Topical Encyclopedia Hospitality, a virtue highly esteemed in biblical teachings, is the practice of generously receiving and entertaining guests, strangers, and travelers. The Bible presents hospitality as a reflection of God's love and a duty for believers, emphasizing its importance in both the Old and New Testaments.Old Testament Foundations Hospitality in the Old Testament is often depicted as a sacred duty. Abraham's encounter with the three visitors in Genesis 18:1-8 exemplifies this virtue. Abraham eagerly welcomes the strangers, offering them rest and refreshment: "So Abraham hurried into the tent to Sarah and said, 'Quick, prepare three seahs of fine flour, knead it, and bake some bread.' Then Abraham ran to the herd, selected a tender, choice calf, and gave it to a servant, who hurried to prepare it" (Genesis 18:6-7). This passage highlights the promptness and generosity expected in hospitality. The Mosaic Law also underscores the importance of hospitality, particularly towards foreigners and the needy. Leviticus 19:33-34 instructs, "When a foreigner resides with you in your land, you must not oppress him. You must treat the foreigner living among you as native-born and love him as yourself, for you were foreigners in the land of Egypt" . This commandment reflects God's compassion and the expectation for His people to extend kindness to all. New Testament Teachings In the New Testament, hospitality is further emphasized as a hallmark of Christian living. Jesus Himself modeled hospitality, often dining with sinners and outcasts, demonstrating God's inclusive love. In Luke 14:12-14, Jesus teaches, "When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or sisters, your relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. But when you host a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind, and you will be blessed" . This teaching encourages believers to extend hospitality without expecting anything in return. The early church embraced hospitality as a vital practice. Acts 2:46-47 describes the communal life of the first Christians: "With one accord, they continued to meet daily in the temple courts and to break bread from house to house, sharing their meals with gladness and sincerity of heart, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people" . This passage illustrates the joy and unity fostered through shared hospitality. The Apostle Paul frequently exhorts believers to practice hospitality. In Romans 12:13, he writes, "Share with the saints who are in need. Practice hospitality" . Similarly, in Hebrews 13:2, believers are reminded, "Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it" . These exhortations highlight hospitality as an essential expression of Christian love and service. Practical Implications Hospitality is not merely a social nicety but a spiritual discipline that reflects the heart of God. It involves opening one's home and heart to others, creating a space of welcome and care. The biblical call to hospitality challenges believers to look beyond their comfort zones and extend grace to those who may be different or in need. In 1 Peter 4:9, the apostle advises, "Show hospitality to one another without complaining" . This instruction emphasizes the attitude with which hospitality should be offered—willingly and joyfully, as an act of love and obedience to God. Through hospitality, believers participate in God's mission, demonstrating His love and grace to the world. Nave's Topical Index Exodus 22:21You shall neither vex a stranger, nor oppress him: for you were strangers in the land of Egypt. Nave's Topical Index Exodus 23:9 Leviticus 19:10,33,34 Leviticus 24:22 Deuteronomy 10:18,19 Deuteronomy 26:12,13 Deuteronomy 27:19 Proverbs 9:1-5 Proverbs 23:6-8 Isaiah 58:6,7 Matthew 22:2-10 Matthew 25:34-46 Luke 14:12-14 Romans 12:13 Romans 16:1,2 1 Timothy 3:2 1 Timothy 5:10 Titus 1:7,8 Hebrews 13:2 1 Peter 4:9,11 3 John 1:5-8 Library Eusebius: Constantine. General Index. Concerning the Ministry. The Second Series of Parables - the Two Parables of Him who is ... From the Close of the General Conference of 1812 to the Death of ... From the Close of the General Conference of 1832 to the Beginning ... Shakers, or the United Society of Believers. Ascetic. The Catholic Epistles. A Warning Rejected. A Warning Rejected Resources What does the Bible say about hospitality? | GotQuestions.orgSummary of the Book of 3 John - Bible Survey | GotQuestions.org What is the story of Elisha and the Shunammite woman? | GotQuestions.org Hospitality: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Hospitality: A Test of Christian Character Hospitality: Abimelech to Abraham Hospitality: Abraham to the Angels Hospitality: David to Mephibosheth Hospitality: Elisha to the Syrian Spies Hospitality: General Scriptures Concerning Hospitality: Isaac to Abimelech Hospitality: Joseph to his Brothers Hospitality: Laban to Abraham's Servant Hospitality: Lydia to Paul and Silas Hospitality: Man of Gibeah to the Levite Hospitality: Melchizedek to Abraham Hospitality: Onesiphorus to Paul Hospitality: Pharaoh to Abraham Hospitality: Pharisees to Jesus Hospitality: Rahab to the Spies Hospitality: Required in Ministers Hospitality: Rewarded: Rahab's Hospitality: Rewarded: Widow of Zarephath's Hospitality: Simon the Tanner to Peter Hospitality: Sons of Heth to Abraham Hospitality: Specially to be Shown to Enemies Hospitality: Specially to be Shown to Strangers Hospitality: Specially to be Shown to The Poor Hospitality: The Shunammite Woman to Elisha Hospitality: The Widow of Zarephath to Elijah Hospitality: Zacchaeus to Jesus Inhospitableness: Ammonites and Moabites Inhospitableness: Men of Gibeah Toward a Levite Inhospitableness: Nabal Toward David Inhospitableness: some Samaritans Toward Jesus Related Terms |
    |