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Friday, 25 November 2016

Hebrews 13:1,2 - Keep on loving

13:1
The previous twelve chapters have all been part of a single argument, namely the all sufficiency of Christ. Now we finish with a series of more general instructions on Christian living. The first is to show brotherly love, in fact he says "let brotherly love continue". There is always a danger that we will allow other things to supplant brotherly love: ambition, pride, bitterness etc. All the writers in the New Testament encouraged their hearers to show love for one another, and this is to be a distinguishing feature of the church.

13:2
The writer was clearly steeped in Scripture, and that would be Old Testament Scripture. The reference to having entertained angels is probably referring to Abraham entertaining three angels (Gen 18:1-15). Hospitality is another commonly encouraged trait in the New Testament, and in the Law as well. In those days some people would travel from town to town and needed hospitality. Also, if the church is under persecution it is all the more important that we help each other, it is part of what will enable us to stand up to opposition.

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