Hebrews

Introduction: God Has Spoken Fully and Finally in His Son

1:1 After God spoke long ago1 in various portions2 and in various ways3 to our ancestors4 through the prophets, 1:2 in these last days he has spoken to us in a son,5 whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he created the world.6 1:3 The Son is7 the radiance of his glory and the representation of his essence, and he sustains all things by his powerful word,8 and so when he had accomplished cleansing for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.9 1:4 Thus he became10 so far better than the angels as11 he has inherited a name superior to theirs.

The Son Is Superior to Angels

1:5 For to which of the angels did God12 ever say, "You are my son! Today I have fathered you"?13 And in another place14 he says,15 "I will be his father and he will be my son."16 1:6 But when he again brings17 his firstborn into the world, he says, "Let all the angels of God worship him!"18 1:7 And he says19 of the angels, "He makes20 his angels spirits and his ministers a flame of fire,"21 1:8 but of22 the Son he says,23

1:10 And,

1:13 But to which of the angels30 has he ever said, "Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet"?31 1:14 Are they not all ministering spirits, sent out to serve those32 who will inherit salvation?

Warning Against Drifting Away

2:1 Therefore we must pay closer attention to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away. 2:2 For if the message spoken through angels1 proved to be so firm that every violation2 or disobedience received its just penalty, 2:3 how will we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? It was first communicated through the Lord and was confirmed to us by those who heard him, 2:4 while God confirmed their witness3 with signs and wonders and various miracles and gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed4 according to his will.

Exposition of Psalm 8:
Jesus and the Destiny of Humanity

2:5 For he did not put the world to come,5 about which we are speaking,6 under the control of angels. 2:6 Instead someone testified somewhere:7

For when he put all things under his control, he left nothing outside of his control. At present we do not yet see all things under his control,10 2:9 but we see Jesus, who was made lower than the angels for a little while,11 now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death,12 so that by God's grace he would experience death on behalf of everyone. 2:10 For it was fitting for him, for whom and through whom all things exist,13 in bringing many sons to glory, to make the pioneer14 of their salvation perfect through sufferings. 2:11 For indeed he who makes holy and those being made holy all have the same origin,15 and so16 he is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters,17 2:12 saying, "I will proclaim your name to my brothers;18 in the midst of the assembly I will praise you."19 2:13 Again he says,20 "I will be confident in him," and again, "Here I am,21 with22 the children God has given me."23 2:14 Therefore, since the children share in flesh and blood, he likewise shared in24 their humanity,25 so that through death he could destroy26 the one who holds the power of death (that is, the devil), 2:15 and set free those who were held in slavery all their lives by their fear of death. 2:16 For surely his concern is not for angels, but he is concerned for Abraham's descendants. 2:17 Therefore he had27 to be made like his brothers and sisters28 in every respect, so that he could become a merciful and faithful high priest in things relating to God, to make atonement29 for the sins of the people. 2:18 For since he suffered and was tempted,30 he is able to help those who are tempted.

Jesus and Moses

3:1 Therefore, holy brothers and sisters,1 partners in a heavenly calling, take note of Jesus, the apostle and high priest whom we confess,2 3:2 who is faithful to the one who appointed him, as Moses was also in God's3 house.4 3:3 For he has come to deserve greater glory than Moses, just as the builder of a house deserves greater honor than the house itself! 3:4 For every house is built by someone, but the builder of all things is God. 3:5 Now Moses was faithful in all God's5 house6 as a servant, to testify to the things that would be spoken. 3:6 But Christ7 is faithful as a son over God's8 house. We are of his house,9 if in fact we hold firmly10 to our confidence and the hope we take pride in.11

Exposition of Psalm 95: Hearing God's Word in Faith

3:7 Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says,12

3:12 See to it,17 brothers and sisters,18 that none of you has19 an evil, unbelieving heart that forsakes20 the living God.21 3:13 But exhort one another each day, as long as it is called "Today," that none of you may become hardened by sin's deception. 3:14 For we have become partners with Christ, if in fact we hold our initial confidence22 firm until the end. 3:15 As it says,23 "Oh, that today you would listen as he speaks!24 Do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion."25 3:16 For which ones heard and rebelled? Was it not all who came out of Egypt under Moses' leadership?26 3:17 And against whom was God27 provoked for forty years? Was it not those who sinned, whose dead bodies fell in the wilderness?28 3:18 And to whom did he swear they would never enter into his rest, except those who were disobedient? 3:19 So29 we see that they could not enter because of unbelief.

