Topical Encyclopedia In the context of the Bible, the concept of being "entertained" often transcends mere amusement or leisure, encompassing hospitality, spiritual edification, and the demonstration of love and kindness to others. The act of entertaining guests is frequently highlighted as a virtue and a reflection of one's faith and obedience to God's commandments.Hospitality and Entertaining Strangers One of the most notable biblical references to entertaining is found in the New Testament, where hospitality is emphasized as a Christian duty. Hebrews 13:2 states, "Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it." This verse alludes to the Old Testament accounts of Abraham and Lot, who unknowingly entertained angels (Genesis 18:1-8; 19:1-3). These narratives underscore the importance of welcoming strangers and the potential divine encounters that such acts of kindness can bring. Old Testament Examples In the Old Testament, hospitality is a recurring theme. Abraham's hospitality to the three visitors in Genesis 18 is a prime example. Abraham hurried to provide a meal and a place of rest for his guests, demonstrating generosity and reverence. Similarly, the widow of Zarephath entertained the prophet Elijah by providing him with food and shelter during a time of famine (1 Kings 17:8-16). Her willingness to share her last meal with Elijah resulted in God's miraculous provision for her household. New Testament Teachings The New Testament continues to emphasize the importance of hospitality. In Romans 12:13 , Paul instructs believers to "share with the saints who are in need. Practice hospitality." This directive is part of a broader call to live out one's faith through love and service to others. The early church is depicted as a community that regularly gathered in homes, sharing meals and fellowship (Acts 2:46-47). Such gatherings were not only social but also spiritual, fostering unity and growth among believers. Jesus and Entertaining Jesus Himself was often a guest in the homes of others, using these occasions to teach and minister. In Luke 10:38-42, Jesus visits the home of Martha and Mary. While Martha is busy with preparations, Mary chooses to sit at Jesus' feet and listen to His teaching. This account highlights the balance between serving others and prioritizing spiritual nourishment. Jesus' presence in these settings often led to transformative encounters, as seen in the account of Zacchaeus, who welcomed Jesus into his home and experienced salvation (Luke 19:1-10). Spiritual Implications Entertaining in the biblical sense is not limited to physical hospitality but extends to spiritual edification. Believers are encouraged to entertain thoughts and actions that align with God's will, as seen in Philippians 4:8 : "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think on these things." This verse calls Christians to focus on virtues that reflect God's character, thereby entertaining thoughts that lead to righteous living. Conclusion The biblical concept of entertaining encompasses a wide range of actions and attitudes, from showing hospitality to strangers to cultivating a mind focused on godly virtues. Through these practices, believers demonstrate their faith and obedience to God's commands, often resulting in blessings and divine encounters. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (imp. & p. p.) of Entertain.Greek 3579. xenizo -- to receive as a guest, to surprise ... Word Origin from xenos Definition to receive as a guest, to surprise NASB Word Usage entertained (2), gave...lodging (1), lodge (1), staying (3), strange ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3579.htm - 7k Strong's Hebrew 6440. panim -- face, faces... 12), covering* (1), defer* (1), defiance* (1), direction (1), disposal (2), down (1), east (1), east* (1), east* (6), edge (2), entertained* (1), expected* (1 ... /hebrew/6440.htm - 8k 6711. tsachaq -- to laugh Library How Constantine Entertained the Bishops on the Occasion of his ... In Divinity we are Entertained with all Objects from Everlasting ... There are we Entertained with the Wonder of all Ages In one Soul we May be Entertained and Taken up with Innumerable ... Various Opinions Entertained of Jesus. (Luke, ix. , 7-9. ) Of the Opinion Entertained by the Gentiles Regarding Our God. The views of Redemption Entertained by These Heretics. Internal Affective Prayer of Contemplation Hath Always Been ... Donatulus of Capse Said: "I Also have Always Entertained this ... And Wishing to Show at Greater Length that Even the Thoughts of ... Thesaurus Entertained (5 Occurrences)... Noah Webster's Dictionary (imp. & pp) of Entertain. Multi-Version Concordance Entertained (5 Occurrences). Acts 28:7 Now in the neighborhood ... /e/entertained.htm - 8k Entertain (8 Occurrences) Gedaliah (31 Occurrences) Guest (24 Occurrences) Publius (2 Occurrences) Quit (12 Occurrences) Zarephath (4 Occurrences) Kirjath-huzoth (1 Occurrence) Kirjathhuzoth (1 Occurrence) Nod (2 Occurrences) Resources What does the Bible say about hospitality? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are some of the riddles in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Who was Mary of Bethany in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Entertained: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Entertained (5 Occurrences)Acts 28:7 2 Corinthians 1:15 1 Timothy 5:10 Hebrews 13:2 Judges 16:25 Subtopics Related Terms |
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