Hebrews 13:16

Commentary on Hebrews 13:16 (NKJV)

“But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.”

Hebrews 13:16 is a profound exhortation to Christian virtue that resonates deeply. Grounded in the broader context of Hebrews 13, this verse calls Christians to embody their faith through acts of goodness and generosity, which are described as sacrifices pleasing to God. Let us explore the theological teaching of this verse and its application for contemporary Christian living.

Context within Hebrews 13

Hebrews 13 as a whole is a concluding chapter filled with practical instructions on Christian ethics and communal living. It flows from the theological bedrock laid earlier in the book, particularly the supremacy of Christ as our High Priest and His ultimate sacrifice (Hebrews 10:10–14). Hebrews 13 teaches believers how to respond to this glorious truth in their daily lives. Verses like Hebrews 13:1–2 emphasise love for one another and hospitality, while Hebrews 13:15 speaks of offering the “sacrifice of praise.” Following closely, Hebrews 13:16 complements this by urging practical expressions of worship—doing good and sharing with others.

Theological Teaching of Hebrews 13:16

Sacrificial Living:

The term “sacrifices” in Hebrews 13:16 hearkens back to the Old Testament sacrificial system, which pointed forward to Christ’s ultimate atonement. In the New Covenant, however, the sacrifices that please God are not ritualistic but are moral and spiritual—acts of love, service, and generosity. This aligns with passages such as Romans 12:1, where believers are called to present their bodies as “a living sacrifice.”

Pleasing God:

These acts of doing good and sharing are not meritorious for salvation—this is achieved solely through Christ’s work on the cross. Instead, they are the fruit of salvation, evidence of a transformed heart that seeks to glorify God (Ephesians 2:8–10). Such sacrifices are pleasing because they mirror God’s own character, who is the ultimate Giver and Doer of Good.

Community Orientation:

The Reformed tradition emphasises the covenantal nature of the Christian community. Hebrews 13:16 reminds believers that their faith is not isolated but communal, calling them to serve one another selflessly. Sharing resources with those in need reflects Christ’s command to love our neighbour and demonstrates practical obedience to God’s will.

Application for Modern Christian Living

Hebrews 13:16 has rich applications for modern Christians. It serves as a reminder to:

Cultivate Generosity:

In a materialistic culture, the call to “do good and to share” challenges believers to use their resources for the glory of God and the benefit of others. This may involve supporting the local church, aiding the poor, or contributing to mission work.

Balance Worship and Service:

Worship is not confined to Sunday services; it extends to everyday acts of kindness and sharing. Christians are called to integrate their faith into all aspects of life.

Examine Motives:

Believers are encouraged to do good not for recognition but as an outpouring of gratitude to God. As Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 9:7, “God loves a cheerful giver.”

Conclusion

Hebrews 13:16 encapsulates the essence of practical Christianity—faith working through love. It challenges modern Christians to reflect on how their lives bear witness to the Gospel in tangible ways. This verse reinforces the call to glorify God by loving and serving others, rooted in the grace already received through Christ.