Teaching Notes TITUS 2 and 3

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Teaching Notes TITUS 2 and 3

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Traveling Companion of Paul

Assisted Building Churches on

the Island of Crete

Birth Unknown 1st Century.

Died. 96AD to 107AD on

Crete according to Eusebius

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It is Day 21 of the COVID-19 Quarantine.  This has not happened since 1918 in Georgia.

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Titus 2 and 3

Chapters 2 and 3. Good Works

The grand emphasis of this Book is “Good Works”. Not that

we are saved by good works, but by His Mercy, 3:5, and justified

by His Grace, 3:7. But because of this we are under strict obliga-

tion to be “zealous of good works", 2:14; “an example of good

works", 2:7; “ready unto every good work, 3:1; “be careful to

maintain good works”, 3:8; “maintain good works for necessary

uses", 3:14. One of the indictments of the false teachers was that

they were ”unto every good work reprobate", 1:16.

The Power of Beautiful Lives, 2: 1-14. Aged men, aged women,

young women, mothers, young men, and slaves are exhorted to

be so faithful to the natural obligations of their own station in

life that critics of their religion would be silenced, 2:8.

Slaves, of whom there were many in the early Church, are

exhorted to be so obedient, diligent, and faithful that their lives

would “adorn” their religious profession 2:10, and their heathen

masters would be constrained to think, “If that is what the Christ

ian religion does for slaves, there must be something to it”.

The Blessed Hope, 2:11-14. The Lord’s Coming Again supplies

the motive to godly living in this present world. It is mentioned

ìn almost “everyone of the NT books.

Obedience to Civil Authorities, 3:1-2, is a prime Christian virtue.

Citizens of heaven should be good citizens of the earthly govern—

ment under which they live. Rom 18:1-7; I Pet 2:13-17.

The Genealogies, 3:9, referred to here and in I Tim 1:4, seem to

quite prominently  in  the  doctrine of the false have figured

teachers who were at that time infesting ‘the churches of Crete

and Ephesus. Possibly they were basing their claims for their

teaching on Davidic ancestry and kinship to Jesus, with inside

information on  the  Gospel.  Or teaching  strange  doctrines.

grounded on abstruse interpretations of passages in genealogies.

 “Heretic”, 3:10, . After a reasonable effort to set a false  teacher 

right,  avoid  him.  “Artemas”,  3:12, is nowhere else mentioned. 

Tradition says he became bishop of Lystra. “Tychicus”, 12, 

was  of Asia, Acts 20:4. Either he  or Artemas was to take Titus'

position in Crete. “Nicopolis”, 12, in Greece, about 100 miles

NW of  Corinth. See note on Paul's Later Movements under

Acts 28:31. “Zenas”, (the lawyer) 13, mentioned nowhere

else. He was either a Jewish scribe or a Greek civil lawyer.

“Apollos”, 13, see on Acts 18. It seems that he and Zenas,

on a journey to some unknown destination,

bore this letter to Titus.

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Overview of the Book of Titus
From The Bible Project


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Titus 2 New International Version (NIV)

Doing Good for the Sake of the Gospel

2 You, however, must teach what is appropriate to sound doctrine. 2 Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance.

3 Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. 4 Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children, 5 to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.

6 Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled. 7 In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness 8 and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.

9 Teach slaves to be subject to their masters in everything, to try to please them, not to talk back to them, 10 and not to steal from them, but to show that they can be fully trusted, so that in every way they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive.

11 For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. 12 It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, 13 while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.

15 These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you.

Titus 3 New International Version (NIV)

Saved in Order to Do Good

3 Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, 2 to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.

3 At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. 4 But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared,

5 he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. 8 This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.

9 But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless. 10 Warn a divisive person once, and then warn them a second time. After that, have nothing to do with them. 11 You may be sure that such people are warped and sinful; they are self-condemned.

Final Remarks

12 As soon as I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis, because I have decided to winter there. 13 Do everything you can to help Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way and see that they have everything they need. 14 Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order to provide for urgent needs and not live unproductive lives.

15 Everyone with me sends you greetings. Greet those who love us in the faith.

Grace be with you all.

