aks metaphorically throughout.) You have no
abiding city on earth. The fatal mistake of the Jews has been that they
have turned what ought to be simply a camp into an abiding city. They
have lost the feeling of the pilgrim; they seek not a better country and
a city built by God. Shun ye this worldliness. Not only regard not your
earthly life as a permanent dwelling in a city, but leave even the camp;
be not only sojourners, but outcasts. Share in the reproach of Jesus,
and look for your citizenship in heaven.

Reverting to the teaching of the Essenes, the writer proceeds: "Through
Jesus let us offer a sacrifice of praise."[412] The emphasis must rest
on the words "through Jesus." The daily meal is not a sacrifice, except
in the sense of being a thanksgiving; and our thanksgiving is acceptable
to God when it is offered through Him Whose death is a propitiation.
Even then lip-worship only is not accepted. Share the meal with the
poor. God is pleased with the sacrifices of doing good to all and
contributing[413] to the necessities of the saints.

The Apostle next exhorts them to obey their leaders, and that with
yielding submission. The atmosphere is certainly different from the
democratic spirit of the Corinthian Church. Yet it is not improbable
that the safety of the Hebrew Christians everywhere from a violent
reaction towards Judaism was due to the wisdom and profounder insight of
the leaders. Our author evidently considers that he has them on his
side. "They, whatever we may think of the common herd, are wide awake.
They understand that they will have to give an account of their
stewardship over you to Christ at His coming. Submit to them, that they
may watch over your souls with joy, and not with a grief that finds
utterance in frequent sighs.[414] When they give their account, you will
not find that your fretful rebelliousness has profited you aught. The
Essenian society gain nothing by absorption of the individual in the
community, and you will gain nothing, but quite the reverse, by
asserting your individual crotchets to the destruction of the
Church."[415]

He asks his readers to pray for him and Timothy, who has been released
from prison. Their prayers are his due. For he believes he has an
upright conscience in breaking with Judaism. For the same reason he is
confident that their prayers on his behalf will be answered. He and his
friends wish in all things to live noble lives. He is the more desirous
of havin