God's Promised Rest

4:1 Therefore we must be wary1 that, while the promise of entering his rest remains open, none of you may seem to have come short of it. 4:2 For we had good news proclaimed to us just as they did. But the message they heard did them no good, since they did not join in2 with those who heard it in faith.3 4:3 For we who have believed enter that rest, as he has said, "As I swore in my anger, `They will never enter my rest!'"4 And yet God's works5 were accomplished from the foundation of the world. 4:4 For he has spoken somewhere about the seventh day in this way: "And God rested on the seventh day from all his works,"6 4:5 but to repeat the text cited earlier:7 "They will never enter my rest!" 4:6 Therefore it remains for some to enter it, yet those to whom it was previously proclaimed did not enter because of disobedience. 4:7 So God8 again ordains a certain day, "Today," speaking through David9 after so long a time, as in the words quoted before,10 "O, that today you would listen as he speaks!11 Do not harden your hearts." 4:8 For if Joshua had given them rest, God12 would not have spoken afterwards about another day. 4:9 Consequently a Sabbath rest remains for the people of God. 4:10 For the one who enters God's13 rest has also rested from his works, just as God did from his own works. 4:11 Thus we must make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one may fall by following the same pattern of disobedience. 4:12 For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any double-edged sword, piercing even to the point of dividing soul from spirit, and joints from marrow; it is able to judge the desires and thoughts of the heart. 4:13 And no creature is hidden from God,14 but everything is naked and exposed to his eyes to whom we must render an account.

Jesus Our Compassionate High Priest

4:14 Therefore since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast to our confession. 4:15 For we do not have a high priest incapable of sympathizing with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in every way just as we are, yet without sin. 4:16 Therefore let us confidently approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and find grace whenever we need help.15

5:1 For every high priest is taken from among people1 and appointed2 to represent them before God,3 to offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins. 5:2 He is able to deal compassionately with those who are ignorant and erring, since he also is subject to weakness, 5:3 and for this reason he is obligated to make sin-offerings for himself as well as for the people. 5:4 And no one assumes this honor4 on his own initiative,5 but only when called to it by God,6 as in fact Aaron was. 5:5 So also Christ did not glorify himself in becoming high priest, but the one who glorified him was God,7 who said to him, "You are my Son! Today I have fathered you,"8 5:6 as also in another place God9 says, "You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek."10 5:7 During his earthly life11 Christ12 offered13 both requests and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to the one who was able to save him from death and he was heard because of his devotion. 5:8 Although he was a son, he learned obedience through the things he suffered.14 5:9 And by being perfected in this way, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him, 5:10 and he was designated15 by God as high priest in the order of Melchizedek.16

The Need to Move on to Maturity

5:11 On this topic we have much to say17 and it is difficult to explain, since you have become sluggish18 in hearing. 5:12 For though you should in fact be teachers by this time,19 you need someone to teach you the beginning elements of God's utterances.20 You have gone back to needing21 milk, not solid food. 5:13 For everyone who lives on milk is inexperienced in the message of righteousness, because he is an infant. 5:14 But solid food is for the mature, whose perceptions are trained by practice to discern both good and evil.

6:1 Therefore we must progress beyond1 the elementary2 instructions about Christ3 and move on4 to maturity, not laying this foundation again: repentance from dead works and faith in God, 6:2 teaching about baptisms, laying on of hands, resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. 6:3 And this is what we intend to do,5 if God permits. 6:4 For it is impossible in the case of those who have once been enlightened, tasted the heavenly gift, become partakers of the Holy Spirit, 6:5 tasted the good word of God and the miracles of the coming age, 6:6 and then have committed apostasy,6 to renew them again to repentance, since7 they are crucifying the Son of God for themselves all over again8 and holding him up to contempt. 6:7 For the ground that has soaked up the rain that frequently falls on9 it and yields useful vegetation for those who tend it receives a blessing from God. 6:8 But if it produces thorns and thistles, it is useless and about to be cursed;10 its fate is to be burned. 6:9 But in your case, dear friends, even though we speak like this, we are convinced of better things relating to salvation. 6:10 For God is not unjust so as to forget your work and the love you have demonstrated for his name, in having served and continuing to serve the saints. 6:11 But we passionately want each of you to demonstrate the same eagerness for the fulfillment of your hope until the end, 6:12 so that you may not be sluggish,11 but imitators of those who through faith and perseverance inherit the promises.

