Hebrews 13:9-17
We have an altar from which those who serve the tabernacle have no right to eat. (v. 10) My Study Bible suggested that the “altar” in this verse referred to the cross on which Jesus died and only those who profess faith in His redemption have any right to enjoy the fruits of His cross and resurrection. I saw it more literally, that we have an “altar” (which David refers to as a “table”) at our every Communion service and the “foods” that are served at that altar (bread and wine) are reserved for baptized Christians. Those who serve the tabernacle are excluded from our Communion feast.
For the bodies of those animals … are burned outside the camp. So Jesus also suffered outside the gate. (vv. 11-12a) Again, I saw “camp” and “gate” as referring to the tabernacle in the wilderness or the Temple in Jerusalem. My Study Bible suggested that these references are to the entire city of Jerusalem and that Jesus’ death on Golgotha occurred outside the city. Either works. But then verse 13 continues: Therefore let us go to Him outside the camp and bear the reproach He endured. Continuing, the “camp” reference here (to me) makes more sense if it relates to the Temple. The author is mainly writing to converted Jews who now believe in Jesus. He is telling them to abandon all forms of Temple worship and gather elsewhere, even so knowing that gathering outside the Temple identifies them as Christians and brings on persecution from the Jewish authorities. I don’t think the author is telling converted Jews to leave Jerusalem.
Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. (v. 17a) Mostly I think it’s easy enough for us to obey and submit to our leaders, especially our St. Andrew’s and ADOTS and ACNA leaders, in that I believe that they are praying and seeking the Lord as they make decisions. And I believe that they know that they must “give an account” of their activities. But I fear for other denominations and their leaders, some of whom seem to be following “another gospel”, less Biblically solid, and some of which do not even have the apostolic covering and authority that our Anglican leaders enjoy. We are blessed in so many ways!
Slava Bohu!