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New International Version (NIV)

Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Some content adapted from Halley, Henry H., Bible Handbook, Grayson Publishing, Minneapolis, MN.  © 1927 - 1959, 1964

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Hugh C. Wood, Atlanta, Georgia

END

Teaching Notes PHILIPPIANS 4

Teaching Notes PHILIPPIANS 4


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Teaching Notes PHILIPPIANS 4


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Chapter 4. Joy

Euodia and Syntyche, 2-3. Two women leaders, either of social
rank, or  deaconesses,  or those whose homes  were  used  as
churches, who were allowing their personal differences to become
an annoyance to the church.

Rejoice, Rejoice, Rejoice, 4-7. Joy is the predominant note of
this Epistle. Written by a man in prison, who for thirty years had
been mobbed, beaten, stoned, and" cuffed about. enough to make
the angels gasp. Yet he is overflowing with JOY. The very things
which would naturally tend to make him sour only added to his
happiness. It is simply amazing what Christ can do in one's life.
“The Lord is at hand”, 5: Paul had said. ten years earlier, in
II Thes 2, that the Lord would not come till after the Apostasy:
but that apostasy was working fast in some of Paul’s churches,
and he never got his mind completely off the approaching near-
ness of the Lord's Coming. This was one of the secrets of his
perennial joy. Another was his unceasing prayer With thanks-
giving. 6. Gratitude to God for what He does give us will surely
incline Him to grant what we do not have.

The Coming of Epaphroditus, 10-20. He had brought the offer-
ing of money to Paul, 18. Paul was profoundly grateful. for as a
prisoner he had no means of sustenance except what the prison
allowed. The most beautiful and exquisitely delicate touch in
this entire Epistle is in 1'7, where, in thanking them for the
money, he tells them that he appreciated it, not so much because
he needed it, though he did need it sorely, 2:25, but because it
gave them a share in the rewards for his work, “fruit credited to
their account". Because they supported him, his work was theirs.
In the Final Day they would be rewarded for the multitudes of
souls they had helped him to save. The lesson holds for us, in our
missionary offerings, of the modern world, Each offering, just a
mite of an offering, does not amount to much. But even as the
tiny raindrops that fall all over the central part of the North
American continent make possible the torrent that rolls over
Niagara Falls,  so  these mites pf offerings from hundreds of
thousands of Christians all over the land together constitute the
stream of funds which is supporting the vast army of foreign
missionaries out on the far-flung battle lines of the Cross, endur—
ing hardships for Christ we would not think of enduring here
at home, the noblest army of men and women the sun ever shone
on. Those who, by their offerings to Missions, make themselves
а part of this mightiest movement of all the ages, will. in the
day of final reckoning, be entitled to share in its rewards.

Social Standing of NT Christians, 22, “they of Caesar's house—
hold", from the palace of Nero. Most of the early Christians were
of the humbler classes. Many of them slaves. But there were
some  prominent  people  among the  converts,  as these from
Caesar’s palace. The treasurer of Ethiopia, Acts 8:27. Cornelius
the centurion, Acts 10:1. A foster-brother of Herod, Acts 13:1.
Proconsul of Cyprus, Acts 13:12. Chief women nota few of
Thessalonica, Acts 17:4. Greek women of honorable estate in
Berea, Acts 17:12.'City treasurer of Corinth, Rom 16:23. Joanna
the wife of Herod’s steward, Lk 8:3.


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Overview: Philippians Bible Project

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oE9qqW1-BkU

Overview Philippians Bible Project

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oE9qqW1-BkU

From:

https://www.readscripture.org/

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Philippians 4 New International Version (NIV)

Closing Appeal for Steadfastness and Unity

4 Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends!

2 I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. 3 Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life.

Final Exhortations

4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Thanks for Their Gifts

10 I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.

13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

14 Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. 15 Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; 16 for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need. 17 Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account. 18 I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. 19 And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.

20 To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Final Greetings

21 Greet all God’s people in Christ Jesus. The brothers and sisters who are with me send greetings. 22 All God’s people here send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar’s household.
23 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.[a]


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New International Version (NIV)

Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Some content adapted from Halley, Henry H., Bible Handbook, Grayson Publishing, Minneapolis, MN.  © 1927 - 1959, 1964

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Hugh C. Wood, Atlanta, Georgia


END

Teaching Notes PHILIPPIANS 2

Teaching Notes PHILIPPIANS 2

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Teaching Notes PHILIPPIANS 2

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Chapter 2. The Humility of Christ

An Example of Humility, 1-11. There is less of rebuke in this
Epistle than in most NT books. But we wonder, from the connec-
tion in which this charming exhortation to humility is set, if per-
haps Epaphroditus had brought Paul hints that there were seeds
of faction in the pride of certain Philippian leaders, as, possibly,
Euodia and Syntyche, 4:2. “A thing to be grasped”,

The Humility and Suffering of Christ are often set
over against his Exaltation and Glory, as in 8-11. See Heb 2:9-10;
I Pet 1:11.