6:13 Now when God made his promise to Abraham, since he could swear by no one greater, he swore by himself, 6:14 saying, "Surely I will bless you greatly and multiply your descendants abundantly."12 6:15 And so by persevering, Abraham13 inherited the promise. 6:16 For people swear by something greater than themselves,14 and the oath serves as a confirmation to end all dispute.15 6:17 In the same way16 God wanted to demonstrate more clearly to the heirs of the promise that his purpose was unchangeable,17 and so he intervened with an oath, 6:18 so that we who have found refuge in him18 may find strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us through two unchangeable things, since it is impossible for God to lie. 6:19 We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, sure and steadfast, which reaches inside behind the curtain,19 6:20 where Jesus our forerunner entered on our behalf, since he became a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.20

The Nature of Jesus' Melchizedekan Priesthood

7:1 Now this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, met Abraham as he was returning from defeating the kings and blessed him.1 7:2 To him2 also Abraham apportioned a tithe3 of everything.4 His name first means5 king of righteousness, then king of Salem, that is, king of peace. 7:3 Without father, without mother, without genealogy, he has neither beginning of days nor end of life but is like the son of God, and he remains a priest for all time. 7:4 But see how great he must be, if6 Abraham the patriarch gave him a tithe7 of his finest plunder. 7:5 And those of the sons of Levi who receive the priestly office8 have authorization according to the law to collect a tithe from the people, that is, from their fellow countrymen,9 although they too are descendants of Abraham.10 7:6 But Melchizedek11 who does not share their ancestry12 collected a tithe13 from Abraham and blessed14 the one who possessed the promise. 7:7 Now without dispute the inferior is blessed by the superior, 7:8 and in one case tithes are received by mortal men, while in the other by him who is affirmed to be alive. 7:9 And it could be said that Levi himself, who receives tithes, paid a tithe through Abraham. 7:10 For he was still in his ancestor's loins15 when Melchizedek met him.

The Significance of Jesus' Melchizedekan Priesthood

7:11 So if perfection had in fact been possible through the levitical priesthood--for on that basis16 the people received the law--what further need would there have been for another priest to arise, said to be in the order of Melchizedek and not in Aaron's order? 7:12 For when the priesthood changes, a change in the law must come17 as well. 7:13 Yet the one these things are spoken about belongs to18 a different tribe, and no one from that tribe19 has ever officiated at the altar. 7:14 For it is clear that our Lord is descended from Judah, yet Moses said nothing about priests in connection with that tribe. 7:15 And this is even clearer if another priest arises in the likeness of Melchizedek, 7:16 who has become a priest not by a legal regulation about physical descent20 but by the power of an indestructible life. 7:17 For here is the testimony about him:21 "You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek."22 7:18 On the one hand a former command is set aside23 because it is weak and useless,24 7:19 for the law made nothing perfect. On the other hand a better hope is introduced, through which we draw near to God. 7:20 And since25 this was not done without a sworn affirmation--for the others have become priests without a sworn affirmation, 7:21 but Jesus26 did so27 with a sworn affirmation by the one who said to him, "The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind, `You are a priest forever'"28-- 7:22 accordingly Jesus has become the guarantee29 of a better covenant. 7:23 And the others30 who became priests were numerous, because death prevented them31 from continuing in office,32 7:24 but he holds his priesthood permanently since he lives forever. 7:25 So he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them. 7:26 For it is indeed fitting for us to have such a high priest: holy, innocent, undefiled, separate from sinners, and exalted above the heavens. 7:27 He has no need to do every day what those priests do, to offer sacrifices first for their own sins and then for the sins of the people, since he did this in offering himself once for all. 7:28 For the law appoints as high priests men subject to weakness,33 but the word of solemn affirmation that came after the law appoints a son made perfect forever.

