What does Hebrews 13:1 mean?

The end of chapter 12 saw the writer explain, yet again, how the new covenant in Jesus Christ is superior to the old covenant. As with prior passages, this came with a reminder: there are consequences for disobedience. Echoing other passages in the New Testament, earlier verses described how Christ offers us something eternal, which "cannot be shaken," instead of something temporary and earthly.

This passage continues giving practical instructions, though these are much more specific than the prior chapters. The writer is closing up this message to persecuted Jewish Christians with some final thoughts.

The New Testament routinely identifies love for fellow Christians as evidence of a person's relationship with Christ. These indications come from Jesus (John 15:12), Paul (Romans 12:10), Peter (1 Peter 3:8), and John (1 John 4:20), making it among the most well-established teachings of Christianity. In a biblical context, this kind of love implies more than an emotion. "Love" for a Christian means a sincere, selfless concern for others, exhibited in actions. In other words, the Bible calls on us to "show" love, not merely to "feel" it.