His Joy in the Day of Christ, 2:12-18. Paul conceived of earthly
friendships as continuing on into eternity. He expected his happi-
ness to come to a head in greeting his beloved friends
in the upper kingdom, at the feet of Jesus, his own offering to
the Lord, saved forever, because he himself had brought them to
Jesus, 16.

His Plan to Return to Philippi, 19-30. This reads as if he were
expecting his trial to come to a speedy end, specially in 24. There
is rio hint here of going on to Spain. as he had planned originally,
Rom 15:24. His long imprisonment seems to have changed his
plans. The commonly received view is that he was acquitted, and
did re-visit Philippi and other churches in the East, I Tim 1:3.

The theory thus that he was later rearrested, brought back to
Rome, and executed, some five years later.


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Overview: Philippians Bible Project

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oE9qqW1-BkU


Overview Philippians Bible Project
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oE9qqW1-BkU

From:

https://www.readscripture.org/

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Philippians 2

Philippians 2 New International Version (NIV)

Imitating Christ’s Humility

2 Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:

6 Who, being in very nature[a] God,
    did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
7 rather, he made himself nothing
    by taking the very nature[b] of a servant,
    being made in human likeness.
8 And being found in appearance as a man,
    he humbled himself
    by becoming obedient to death—
        even death on a cross!

9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
    and gave him the name that is above every name,
10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
    in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,
    to the glory of God the Father.

Do Everything Without Grumbling

12 Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.

14 Do everything without grumbling or arguing, 15 so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.”[c] Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky 16 as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain. 17 But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. 18 So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.

Timothy and Epaphroditus

19 I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you. 20 I have no one else like him, who will show genuine concern for your welfare. 21 For everyone looks out for their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. 22 But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel. 23 I hope, therefore, to send him as soon as I see how things go with me. 24 And I am confident in the Lord that I myself will come soon.

25 But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, co-worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs. 26 For he longs for all of you and is distressed because you heard he was ill. 27 Indeed he was ill, and almost died. But God had mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me, to spare me sorrow upon sorrow. 28 Therefore I am all the more eager to send him, so that when you see him again you may be glad and I may have less anxiety. 29 So then, welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor people like him, 30 because he almost died for the work of Christ. He risked his life to make up for the help you yourselves could not give me.

Footnotes:

Philippians 2:6 Or in the form of
Philippians 2:7 Or the form
Philippians 2:15 Deut. 32:5

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Short Bible Study of Philippians 2.  (14:10 minutes)
The Branch Church

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New International Version (NIV)

Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Some content adapted from Halley, Henry H., Bible Handbook, Grayson Publishing, Minneapolis, MN.  © 1927 - 1959, 1964

& & &

Hugh C. Wood, Atlanta, Georgia

END

Teaching Notes Background of Letter to GALATIANS

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Teaching Notes Background of Letter to GALATIANS

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Paul's Letter to the Galatians

Illuminated Manuscript

Approx. 1250AD Vellum

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BACKGROUND OF GALATIANS

Background of Letter to Galatians

By Grace, Not by Law 

Finality of the Gospel 

Maybe 57AD

Galalia: In Central Asia Minor, see map. Region of Paul's 

First Missionary Journey. Its borders at times varied. It included 

Derbe, the cities of Iconium, Lystra, and probably 

Pisidian Antioch. Read Acts 13 and 14.                                

Galatians were a branch of Gauls, originally from north of 

the Black Sea, split off from the main migration westward to 

France, and settled in Asia Minor, 3rd century BCE.

Occasion of This Letter

Paul’s work in Galatia had been extremely successful.  Great 

multitudes, mostly Gentiles, had enthusiastically accepted Christ. 

Sometime after Paul had left Galatia, certain Jewish teachers 

came along insisting that Gentiles could not be Christians without 

keeping the Law of Moses.  The Galatians gave heed to their 

teaching with the same whole—heartedness with-which they had 

at first received Paul’s message; and there was a general epidemic 

of Circumcision among these Gentile Christians. Circumcision is 

the name of the Initiatory Rite into Judaism. Paul heard of the 

movement. 

