Hebrews 13:1

Introduction to Hebrews 13:1

We begin Hebrews 13 with a chain of commands, starting in verse 1:

Let brotherly love continue.

This verse is incredibly important today. It is the first command in chapter 13 and the only third-person imperative, giving it the most grammatical and contextual emphasis among the chapter's commands. Obedience to it equips us to fulfill the others.

In examining this verse, three key elements stand out:

1. A specific type of love—and a specific type of person.
2. An acknowledgment of previous displays of this love.
3. A central command to maintain it.

The Specific Type of Love: Brotherly Love (Philadelphia)

The love here is philadelphia—brotherly love, as in the city of Philadelphia, the city of brotherly love. Literally, "Let the philadelphia continue." The definite article emphasizes the brotherly love.

This word describes affectionate love showing kindness, sympathy, and offering help among those with something in common—typically physical descent, but here spiritual descent. It thrives in an environment where the gospel is central, among specific people: believers in Christ.

Hebrews 2:12 — "I will declare your name to my brethren; in the midst of the assembly I will sing praise to you."
Hebrews 2:13 — "And again, 'I will put my trust in Him.' And again, 'Here am I and the children whom God has given Me.'"

Jesus calls believers His brethren. We share mutual trust in God, as spiritual descendants of Abraham through faith.

Hebrews 3:1 — "Therefore, holy brethren, partakers of a heavenly calling..."
Romans 8:28 — "...those who are the called according to His purpose."
Hebrews 12:5-7 — "...the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons: 'My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord...'"

These are people God has given Christ for salvation—children of God, partakers of a heavenly calling. This love belongs to those saved through faith in Christ's gospel. The natural person cannot comprehend it.

John 13:34 — "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another."

Christ is the example, reason, and motivation. True benevolence, kindness, sincerity, and heartfelt fellowship flow only from a saving relationship with Christ.

If you lack this, may it stir jealousy to embrace Christ's work on the cross for forgiveness.

A Side Note: Overflow to Loving Unbelievers

Persistent brotherly love overflows to loving unbelievers and enemies. Practicing it mirrors Christ's life—showing kindness to rejectors, as in John 6 with the 5,000 who walked away. This staggering love drew God-haters to Him, contrasting pharisaical hypocrisy.

Have we made Christ irresistible to the lost through how we love one another?

Acknowledgment of Past Love and the Command to Continue

The present-tense imperative acknowledges prior brotherly love but commands it to continue—it is essential. Yet some in the congregation failed here:

Hebrews 10:24-25 — "And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another..."

Forsaking assembly reveals lacking love. Paul often expressed longing for brethren. Recalling past love provokes more—flooding hearts with joy, combating loneliness and trials as believers face hostility.

Brotherly love displays the gospel, recharges against difficulties, and is essential for church health. It qualifies elders (Titus 1; 1 Timothy 3).

What This Verse Means—and Doesn't Mean

It Does Not Mean Ignoring Doctrinal Error

Brotherly love corrects error. I once held two errors that shook others' faith. A brother patiently showed me my wrong through Scripture. Initially offended, Scripture confirmed his words, leading to stronger relationships, trust, and effective ministry.

1 Peter 1:22 — "Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart."

Proverbs 29:12 — "If a ruler pays attention to lies, all his servants become wicked."

It Does Not Mean Ignoring Sin

We must confront sin biblically—with Scripture and witnesses—not mystical accusations. This saves souls:

James 5:19-20 — "Brethren, if anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins."

Proverbs 10:12 — "Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses."
1 Peter 4:8 — "Above all things have fervent love for one another, for 'love will cover a multitude of sins.'"

Like stopping a child from a cliff or truck, confronting sin prevents spiritual death. True closeness brings transparency, not prying.

Practical Ways to Let Brotherly Love Continue

Romans 12:9 — "Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good."
James 2:15-16 — "If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to them, 'Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,' but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit?"
Romans 12:10 — "Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another."
1 Thessalonians 4:9 — "...you yourselves are taught by God to love one another."
1 Peter 3:8-9 — "Be compassionate, loving as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous; not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing..."

Be non-hypocritical, honor others (outdo in respect), rely on God's teaching, share feelings, be humble, bless—not curse.

Embracing this transforms church into a place of eager anticipation and high-quality life, glorifying God.