The High Priest of a Better Covenant

8:1 Now the main point of what we are saying is this:1 we have such a high priest, one who sat down at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven,2 8:2 a minister in the sanctuary and the true tabernacle that the Lord, not man, set up. 8:3 For every high priest is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices. So this one too had to have something to offer. 8:4 Now if he were on earth, he would not be a priest, since there are already priests who offer3 the gifts prescribed by the law. 8:5 The place where they serve is4 a pattern5 and shadow of the heavenly sanctuary, just as Moses was warned by God as he was about to complete the tabernacle. For he says, "See that you make everything according to the example shown to you on the mountain."6 8:6 But7 now Jesus8 has obtained a superior ministry, since9 the covenant that he mediates is also better and is enacted10 on better promises.11

8:7 For if that first covenant had been faultless, no one would have looked for a second one.12 8:8 But13 showing its fault,14 God15 says to them,16

8:13 When he speaks of a new covenant,24 he makes the first obsolete. Now what is growing obsolete and aging is about to disappear.25

The Arrangement and Ritual of the Earthly Sanctuary

9:1 Now the first covenant,1 in fact, had regulations for worship and its earthly sanctuary. 9:2 For a tent was prepared, the outer one,2 which contained3 the lampstand, the table, and the presentation of the loaves; this4 is called the holy place. 9:3 And after the second curtain there was a tent called the holy of holies. 9:4 It contained the golden altar of incense and the ark of the covenant covered entirely with gold. In this ark5 were the golden urn containing the manna, Aaron's rod that budded, and the stone tablets of the covenant. 9:5 And above the ark6 were the cherubim7 of glory overshadowing the mercy seat. Now is not the time to speak of these things in detail. 9:6 So with these things prepared like this, the priests enter continually into the outer tent8 as they perform their duties. 9:7 But only the high priest enters once a year into the inner tent,9 and not without blood that he offers for himself and the errors of the people.10 9:8 The Holy Spirit is making clear that the way into the holy place had not yet appeared as long as the old tabernacle11 was standing. 9:9 This was a symbol for the time then present, when gifts and sacrifices were offered that could not perfect the conscience of the worshiper. 9:10 They served only for matters of food and drink12 and various washings; they are external regulations imposed until the new order came.13

Christ's Service in the Heavenly Sanctuary

9:11 But now Christ has come14 as the high priest of the good things to come. He passed through the greater and more perfect tent not made with hands, that is, not of this creation, 9:12 and he entered once for all into the most holy place not by the blood of goats and calves but by his own blood, and so he himself secured15 eternal redemption. 9:13 For if the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a young cow sprinkled on those who are defiled consecrated them and provided ritual purity,16 9:14 how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our17 conscience from dead works to worship the living God.

9:15 And so he is the mediator18 of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the eternal inheritance he has promised,19 since he died20 to set them free from the violations committed under the first covenant. 9:16 For where there is a will, the death of the one who made it must be proven.21 9:17 For a will takes effect only at death, since it carries no force while the one who made it is alive. 9:18 So even the first covenant was inaugurated with blood.22 9:19 For when Moses had spoken every command to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and goats with water and scarlet wool and hyssop and sprinkled both the book itself and all the people, 9:20 and said, "This is the blood of the covenant that the Lord has commanded you to keep."23 9:21 And both the tabernacle and all the utensils of worship he likewise sprinkled with blood. 9:22 Indeed according to the law almost everything was purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness. 9:23 So it was necessary for the patterns24 of the things in heaven to be purified with these sacrifices,25 but the heavenly things themselves required26 better sacrifices than these. 9:24 For Christ did not enter a sanctuary made with hands--the representation27 of the true sanctuary28--but into heaven itself, and he appears now in God's presence for us. 9:25 And he did not enter to offer29 himself again and again, the way the high priest enters the sanctuary year after year with blood that is not his own, 9:26 for then he would have had to suffer again and again since the foundation of the world. But now he has appeared once for all at the consummation of the ages to put away sin by his sacrifice. 9:27 And just as people are appointed to die once, and then to face judgment,30 9:28 so also, after Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many,31 to those who eagerly await him he will appear a second time, not to bear sin32 but to bring salvation.33

