Hebrews 13:1–8

Verse 2. And hospitality do not forget, … some being not aware [1] of it, have entertained Angels. They imagined they received men, when they were Angels. The Latin interpreter followed exactly the Greek, though the expression be unusual in both languages. It is meant of Abraham, (Genesis 18:2) and of Lot, Genesis 19:1. Witham.

Verse 3. As being yourselves also in the body. That is, liable to troubles and afflictions as long as you are in a mortal body. Witham.

Verse 4. Marriage honourable in all. [2] It is doubtful both in the Latin and Greek, whether the sense be, marriage is honourable, or let it be accounted honourable, as it rather seems to be by the rest of the text. Again it may be doubted whether the sense be honourable in all persons, or in all things, and in all respects; as it seems to be the obvious signification that persons do nothing to dishonour their state, as they do who violate by adulteries the fidelity they owe to one another, who regard not the sanctity of this sacrament, who love not each other, who take not care of the education of their children. It does not follow from hence, that all persons without any exception, even those who have already made a vow to God to lead a single life, may lawfully marry. Such persons, by pretending to marry, incur their damnation. See 1 Timothy 5:12. Witham.—Or, let marriage be honourable in all. That is, in all things belonging to the marriage state. This is a warning to married people, not to abuse the sanctity of their state, by any liberties or irregularities contrary thereunto. Now it does not follow from this text that all persons are obliged to marry, even if the word omnibus were rendered, in all persons, instead of in all things: for if it was a precept, Saint Paul himself would have transgressed it, as he never married. Moreover those who have already made a vow to God to lead a single life, should they attempt to marry, would incur their own damnation. Challoner.—As marriage is a great sacrament, (Ephesians 5) married persons should be careful to honour and respect it, by chaste and prudent behaviour; (see 1 Peter 3 and 1 Thessalonians 4) but it too often happens that by criminal incontinence they change a great sacrament into a great sacrilege.

Verse 5. I will not leave thee, neither will I forsake thee. It is an exhortation to covetous persons not to be too solicitous, but to trust in Providence. Witham.

Verse 7. Remember your prelates, and so forth who have been placed over you to be your guides and directors in what belongs to the service of God; he seems to mean the two SS. James, the apostles, who perhaps had already suffered martyrdom for the gospel. Witham.

Verse 8. Yesterday, and to-day, and the same for ever. That is, Christ is the same merciful and powerful advocate and protector, in regard of all that serve him faithfully to the end of the world. Witham.