Final instructions
1 Continue having fondness for others. 2 Don’t forget to be hospitable, for that is how some unknowingly took in angels. 3 Remember the prisoners as though you too are imprisoned with them, and the mistreated as though you share in their physical sufferings. 4 Marriage is fully honorable and the bed pure, for God will judge the promiscuous and the unfaithful. 5 Don’t be in the habit of loving money, but be happy with what you have, for he has proclaimed, “I will never give you up or desert you.” 6 That gives us the confidence to say, “The Master is my helper, and I will not fear what anyone might do to me!”
7 Remember your leaders who spoke the Word of God to you; consider their behavior and imitate their faith. 8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
9 Don’t let yourselves be carried away by various strange teachings. It is best to strengthen your mind by the favor of God rather than ritual meals that did nothing to help those who ate them. 10 We have an altar at which those who offer divine service in the Tent of Meeting have no right to eat. 11 The bodies of animals, whose blood the high priest carries into the holy place for sins, are burned up outside the camp. 12 Likewise, Jesus suffered outside the city gate in order to make people holy by means of his own blood. 13 So then, let us come out to him, outside of the camp, and share in his disgrace. 14 For we do not have a permanent city here, but we search for the one to come. 15 Through him, then, let us offer up a continual sacrifice of praise to God, and publicly acknowledge his Name.
16 Now don’t forget to do the right thing and be a community, for God is pleased with such “sacrifices.” 17 Be persuaded by those who guide you, and defer to them, for they keep careful watch over your souls and must give an account. Make this a joy for them and not a chore, which would not be to your advantage.
Final greetings
18 Pray for us; we have a clear conscience but also want to be on our best behavior, 19 and I ask you this all the more so I can be back with you more quickly. 20 Now may the God of Peace— who raised from the dead our great Shepherd, Master Jesus, by the blood of the eternal covenant— 21 fully equip you with every good thing so you can do his will, which is to please him. May he do this by means of Jesus Christ, to whom belongs all honor into the ages, absolutely!
22 Now I am sincerely asking you, brothers and sisters, to bear with me in this letter of comfort that I wrote to you in bits. 23 Be advised that our brother Timothy has been released, and he will accompany me when I see you if he arrives soon enough. 24 May the favor of God be with you all.