Hebrews 13:1Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

See how the Apostle commands them to preserve what they already had, and adds nothing else. He did not say, "Be brotherly loving," but, "Let brotherly love continue among you."

He did not say that they had acquired brotherly love and hospitality, for they seemed to have these. But since they were in danger, through continual afflictions, of abandoning concern for these virtues, he says: "Let brotherly love continue." Let it be firm, and do not allow yourselves to avoid it.

Therefore, brethren, I have told you, I tell you now, and if I could, I would never be silent about this. Let your works vary according to the time, the hour, and the day. Must one always speak? Must one always be silent? Must one always strengthen the body? Must one always fast? Must one always give bread to the needy? Must one always clothe the naked? Must one always visit the sick? Must one always reconcile those who quarrel? Must one always bury the dead? At one time one thing is needed, and at another time another. These works begin and come to an end. But He who commands these works can have neither beginning nor end. Let love within not cease, and let the works of love be done according to the time. As it is written: Let brotherly love continue.

The composition of this word expresses an intensification of love, for the Apostle joined the words "love" and "brother" into one word.

"Let brotherly love continue," that is, among us.

In explaining precisely how our gratitude to God should be expressed (Heb 12:27-28), the Apostle lists various Christian virtues for which his readers had little zeal. Let mutual brotherly love, which had begun to cool among the readers, not disappear, but continue as before. Let it be expressed in hospitality and help for those who suffer.