13:13 without the camp. Lepers, whose disease was regarded as a symbol of sin, were made to remain “without the camp” (Leviticus 13:46); those who were convicted of blasphemy against God were stoned “without the camp” (Leviticus 24:14). Those who ignored God’s sabbath rest were also stoned “without the camp” (Numbers 15:35). The bodies of animals slain in sacrifice for the sins of the people likewise had to be “burned without the camp” (Hebrews 13:11). Therefore Jesus, upon whom was laid the whole “sin of the world” (John 1:29), had to suffer and die “without the gate” (Hebrews 13:12). In Jesus’ time on earth, there was no camp as such, for the people were then living in the city of Jerusalem, so they executed Jesus outside the city walls. We therefore, as His followers, should be willing to suffer with Him, outside the wall of the world system, bearing the opprobrium of organized society.

13:14 no continuing city. As were the ancient patriarchs, we should be looking for that “city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God” (Hebrews 11:10).