New Testament in a Year
Conclusion
Chapter 13
Aspects of the Christian Life.[a] 1 Let mutual love continue, 2 and do not forget to offer hospitality to strangers, for by doing this some have entertained angels without knowing it.[b] 3 Be mindful of those who are in prison, as though you were imprisoned with them, and of those who are being maltreated, since you too are in the body.
4 Let marriage be held in honor by all, and the marriage bed kept undefiled, for those who are immoral and adulterers will have to face God’s judgment. 5 Do not succumb to the love of money, but be content with what you have, for God has said, “I will never forsake you or abandon you.” 6 Therefore, we can say with confidence:
“The Lord is my helper;
I will not be afraid.
What can anyone do to me?”
Let Us Seek the City That Is To Come.[c] 7 Remember your leaders who spoke the word of God to you. Keep in mind the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. 8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
9 Do not be led astray by all kinds of strange doctrines. It is good for us to have our hearts strengthened by grace, and not by ceremonial foods, which have not benefited those who partake of them.
10 We have an altar[d] from which those who serve the tabernacle have no right to eat. 11 For the bodies of those animals whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest as a sin offering are burned outside the camp.[e] 12 Therefore, Jesus also suffered outside the city gate in order to sanctify the people by his own blood.[f]
13 Let us then go to him outside the camp[g] and bear the abuse he endured. 14 For here we have no lasting city, but we are seeking the one that is to come. 15 Through him let us continually offer up to God a sacrifice of praise,[h] that is, the fruit of lips that confess his name.
16 [i]Do not neglect to do good works and to share with others what you have, for these are the kind of sacrifices that please God. 17 Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they watch over your souls and will have to render an account in that regard. Make this a joy for them to do rather than a grief, for that would be of no advantage to you.
18 Pray for us. We are sure that our own conscience is clear, and our desire is to act honorably in everything we do. 19 I especially ask you to do this that I may be restored to you as soon as possible.
20 Final Doxology.[j]May the God of peace—who brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant— 21 make you perfect in every respect so that you may do his will. And may he enable us to achieve what is pleasing to him through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
22 News and Farewell. I urge you, brethren, to listen to my words of exhortation; that is why I have written to you only a short letter. 23 I want to let you know that our brother Timothy has been set free.[k] If he arrives in time, he will be with me when I see you.
24 My greetings to all your leaders and to all the saints.[l] Those from Italy send you their greetings as well.
25 Grace be with all of you.
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