And then it was that Paul wrote this Letter to explain to them 

that Circumcision, while it had been a necessary part of Jewish. 

National Life, was not a part of the Gospel of Christ and had. 

nothing whatever to do with Salvation. 

Date of the Letter to Galatians

Paul had founded these Galatian Churches about 45-48 AD. 

He had. re-Visited them, as he was setting out on his Second 

Journey about 50 A D, Acts 16:1—6; and again, as he was starting 

on his Third Journey, about 54 AD, Acts 18:23. 

https://www.ccel.org/bible/phillips/CPn09Galatians.htm

The commonly accepted traditional date of the writing of this 

Letter is about 57 AD, at the close of Paul’s Third Missionary 

Journey, while he-was in Ephesus, or Macedonia",  Corinth, 

shortly before he wrote the Letter to the Romans.

Some think it more probably was written about 49 AD, from 

Antioch, soon after Paul’s first return from Galatia, before the 

Jerusalem Council of. 50 AD, whose Letter stating that Circumcis- 

ion was Not Necessary was carried without delay to the Galatian 

Churches, Acts 15:1-16-4; for, if written after that, it seems like 

Paul would have referred to the Jerusalem Letter. But “first”, 

4:13, favors the later date.

The Judaizers 

Judaizers were a sect of Jewish Christians who, not, willing to 

accept the teaching of the Apostles on the question, Acts 15, 

continued to insist that Christians must come to God through 

Judaism, that a Gentile, in order to be a Christian, must become 

a Jewish Proselyte, and keep the Jewish Law.

They made it their business to visit and unsettle and trouble 

Gentile Churches. They were simply determined to stamp Christ 

with the Jewish Trademark.

Against this Paul stood like adamant. “Had the observance of. 

the Law been imposed on Gentile converts Paul’s whole lifework 

Would have been wrecked.”

“The expansion of Christianity from a Jewish sect into a World 

Religion was Paul’s consuming passion, in pursuit of which he 

broke every hindering tie, and strained every faculty of mind-and 

body for upwards of thirty years.” 

The effort to Judaize the Gentile Churches was brought to an 

end by the Fall of Jerusalem, 70 AD, which “Severed all rela- 

tion between Judaism and Christianity. Up to this time Christian- 

ity was regarded as a Sect or Branch of Judaism. But from 

then on Jews and Christians were apart. A small sect of Jewish 

Christians, the Ebionites, remained, in decreasing numbers, for 

two centuries, hardly recognized by the general Church, and re- 

garded as Apostates by their own race.” 

Circumcision was the name of the initiatory physical rite of 

Judaism, if a male, not born a Jew, wished to become a Jewish 

Proselyte, he could do so by being Circumcised, and observing 

the ceremonial law of the Jews; in some respects, as a foreigner 

may become a citizen of our country. 

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Papyri 46  (also at Chester Beatty) 

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New International Version (NIV)

Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

This content adapted from Halley, Henry H., Bible Handbook, Grayson Publishing, Minneapolis, MN.  © 1927 - 1959, 1964.

& & &

Hugh C. Wood, Atlanta, Georgia

END

Teaching Notes HEBREWS Chapter 12 and 13

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Teaching Notes HEBREWS Chapter 12 and 13

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HEBREWS

CHAPTER 12

Chapter 12. Keep Your Eyes Upon Jesus

Surrounded by a vast crowd of those who, in former ages, had

run their race for God Victoriously, and who were now gazing

with breathless interest at the initial struggle of the New-Born

Church, the runners are urged to Keep their Eyes on the Goal,

and Strain Every Nerve and Muscle to Win, 1.2.

And Be Not Discouraged by their Sufferings, for Chastening

is one of the means by which God’s Saints are Perfected, 3-13.

And be Very Careful to Guard against Deming themselves in

any way, lest they Sell their Birthright, 14-17.

Sinai and Mount Zion, 18-29. 

The terrifying demonstration of the 

inauguration of the Old Covenant are contrasted with the Heav-

enly Fellowships of the Church: One Vast Brotherhood, in which

Saints on Earth, and Spirits of the Redeemed, and Infinite Hosts

oì—Angels, are in Sweet and Mystic Communion around the

Throne of God, Forever and Ever and Ever, 22-24.

