The epistle to the Hebrews ends with a series of exhortations on living a Christian life. Some we are accustomed to hearing — preserving the sanctity of marriage, avoiding greed, for example. Others have not had as prominent a place in Christian practice: Do not neglect hospitality, for through it some have unknowingly entertained angels.
Be mindful of prisoners as if sharing their imprisonment, and of the ill-treated as of yourselves. The author elevates hospitality, attention to prisoners and care of the “ill-treated” on a plane similar to fidelity in marriage. The author provides the reason for the importance of these practices: for you also are in the body. Every human being has a claim on us as part of the “one body of Christ.”
