Topical Bible: Hospitality: Phoebe to Paul

◄ Hospitality: Phoebe to Paul ►

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Phoebe

Phoebe is a notable figure in the New Testament, particularly in the context of Christian hospitality. She is mentioned in Romans 16:1-2, where the Apostle Paul commends her to the church in Rome. Paul writes, "I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of the church in Cenchrea. Welcome her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints and assist her in any matter she may need from you, for she has been a great help to many people, including me" . Phoebe is described as a "servant" or "deacon" of the church, indicating her active role in ministry and service. Her hospitality is implied through her support and assistance to Paul and others, showcasing the early Christian practice of welcoming and aiding fellow believers.

Paul

The Apostle Paul, a central figure in the New Testament, both received and advocated for hospitality throughout his ministry. His epistles frequently emphasize the importance of hospitality as a Christian virtue. In Romans 12:13, Paul exhorts believers to "Share with the saints who are in need. Practice hospitality" . This directive underscores the communal and supportive nature of the early Christian church, where hospitality was not merely a social nicety but a vital expression of faith and love.

Paul's own experiences with hospitality are numerous. In Acts 16:15, Lydia, a convert in Philippi, extends hospitality to Paul and his companions, saying, "If you consider me a believer in the Lord, come and stay at my house." Her invitation reflects the open-heartedness and generosity that characterized the early Christian community. Similarly, in Acts 28:7, Paul is welcomed by Publius, the chief official of Malta, who "showed us great hospitality for three days" after Paul and his companions were shipwrecked.

Paul's letters often include personal greetings and acknowledgments of those who have shown him hospitality, such as in Philemon 1:22, where he expresses hope to visit Philemon and requests, "Prepare a guest room for me, because I hope to be restored to you in answer to your prayers" . This request highlights the mutual support and fellowship that hospitality fostered among early Christians.

Theological Significance

Hospitality in the context of Phoebe and Paul is deeply rooted in the theological understanding of the Christian community as a family united in Christ. It reflects the biblical mandate to love one's neighbor and to care for the needs of others, as seen in Hebrews 13:2, "Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it" . This practice of hospitality is not only a reflection of God's love but also a means of building and strengthening the body of Christ.

In summary, the hospitality shown by Phoebe to Paul and by others in the early church is a testament to the transformative power of Christian love and service. It serves as a model for believers to emulate, demonstrating the importance of welcoming and supporting one another in the faith.

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Romans 16:2
That you receive her in the Lord, as becomes saints, and that you assist her in whatever business she has need of you: for she has been a succorer of many, and of myself also.
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Library

Deacons and Deaconesses.
... The primitive churches were charitable societies, taking care of the widows and
orphans, dispensing hospitality to strangers ... Paul mentions Phoebe as a ...
/.../history of the christian church volume i/section 62 deacons and deaconesses.htm

The Women of the Apostolic Age
... brought up children, if she hath used hospitality to strangers ... of the names of women
that Paul mentions in ... of Euodias, of Syntyche, of Persis, of Phoebe, or of ...
/.../brittain/women of early christianity/ii the women of the.htm