CHAPTER 13

Chapter 13. Gracious Exhortations

This Epistle, though argumentative in nature. closes with tender

appeals to its readers to be Loyal to Christ, and to Follow Him

in all the Ways of Life, especially in Brotherly Love and Kind-

ness and Purity and Goodness, and with Unceasing Prayer and

Unwavering Faith in God.

As Malachi was the Old Testament’s final message to the Nation

founded to bring the Messiah into the world, so the Epistle to

the Hebrews is the New Testament’s final message to the Nation

after the Messiah had come. written shortly before the Jewish

State was swept away by the Fall of Jerusalem, “One of the most

appalling events in all history."

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Hebrews 12 

New International Version (NIV)

12 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

God Disciplines His Children

4 In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. 5 And have you completely forgotten this word of encouragement that addresses you as a father addresses his son? It says,

“My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline,
    and do not lose heart when he rebukes you,
6 because the Lord disciplines the one he loves,
    and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.”[a]

7 Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? 8 If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline—then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all. 9 Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live! 10 They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. 11 No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.

12 Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. 13 “Make level paths for your feet,”[b] so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed.

Warning and Encouragement

14 Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. 15 See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many. 16 See that no one is sexually immoral, or is godless like Esau, who for a single meal sold his inheritance rights as the oldest son. 17 Afterward, as you know, when he wanted to inherit this blessing, he was rejected. Even though he sought the blessing with tears, he could not change what he had done.

The Mountain of Fear and the Mountain of Joy

18 You have not come to a mountain that can be touched and that is burning with fire; to darkness, gloom and storm; 19 to a trumpet blast or to such a voice speaking words that those who heard it begged that no further word be spoken to them, 20 because they could not bear what was commanded: “If even an animal touches the mountain, it must be stoned to death.”[c] 21 The sight was so terrifying that Moses said, “I am trembling with fear.”[d]

22 But you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem. You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly, 23 to the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God, the Judge of all, to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, 24 to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.

25 See to it that you do not refuse him who speaks. If they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, how much less will we, if we turn away from him who warns us from heaven? 26 At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, “Once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens.”[e] 27 The words “once more” indicate the removing of what can be shaken—that is, created things—so that what cannot be shaken may remain.

28 Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, 29 for our “God is a consuming fire.”[f]

Footnotes:
Hebrews 12:6 Prov. 3:11,12 (see Septuagint)
Hebrews 12:13 Prov. 4:26
Hebrews 12:20 Exodus 19:12,13
Hebrews 12:21 See Deut. 9:19.
Hebrews 12:26 Haggai 2:6
Hebrews 12:29 Deut. 4:24

Hebrews 13 New International Version (NIV)

Concluding Exhortations

13 Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters. 2 Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it. 3 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.

4 Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral. 5 Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said,

“Never will I leave you;
    never will I forsake you.”[a]

6 So we say with confidence,

“The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.
    What can mere mortals do to me?”[b]

7 Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. 8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

9 Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teachings. It is good for our hearts to be strengthened by grace, not by eating ceremonial foods, which is of no benefit to those who do so. 10 We have an altar from which those who minister at the tabernacle have no right to eat.

11 The high priest carries the blood of animals into the Most Holy Place as a sin offering, but the bodies are burned outside the camp. 12 And so Jesus also suffered outside the city gate to make the people holy through his own blood. 13 Let us, then, go to him outside the camp, bearing the disgrace he bore. 14 For here we do not have an enduring city, but we are looking for the city that is to come.

15 Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name. 16 And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.

17 Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you.

18 Pray for us. We are sure that we have a clear conscience and desire to live honorably in every way. 19 I particularly urge you to pray so that I may be restored to you soon.

Benediction and Final Greetings

20 Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, 21 equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

22 Brothers and sisters, I urge you to bear with my word of exhortation, for in fact I have written to you quite briefly.

23 I want you to know that our brother Timothy has been released. If he arrives soon, I will come with him to see you.

24 Greet all your leaders and all the Lord’s people. Those from Italy send you their greetings.

25 Grace be with you all.

Footnotes:
Hebrews 13:5 Deut. 31:6
Hebrews 13:6 Psalm 118:6,7

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New International Version (NIV)

Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Some content adapted from Halley, Henry H., Bible Handbook, Grayson Publishing, Minneapolis, MN.  © 1927 - 1959.

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Hugh C. Wood, Atlanta, Georgia

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