Let Brotherly Love Continue

By Andy Robison 

The book of Hebrews consists of a long doctrinal section defending the supremacy of Christ (1:1-10:18), followed by a section of practical exhortation to live by faith for Him (10:19-12:29). Arguably, the exhortation section extends through the end of the book (13:25). Yet, chapter thirteen takes on a little character of its own. 

 In the last chapter, it seems as if a mind full of thought is relaying brief, staccato

 instructions on a variety of matters not necessarily related to the treatise’s main point. There is instruction on hospitality (13:2), prison labors (13:3), marriage and morality (13:4), covetous ness (13:5), and fearlessness (13:6). Depending on who is referenced by the phrase, “those who rule over you,” in verses seven and seventeen, there is instruction to obey the doctrine of the apostles and/or the judgment calls of elders who “watch out for (their) souls.” There also exist some vague references to the topic of the contrast of the Old and New Covenants in verses ten through fifteen, with a nod the necessity of benevolence in verse sixteen. Then, there are per sonal greetings. 

 This is not unlike the apostle Paul (again, though, one cannot be certain he wrote He brews) in 1 Thessalonians 5:12-28, leaving the main topic to cover a wide array of reminders. Reminders, God knows, are needed for forgetful humans.

 It is striking in Hebrews that this list of reminders begins with a simple four-word phrase, “Let brotherly love continue” (v. 1). The means by which the world would know disciples of Christ would be their love for one another (John 13:34-35). One cannot love God without loving his brother (1 John 4:20-21). Submission and preference of others—so central to Christianity—is based on brotherly love (Rom. 12:3, 10, 16). 

 Brotherly love is central to Christianity because the Gospel is based on love (John 3:16); it teaches the ways to avoid the hatred and/or apathy of the world. 

 One could say that love is the Gospel call in short, if one defined love correctly. 

 For example, John (often styled “the apostle of love”) wrote letters that emphasize love in connection with—and not in contrast to—commandment keeping. 

 1 John 2:5: “But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know we are in Him.” 

 1 John 5:3: “For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome.” 

 2 John 6: “This is love, that we walk according to His commandments. This is the commandment, that as you have heard from the beginning, you should walk in it.” Brethren who love one another show it by keeping God’s commandments as a whole. 

 Brethren who neglect God’s commandments are showing a lack of love. God’s commandments are for the purpose of love. As Paul elsewhere said, “Now the purpose of the commandment is love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from sincere faith” (1 Tim. 1:5). 

 “Let brotherly love continue” (Heb. 13:1), may be regarded as not just one of a list of topics, but an overall heading that encompasses the purpose and actions of the Christian walk.