Hebrews 13 - What Do Strangers and Angels Have in Common?

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As we finish the letter to the Hebrews, we still don't know exactly who the author is, but we get a clue in verse 18 when he says, 

"Pray for us. We are sure that we have a clear conscience and desire to live honorably in every way."

In Paul's other letters he has used the plural pronoun "us" before. The writer could also be one of Paul's proteges, which might explain why stylistically it is different than other Pauline letters.  Paul also specifically mentions Timothy, who was his main protege. He mentions those from Italy, where we know Paul spent his last days. 

Chapter 13 is a list of various exhortations to the Hebrew Christians. Most of them relate to how they should behave both within the community of believers, but in the community around them.  He teaches them how they should care for those in needs around them. There is also a call for them to support and submit to their leaders by imitating their way of life. This underscores why it is so important for Christian leaders to "walk the talk". It also reminds these leaders that they will have a higher degree of accountability because of their role in the body of Christ. 

"Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it. Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering." 13:2-3

Paul points out three different groups of people they should show the love of Christ to. Strangers, those in prison, and those who are being mistreated. By offering hospitality to these people, they may be entertaining angels. Every once in a while when I am trying to help a homeless person or other in person in need, sometimes it seems as though I am looking into the eyes of Christ. 

When we are hospitable to others, we really welcome Jesus (Matthew 25:35), and perhaps angels. Abraham (Genesis 18:1-22) and Lot (Genesis 19:1-3) are examples of those who unwittingly entertained angels.

The writer also addresses the issue of sexual immorality and adultery. Remember the two extremes among these Jewish Christians, who were either tempted to go back to the legalism of the Law, or to indulge in the flesh. They were polar opposites. This tendency to abuse the grace of Jesus was called "anti-nomianism", which means "against the law". 

4 Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral. 

2,000 years ago the bible is clear that marriage is to be between a woman and man. The marriage bed is kept pure, as both spouses remain sexually faithful to each other. The writer also mentions "and all the sexually immoral". 

"In this context, sexually immoral refers to those who have sex without the commitment of marriage." - Guzik

The writer differentiates Old Testament sacrifices, with the sacrifices of praise we offer as Christians. 

15 Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name.

Paul says something similar in Romans 12:1 when he says, "In view of God's mercy offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, which is your acceptable form of worship." 

We worship in response to what Jesus has done for us by sacrificing his innocent blood on the cross. Jesus' sacrifice once and for all satisfied the righteous requirements of the law. In regard to this Jesus uttered the words, "It is finished!" The sacrifice of our praise rises up as incense to the Lord and is an aroma which is pleasing to Him. 

How is your life a sacrifice of praise to God? How it is a reflection of the sacrifice made for you on the cross so that you could be free from the penalty of sin and one day go to live with him forever?