In the final chapter of Hebrews, both the eloquence and the wisdom of the author are coupled with genuine pastoral concerns. Although some scholars identify this final chapter of the epistle as a later, unrelated postscript of behavioral advice, it seems logical for this writer, who has spent so much time teaching and admonishing, to close with simple, straightforward ways his readers may apply the lessons of this epistle to everyday life.

Some scholars view the list of exhortations in verses 1-6 as a continuation of those begun in 12:14. Having digressed from the listing with a parenthetical warning against spurned grace, the author now returns to his intended remarks. The axis around which all these admonitions in chapter 13 appear to turn, however, is the centrality and practice of Chr…