Hebrews 13:2-4

Love of Strangers (Hebrews 13:2)

Building on the foundation of brotherly love, we now turn to the love of strangers. Hebrews 13:2 states:

Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels.

The literal rendering emphasizes: "Do not forget the love of strangers." This is philoxenia—hospitality toward those we do not know. It does not exclude believers, but the focus is on welcoming outsiders.

Hospitality is a mark of true believers, as seen in Romans 12:13: "given to hospitality." We are to outdo one another in respect and generosity, competing to show love.

We naturally forget to show hospitality. Our culture promotes a "don't get too close" philosophy, even among believers. Yet every Christian is called to hospitality ministry—caring for one another, the lost, and those in need.

The early church exemplified this in Acts 2:44-45:

And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need.

Church is not a building but the people of God. We live out church life daily by meeting needs.

Jesus ties hospitality to judgment in Matthew 25:35-40:

For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me... Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.

True hospitality is gospel-motivated, serving Jesus by serving others—even strangers. Jesus showed mercy to crowds who later abandoned Him, yet this drew many to repentance.

Your treatment of others reveals your view of Christ. Hospitality declares the authenticity of our faith.

The reason given—"some have unwittingly entertained angels"—echoes Abraham in Genesis 18, where hospitality brought divine promises and protection. Lot's hospitality spared his life. Angels minister where believers show hospitality (Hebrews 1:14), creating environments of encouragement, strength, and perseverance amid trials.

For the persecuted Hebrews, hospitality fosters grace and points to reliance on Christ. Lack of hospitality hinders the gospel; hospitable churches advance it.

Empathy for Prisoners (Hebrews 13:3)

Hebrews 13:3 commands:

Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them; those who are mistreated, since you yourselves also are in the body.

Remember prisoners—especially believers wrongfully imprisoned for the gospel. Empathy means sharing their feelings, living as if chained with them.

Prisoners are "out of sight, out of mind." Counter this through prayer, visitation, providing Scripture, and ministering to their families.

This echoes Matthew 25's call to visit prisoners, serving Christ Himself. Empathy prepares us, for any believer may face imprisonment for the gospel.

It aligns with Ephesians 6:18-20, where after putting on the armor of God, Paul urges prayer for all saints—especially imprisoned gospel ambassadors like himself—to proclaim boldly.

Remembering prisoners focuses us on gospel advancement, drenching sufferers in prayer for perseverance and boldness.

The Honor of Marriage (Hebrews 13:4)

Hebrews 13:4 declares:

Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous.

This fits the context: a gospel-centered life preaches the gospel through every area, including marriage. Marriage publicly displays Christ's love for His church.

Marriage mirrors the Old Testament pointing to the New—awaiting Christ's redemption. It is precious, like Christ's blood.

In Ephesians 5:31-32:

Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church.

Marriage is a sacrament—a visible sign of inward grace, Christ's sacrifice for His bride. Husbands love as Christ loved the church; wives submit as to the Lord.

Attacks on marriage defame this gospel picture. Honor marriage by fleeing fornication (premarital) and adultery (postmarital), as in 1 Corinthians 6:15-18:

Flee from sexual immorality... You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.

God judges practicers of these sins (Galatians 5:19). A pure marriage advances the gospel; immorality hinders it.