Entertaining Angels, Grace, and the New Covenant

Hebrews 13 opens with a striking reminder: “Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels unaware.” This verse invites us into a deeper biblical reality—one that stretches back into the Old Testament and reveals profound truths about God’s nature, grace, and how believers are called to live.

In this final chapter of Hebrews, we see a powerful synthesis of law and grace, covenant and relationship, obedience and mercy. As we conclude our journey through the book of Hebrews, let’s explore what this chapter teaches us about faith, leadership, worship, and the living God who walks among His people.

Returning to the Hebraic Roots of Faith

Christianity did not emerge in a vacuum, nor was it born out of Roman Catholicism. It arose in the first century from a thoroughly Hebraic and Jewish cultural context. Without understanding that context—the people groups, theological debates, and worldview of the time—we risk reading our modern denominational biases back into Scripture.

Our goal is simple: to do Bible things in Bible ways. That means allowing the author of Hebrews to speak from his own perspective, within his own cultural and theological framework.

After twelve weeks of walking through the first twelve chapters, we now arrive at Hebrews 13—the final chapter of a book that has consistently declared one central truth:

God’s law has not been done away with—but it is now administered through a new covenant and a new priesthood.

Law, Grace, and the New Administration

The book of Hebrews makes a crucial distinction between the Law of God and the New Covenant. They are not the same thing.

The New Covenant is not the abolition of God’s law—it is a new administration of that law. Much like a new presidential administration does not erase a nation’s constitution, the New Covenant does not nullify God’s commandments. Instead, it introduces a new High Priest: Yeshua (Jesus), from the order of Melchizedek, who supersedes the Levitical priesthood.

Under this new administration, grace becomes possible where the law alone could not offer it. The law is black and white—obedience brings blessing, disobedience brings consequence. But with a living High Priest, mercy can be extended based on repentance, heart posture, and faith.

The cross did not nail the law to itself—it nailed the penalty of sin to the cross.

Entertaining Angels Unaware

Hebrews 13:1–2 exhorts believers to continue in brotherly love and hospitality, reminding us that some have entertained angels without realizing it. This statement is not metaphorical—it is deeply rooted in Scripture.

Abraham and the Three Visitors (Genesis 18–19)

Genesis tells us that Yahweh Himself appeared to Abraham as three men. Two of them went on to Sodom, while one—identified explicitly as Yahweh—remained with Abraham. Later, Scripture states that “Yahweh rained fire from Yahweh out of heaven”, presenting a remarkable picture: Yahweh on earth interacting with Yahweh in heaven.

This dual manifestation deeply parallels the New Testament revelation of the Father in heaven and Yeshua on earth—both fully divine, united, and sharing glory.

Gideon and the Angel of the Lord (Judges 6)

In Judges, Gideon encounters “the Angel of the Lord,” only later realizing he has been speaking directly with Yahweh. Terrified, he declares, “I have seen God face to face!”—a response echoed throughout Scripture whenever God manifests in visible form.

Samson’s Parents (Judges 13)

Manoah and his wife likewise encounter the Angel of the Lord and conclude they have seen God. These passages reveal a consistent biblical pattern: God cloaking Himself in angelic or human form so that humanity may encounter Him and live.

This is why Hebrews can say, with complete seriousness, that we may entertain angels—or even God Himself—without knowing it.

Living Out Faith in Community (Hebrews 13:3–6)

Hebrews 13 moves from theology into practical faith:

• Remember prisoners and those who are mistreated.
• Honor marriage and live with integrity, both publicly and privately.
• Reject covetousness and learn contentment.
• Trust God as your helper and refuse to live in fear.

These instructions remind us that faith is not abstract—it is lived out in relationships, suffering, fidelity, and trust.

God does not call us to self-reliance, but to dependence on Him. Sometimes He allows circumstances we cannot fix so that our faith may grow deeper.

Spiritual Leadership and Accountability

Hebrews calls believers to remember, honor, and submit to godly leadership—those who faithfully teach the Word of God and watch over souls.

This submission is not blind obedience, nor does it excuse unbiblical authority. Rather, it is a posture of humility, honor, and order. Disagreements should be handled with dignity and love, never through gossip or division.

Believers are called to live as kings and priests—and kings and priests do not behave dishonorably.

Grace, Not Strange Doctrines

Hebrews 13 warns against “strange doctrines” and emphasizes that the heart is established by grace, not by debates over food or external rituals.

This does not minimize obedience—it clarifies its purpose. Obedience does not establish the heart; grace does. Obedience flows from relationship, not the other way around.

The law reveals our need for grace. Grace restores us when we fail.

The Melchizedek Priesthood and True Sacrifice

Under the New Covenant, sacrifices have not disappeared—they have been transformed.

Hebrews teaches that acceptable sacrifices now include:

• Praise and thanksgiving
• Doing good
• Sharing with others
• Living generously and compassionately

These are the sacrifices that please God under the Melchizedek priesthood.

Law and Grace: Both Are Essential

Grace without law becomes meaningless.
Law without grace leads to death.

God calls His people to worship Him in spirit and in truth—embracing both relationship and obedience. The New Covenant does not lower God’s standards; it empowers believers to walk in them through grace, repentance, and intimacy with the Lawgiver Himself.

A Final Encouragement

Hebrews 13 closes with a blessing and a reminder: the heart of faith is not rule-keeping—it is grace-filled relationship. Obedience matters, but grace is what restores, heals, and transforms.

When we fail, we repent.
When we struggle, we lean on God.
When we receive grace, we extend it to others.

That is the message of Hebrews—and the heart of the New Covenant.

Next week: a full review highlighting the most powerful themes from all 13 chapters of Hebrews.

See full teaching video here:
https://youtu.be/Ixofsx0vJ28