The Pulpit Commentary on Hebrews 13:1-3

The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public domain

Brotherly love.

"Let brotherly love continue. Be not forgetful to," etc. The writer now proceeds to exhort his readers to the practice of sundry Christian virtues. He begins by enjoining the maintenance and manifestation of brotherly love.

I. THE MAINTENANCE OF BROTHERLY LOVE. "Let brotherly love continue."

1. That this affection existed is implied. That it had been exercised in former times is clear from Hebrews 10:32-34. That it was existent and active at the time when this Epistle was written appears from Hebrews 6:10.

2. That this affection was imperiled is also implied. There are several things which may check the growth and extinguish the life of brotherly love.

3. That this affection should be maintained. "Let brotherly love continue." Let it remain. Guard against those things which endanger its existence. Cherish it. This love of the brethren is not to be limited to those who belong to the same ecclesiastical community, or to those who hold the same views of Christian doctrine; it should embrace all the disciples of the Lord Jesus. "Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in uncorruptness." The importance of maintaining this affection is manifest from many Divine utterances (John 13:34, John 13:35; John 15:12, John 15:17; 1 John 3:11, 1 John 3:14-18; 1 John 4:7, 1 John 4:8, 1 John 4:11, 1 John 4:20, 1 John 4:21).

II. THE MANIFESTATION OF BROTHERLY LOVE. TWO forms in which this affection should be expressed are adduced in our text.

1. Hospitality towards strangers. "Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares." Consider:

2. Sympathy towards sufferers. "Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body." Notice two points:

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