Lesson 3939

 (3939)(10-31-22)  Hebrews 13:9-16

    “Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein. We have an altar, whereof they have no right to eat which serve the tabernacle. For the bodies of those beasts, whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest for sin, are burned without the camp. Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate. Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach. For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come. By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.” 

    In today’s quote, Paul warned his Jewish brothers and sisters not to be lured into believing false doctrines but rather to accept Jesus as the sacrifice for their sins.

    Prior to the time when Paul wrote this letter to the Hebrews (Jews), they were trying to destroy the gospel of Christ by infusing Christianity with all manner of elements of the old laws. They insisted that rituals, such as circumcision were to be taught to Christian proselytes. Even some of the Christians apostles, including James and others, were insisting that Paul preach the old ways of the Jews. 

    I believe that Roman Catholicism was in it’s very early stages when Paul wrote this letter to the Jews. Catholicism, obviously, had it’s origin among the followers of Peter, seeing that they count Peter as their first pope.~