Concluding Exposition: Old and New Sacrifices Contrasted

10:1 For the law possesses a shadow of the good things to come but not the reality itself, and is therefore completely unable, by the same sacrifices offered continually, year after year, to perfect those who come to worship.1 10:2 For otherwise would they not have ceased to be offered, since the worshipers would have been purified once for all and so have2 no further consciousness of sin? 10:3 But in those sacrifices3 there is a reminder of sins year after year. 10:4 For the blood of bulls and goats cannot take away sins.4 10:5 So when he came into the world, he said,

10:8 When he says above, "Sacrifices and offerings and whole burnt offerings and sin-offerings you did not desire nor did you take delight in them"7 (which are offered according to the law), 10:9 then he says, "Here I am: I have come to do your will." He does away with8 the first to establish the second. 10:10 By his will9 we have been made holy through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. 10:11 And every priest stands day after day10 serving and offering the same sacrifices again and again--sacrifices that can never take away sins. 10:12 But when this priest11 had offered one sacrifice for sins for all time, he sat down at the right hand12 of God, 10:13 where he is now waiting13 until his enemies are made a footstool for his feet.14 10:14 For by one offering he has perfected for all time those who are made holy. 10:15 And the Holy Spirit also witnesses to us, for after saying,15 10:16 "This is the covenant that I will establish with them after those days, says the Lord. I will put16 my laws on their hearts and I will inscribe them on their minds,"17 10:17 then he says,18 "Their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no longer."19 10:18 Now where there is forgiveness of these, there is no longer any offering for sin.

Drawing Near to God in Enduring Faith

10:19 Therefore, brothers and sisters,20 since we have confidence to enter the sanctuary by the blood of Jesus, 10:20 by the fresh and living way that he inaugurated for us21 through the curtain, that is, through his flesh,22 10:21 and since we have a great priest23 over the house of God, 10:22 let us draw near with a sincere heart in the assurance that faith brings,24 because we have had our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience25 and our bodies washed in pure water. 10:23 And let us hold unwaveringly to the hope that we confess, for the one who made the promise is trustworthy. 10:24 And let us take thought of how to spur one another on to love and good works,26 10:25 not abandoning our own meetings, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging each other, and even more so because you see the day27 drawing near.28

10:26 For if we deliberately keep on sinning after receiving the knowledge of the truth, no further sacrifice for sins is left for us,29 10:27 but only a certain fearful expectation of judgment and a fury30 of fire that will consume God's enemies.31 10:28 Someone who rejected the law of Moses was put to death32 without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses.33 10:29 How much greater punishment do you think that person deserves who has contempt for34 the Son of God, and profanes35 the blood of the covenant that made him holy,36 and insults the Spirit of grace? 10:30 For we know the one who said, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay,"37 and again, "The Lord will judge his people."38 10:31 It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

10:32 But remember the former days when you endured a harsh conflict of suffering after you were enlightened. 10:33 At times you were publicly exposed to abuse and afflictions, and at other times you came to share with others who were treated in that way. 10:34 For in fact you shared the sufferings of those in prison, and you accepted the confiscation of your belongings with joy, because you knew that you certainly39 had a better and lasting possession. 10:35 So do not throw away your confidence, because it40 has great reward. 10:36 For you need endurance in order to do God's will and so receive what is promised.41 10:37 For just a little longer and he who is coming will arrive and not delay.42 10:38 But my righteous one will live by faith, and if he shrinks back, I43 take no pleasure in him.44 10:39 But we are not among those who shrink back and thus perish, but are among those who have faith and preserve their souls.45

People Commended for Their Faith

11:1 Now faith is being sure of what we hope for, being convinced of what we do not see. 11:2 For by it the people of old1 received God's commendation.2 11:3 By faith we understand that the worlds3 were set in order at God's command,4 so that the visible has its origin in the invisible.5 11:4 By faith Abel offered God a greater sacrifice than Cain, and through his faith6 he was commended as righteous, because God commended him for his offerings. And through his faith7 he still speaks, though he is dead. 11:5 By faith Enoch was taken up so that he did not see death, and he was not to be found because God took him up. For before his removal he had been commended as having pleased God. 11:6 Now without faith it is impossible to please him, for the one who approaches God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. 11:7 By faith Noah, when he was warned about things not yet seen, reverently8 constructed an ark for the deliverance of his family. Through faith he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.

