in his sight, through Jesus
Christ; to whom be glory unto the everlasting ages. Amen.
(22)But I entreat you, brethren, suffer the word of exhortation; for I
have written to you in few words.
(23)Know that our brother Timothy is set at liberty; with whom, if he
come shortly, I will see you.
(24)Salute all your presiding ministers, and all the saints. They of
Italy salute you.
(25)Grace be with you all.--Amen.
Written to the Hebrews from Italy by Timothy.