The first 11 chapters of Hebrews are doctrinal in nature and address Jews specifically, but the 12th and 13th chapters are full of practical exhortations that apply to Christians. This is a common pattern with most New Testament letters as they seemed to always be doctrinal then duty, position before practice. I call this section “Faith that Functions” as the exhortation is directed at the church.
• Verses 1-4 Here we are given three areas where Christians need to exercise love: strangers, the suffering and marriage. Applying; Sympathy, Empathy and Harmony
• Verses 5-9 Next, we see how the church needs to behave in society, without covetousness, being content with their position and processions.
• Verses 10-21 This last section the writer deals with how they are to practice their faith among others by not trying to offend those who disagree with you, by being a blessing and praying for folks.
• Verses 22-29 The final section is the writers’ closing remarks.
It is interesting to read this section with its “practical exhortations that apply to Christians” in light of the first century Christians position in society as they were rebuked by the immoral societies in which they lived. The reason for this was that these believers lived up to the standards that their doctrine demanded. This is what was behind Peter’s statement in 1 Peter 2:15 where he wrote, “For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men”. This chapter provides the importance of right teaching and right application of that truth to impact a world contrary to both!