11:8 By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place he would later receive as an inheritance, and he went out without understanding where he was going. 11:9 By faith he lived as a foreigner9 in the promised land as though it were a foreign country, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, who were fellow heirs10 of the same promise. 11:10 For he was looking forward to the city with firm foundations,11 whose architect and builder is God. 11:11 By faith, even though Sarah herself was barren and he was too old,12 he received the ability to procreate,13 because he regarded the one who had given the promise to be trustworthy. 11:12 So in fact children14 were fathered by one man--and this one as good as dead--like the number of stars in the sky and like the innumerable grains of sand15 on the seashore.16 11:13 These all died in faith without receiving the things promised,17 but they saw them in the distance and welcomed them and acknowledged that they were strangers and foreigners18 on the earth. 11:14 For those who speak in such a way make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. 11:15 In fact, if they had been thinking of the land that they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. 11:16 But as it is,19 they aspire to a better land, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore, God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them. 11:17 By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac. He had received the promises,20 yet he was ready to offer up21 his only son. 11:18 God had told him, "Through Isaac descendants will carry on your name,"22 11:19 and he reasoned23 that God could even raise him from the dead, and in a sense24 he received him back from there. 11:20 By faith also Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning the future. 11:21 By faith Jacob, as he was dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph and worshiped as he leaned on his staff.25 11:22 By faith Joseph, at the end of his life,26 mentioned the exodus of the sons of Israel27 and gave instructions about his burial.28

11:23 By faith, when Moses was born, his parents hid him29 for three months, because they saw the child was beautiful and they were not afraid of the king's edict. 11:24 By faith, when he grew up, Moses refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, 11:25 choosing rather to be ill-treated with the people of God than to enjoy sin's fleeting pleasure. 11:26 He regarded abuse suffered for Christ30 to be greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for his eyes were fixed on31 the reward. 11:27 By faith he left Egypt without fearing the king's anger, for he persevered as though he could see the one who is invisible. 11:28 By faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of the blood,32 so that the one who destroyed the firstborn would not touch them. 11:29 By faith they crossed the Red Sea as if on dry ground, but when the Egyptians tried it, they were swallowed up. 11:30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell after the people marched around them33 for seven days. 11:31 By faith Rahab the prostitute escaped the destruction of34 the disobedient, because she welcomed the spies in peace.

11:32 And what more shall I say? For time will fail me if I tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets. 11:33 Through faith they conquered kingdoms, administered justice,35 gained what was promised,36 shut the mouths of lions, 11:34 quenched raging fire,37 escaped the edge of the sword, gained strength in weakness,38 became mighty in battle, put foreign armies to flight, 11:35 and women received back their dead raised to life.39 But others were tortured, not accepting release, to obtain resurrection to a better life.40 11:36 And others experienced mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. 11:37 They were stoned, sawed apart,41 murdered with the sword; they went about in sheepskins and goatskins; they were destitute, afflicted, ill-treated 11:38 (the world was not worthy of them); they wandered in deserts and mountains and caves and openings in the earth. 11:39 And these all were commended42 for their faith, yet they did not receive what was promised.43 11:40 For God had provided something better for us, so that they would be made perfect together with us.44

The Lord's Discipline

12:1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses,1 we must get rid of every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and run with endurance the race set out for us, 12:2 keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. For the joy set out for him he endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God.2 12:3 Think of him who endured such opposition against himself by sinners, so that you may not grow weary in your souls and give up. 12:4 You have not yet resisted to the point of bloodshed3 in your struggle against sin. 12:5 And have you forgotten the exhortation addressed to you as sons?

12:7 Endure your suffering7 as discipline;8 God is treating you as sons. For what son is there that a father does not discipline? 12:8 But if you do not experience discipline,9 something all sons10 have shared in, then you are illegitimate and not sons. 12:9 Besides, we have experienced discipline from11 our earthly fathers12 and we respected them; shall we not submit ourselves all the more to the Father of spirits and receive life?13 12:10 For they disciplined us for a little while as seemed good to them, but he does so for our benefit, that we may share his holiness. 12:11 Now all discipline seems painful at the time, not joyful.14 But later it produces the fruit of peace and righteousness15 for those trained by it. 12:12 Therefore, strengthen16 your listless hands and your weak knees,17 12:13 and make straight paths for your feet,18 so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but healed.

