John Calvin Commentary Hebrews 13:16

"But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased." — Hebrews 13:16 (ASV)

But to do good, etc. Here he points out another way of offering a proper and regular sacrifice, because all the acts and duties of love are themselves sacrifices. By this he implies that those were foolish and absurd in their wishes who thought that something was lacking unless they offered animals to God according to the Law, since God has given them many and abundant opportunities for sacrificing.

For although God can derive no benefit from us, yet He regards prayer as a sacrifice—indeed, as the chief sacrifice, so that it alone can take the place of all the others. Then, whatever benefits we bestow on people He considers as done to Himself and honors them with the name of sacrifices. So it appears that the elements of the Law are now not only superfluous but also harmful, because they draw us away from the right way of sacrificing.

The meaning is that if we wish to sacrifice to God, we must call on Him and acknowledge His goodness by thanksgiving; and also, we must do good to our fellow believers. These are the true sacrifices which Christians should offer; and as for other sacrifices, there is neither time nor place for them.

For with such sacrifices God is well pleased. An implied contrast is to be understood here—that He no longer requires those ancient sacrifices which He had commanded until the abrogation of the Law.

But with this doctrine is connected an exhortation which should powerfully motivate us to show kindness towards our neighbors. For it is no small honor that God should regard the benefits we bestow on people as sacrifices offered to Himself, and that He so adorns our works—which are worthless in themselves—as to declare them holy and sacred things, acceptable to Him.

When, therefore, love does not prevail among us, we not only rob people of their due but also God Himself, who by a solemn decree has dedicated to Himself what He commanded to be done for people.

The word communicate has a wider meaning than to do good, for it embraces all the duties by which people can mutually assist one another. And it is a true mark or proof of love when those who are united together by the Spirit of God share with one another.