1Continue loving one another, as brothers and sisters in Christ.
2Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers; for by so doing, some have unknowingly shown hospitality to angels.
3Remember those that are in prison, as if you were bound together with them; and those who are mistreated, as if you, yourselves, were mistreated.
4Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed undefiled; but God will judge the sexually promiscuous and adulterers.
5Keep your manner of life free from greed and envy, and be content with whatever you have; for God has said, “I will never leave you, nor forsake you” (Deut.31:6, 8).
6So that we may confidently say, “The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what mere mortal men can do to me” (Ps.118:6).
7Remember your leaders, those who have taught you the word of God, considering the good that comes from their manner of life: and follow the example of their faith.
8Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, and today, and forever.
9Do not be carried away by or attracted to strange new ideas and doctrines. It is a good thing that our hearts are established with grace; not by eating ceremonial foods, which have no benefit for those that do so.
10We have an altar, from which those who serve the tabernacle have no right to eat.
11For the high priest carried the blood of animals into the sanctuary for sin; but the bodies of those animals were burned outside the camp.
12So, also, Jesus suffered outside the gate, that He might sanctify the people (cleanse and make them holy) with His own blood,
13Let us, then, go out to Him - outside the camp, bearing (sharing in) the disgrace He bore.
14For here we do not have an enduring city, but we are looking forward to the one (city (home)) to come.
15By Him, Let us therefore, continually offer the sacrifice of praise - the fruit of our lips that openly give thanks to God through Jesus as we openly profess His name.
16But do not forget to do good and to share with others; for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.
17Trust and obey your spiritual leaders, and submit to their authority; for they keep watch over your souls, as those that must give account. Do it with joy, and not as grievous; for that would not be to your benefit.
18Pray for us; for we seek to have a clear conscience, and desire to live honestly and honorably.
19But I especially urge you to pray that I may be restored and able to come back to you the soon.
20Now may the God of peace, Who brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the eternal covenant,
21Equip you with everything good for doing His will; and may He work in us what is well-pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ; to Whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
22And I urge you, brothers and sisters, to bear with my word of exhortation (encouragement); for in fact, I have written a letter quite briefly (in few words).
23I want you to know that our brother, Timothy, has been released (set free). If he arrives soon, I will come with him to see you.
24Greet all your leaders and all brothers and sisters in the Lord. Those from Italy send you greetings.
25Grace be with you all. Amen. Easy Reader Bible: Purple Letter Edition © 2023 by Jim Musser. Used by Permission. All rights Reserved. Bible Hub |
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