Do Not Reject God's Warning

12:14 Pursue peace with everyone, and holiness,19 for without it no one will see the Lord. 12:15 See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God, that no one be like a bitter root springing up20 and causing trouble, and through him many become defiled. 12:16 And see to it that no one becomes21 an immoral or godless person like Esau, who sold his own birthright for a single meal.22 12:17 For you know that23 later when he wanted to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no opportunity for repentance, although he sought the blessing24 with tears. 12:18 For you have not come to something that can be touched,25 to a burning fire and darkness and gloom and a whirlwind 12:19 and the blast of a trumpet and a voice uttering words26 such that those who heard begged to hear no more.27 12:20 For they could not bear what was commanded: "If even an animal touches the mountain, it must be stoned."28 12:21 In fact, the scene29 was so terrifying that Moses said, "I shudder with fear."30 12:22 But you have come to Mount Zion, the city31 of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to myriads of angels, to the assembly 12:23 and congregation of the firstborn, who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous, who have been made perfect, 12:24 and to Jesus, the mediator32 of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks of something better than Abel's does.33

12:25 Take care not to refuse the one who is speaking! For if they did not escape when they refused the one who warned them on earth, how much less shall we, if we reject the one who warns from heaven? 12:26 Then his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, "I will once more shake not only the earth but heaven too."34 12:27 Now this phrase "once more" indicates the removal of what is shaken, that is, of created things, so that what is unshaken may remain. 12:28 So since we are receiving an unshakable kingdom, let us give thanks, and through this let us offer worship pleasing to God in devotion and awe. 12:29 For our God is indeed a devouring fire.35

Final Exhortations

13:1 Brotherly love must continue. 13:2 Do not neglect hospitality, because through it some have entertained angels without knowing it.1 13:3 Remember those in prison as though you were in prison with them,2 and those ill-treated as though you too felt their torment.3 13:4 Marriage must be honored among all and the marriage bed kept undefiled, for sexually immoral people and adulterers God will judge. 13:5 Your conduct must be free from the love of money and you must be content with what you have, for he has said, "I will never leave you and I will never abandon you."4 13:6 So we can say with confidence, "The Lord is my helper, and5 I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?"6 13:7 Remember your leaders, who spoke God's message to you; reflect on the outcome of their lives and imitate their faith. 13:8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever! 13:9 Do not be carried away by all sorts of strange teachings.7 For it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not ritual meals,8 which have never benefited those who participated in them. 13:10 We have an altar that those who serve in the tabernacle have no right to eat from. 13:11 For the bodies of those animals whose blood the high priest brings9 into the sanctuary as an offering for sin are burned outside the camp. 13:12 Therefore, to sanctify the people by his own blood, Jesus also suffered outside the camp. 13:13 We must go out to him, then, outside the camp, bearing the abuse he experienced.10 13:14 For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come. 13:15 Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, acknowledging his name. 13:16 And do not neglect to do good and to share what you have,11 for God is pleased with such sacrifices.

13:17 Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls and will give an account for their work.12 Let them do this13 with joy and not with complaints, for this would be no advantage for you. 13:18 Pray for us, for we are sure that we have a clear conscience and desire to conduct ourselves rightly in every respect. 13:19 I especially ask you to pray14 that I may be restored to you very soon.

Benediction and Conclusion

13:20 Now may the God of peace who by the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead the great shepherd of the sheep, our Lord Jesus Christ, 13:21 equip you with every good thing to do his will, working in you what is pleasing before him through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever.15 Amen. 13:22 Now I urge you, brothers and sisters,16 bear with my message of exhortation, for in fact I have written to you briefly. 13:23 You should know that17 our brother Timothy has been released. If he comes soon, he will be with me when I see you.18 13:24 Greetings to all your leaders and all the saints. Those from Italy send you greetings. 13:25 Grace be with you all.