Hebrews 13:1-3: Let Brotherly Love Continue
2024-02-17
The first three verses of this chapter deal with brotherly love and a few practical implications and applications of what that looks like in the Body of Christ.
Hebrews 13:1
Let brotherly love continue. (Hebrews 13:1)
What is “brotherly love”? Consider the discussion here.
Because the apostle told these Hebrews to continue in brotherly love, it suggests they were already doing this. The implication is also that there is a danger that their brotherly love could stop. The Ephesians had this trouble at one point. “Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent” (Revelation 2:4-5). Brotherly love is a key aspect that is non-negotiable in the life of a church. Without it, the church will be shut down by the Lord Himself.
You can also see that brotherly love is a “work” rather than an emotion. You may claim to care, but to have true love for another, you must do something to show Biblical love.
Hebrews 13:2
Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. (Hebrews 13:2)
Hospitality is one application of brotherly love. Inviting other people into your home is one way to love them and be loved. It is a way to get to know other people better. It also may have a possible unusual side effect. Consider the discussions:
“Be not forgetful to entertain strangers...”
“...for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.”
Hebrews 13:3
Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body. (Hebrews 13:3)
As in hospitality, visiting those who are in prison is another way brotherly love can be manifested. What is probably in view here is one who is imprisoned specifically for the cause of Jesus Christ. What do you think these poor people are thinking about while they are alone in prison? Consider Matthew 11:1-15.
Recall that John the Baptist and Jesus were second cousins according to the flesh. Jesus was performing all sorts of miracles while John was sitting in prison. Recall what John once said:
The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me. And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water. And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him. And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost. And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God. (John 1:29-34)
At the height of John’s ministry, he clearly articulated who Jesus was. He saw miraculous events to that end. Jesus even quoted Malachi 3:1, referring to John as His forerunner. The Lord said this about John: “Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist.”
Whatever we read about John, we see that he is now questioning the whole thing. If Jesus is the Almighty, why am I sitting in prison as one who did evil? He probably felt ashamed sending messengers to the Lord asking to confirm His Messiahship. “Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another?” Do you see the comparison of John at his best to John at his lowest?
Jesus sent His response. The signs that He performed affirmed who He was. And the Lord concluded His message with, “And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.” By offense, the Lord means to stumble and apostatize.
John was questioning Christ Himself because of everything he had suffered. He was doing everything right; why was God letting him sit in prison?
If John the Baptist, this greatest born among women, was sitting there questioning His own faith and salvation, how much more is the average Joe Christian doing the same thing while in prison? This is why it is important to remember those in prison in a tangible way, especially visiting them while possible.
We remember their bonds like we are bond with them because we both care for them and also realize that we could be next.
Consider the further discussion here.
It is not just those who are in prison, but any Christian who suffers adversity or is being treated unjustly. In the faith chapter, this word for “adversity” is the same as the word “tormented” in Hebrews 11:37. It is a part of the Christian life. People who are suffering such maltreatment need encouragement.
When one suffers, the whole body suffers. Consider the discussion here.