Concluding Words

13 Let brotherly love continue. ² Stop neglecting to show hospitality to strangers, for by showing hospitality^[a] 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.^[b]

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^[c] has said, “I will never leave you or abandon you.”^{[d] 6} Hence we can confidently say, “The Lord^[e] is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can anyone do to me?”^[f]

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,^[g] is the same yesterday and today—and forever!

⁹ Stop being^[h] carried away by all kinds of unusual teachings, for it is good that the heart be strengthened by grace, not by food laws^[i] 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.

²⁰ Now may the God of peace, who by the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, the Great Shepherd of the sheep, ²¹ equip you with everything good^[j] to do his will, accomplishing in us^[k] what pleases him through Jesus, the Messiah.^[l] To him be glory forever and ever!^[m] Amen.

Final Greeting

²² I urge you, brothers, to listen patiently to my encouraging message,^[n] for I have written you a short letter.^{[o] 23} You should know that our brother Timothy has been set free. If he comes soon, he will be with me when I see you.

²⁴ Greet all your leaders and all the saints. Those who are from Italy greet you.

²⁵ May grace be with all of you!^[p]