Topical Encyclopedia Hospitality, a central theme in biblical teaching, extends beyond the mere act of welcoming friends and strangers. It encompasses a profound moral and spiritual obligation to show kindness and generosity even to one's enemies. This concept is deeply rooted in the Scriptures and reflects the character of God, who calls His followers to transcend natural inclinations and embody divine love and mercy.Old Testament Foundations The Old Testament provides several instances where hospitality is extended to enemies, illustrating the principle of overcoming evil with good. One notable example is found in the account of Elisha and the Aramean army. In 2 Kings 6:22-23 , when the Arameans were struck with blindness and led into Samaria, the king of Israel asked Elisha if he should kill them. Elisha responded, "Do not kill them. Would you kill those you have captured with your own sword or bow? Set food and water before them so they may eat and drink and then return to their master." The king prepared a great feast for them, and after they had eaten and drunk, he sent them away. This act of mercy led to a cessation of hostilities, as the Aramean raiders no longer invaded Israel's land. Wisdom Literature The wisdom literature of the Old Testament also emphasizes the importance of showing kindness to enemies. Proverbs 25:21-22 advises, "If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the LORD will reward you." This passage suggests that acts of kindness can lead to repentance and transformation in the heart of the enemy, while also bringing divine favor upon the one who extends such hospitality. New Testament Teachings The New Testament further develops this theme, with Jesus Christ Himself setting the ultimate example. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus instructs His followers in Matthew 5:44 , "But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." This radical call to love and pray for enemies underscores the transformative power of hospitality and grace. The Apostle Paul reiterates this teaching in Romans 12:20-21 , echoing the wisdom of Proverbs: "On the contrary, 'If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink. For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head.' Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." Paul emphasizes that hospitality towards enemies is a means of overcoming evil, aligning believers with the redemptive purposes of God. Theological Implications The call to show hospitality to enemies is not merely a moral directive but a reflection of the Gospel itself. It mirrors God's own actions towards humanity, as described in Romans 5:10 : "For if, while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through His life!" Just as God extended grace and reconciliation to us while we were His enemies, believers are called to extend the same grace to others. Practical Application In practical terms, showing hospitality to enemies involves a willingness to forgive, to seek peace, and to act with compassion even when it is undeserved. It requires a heart transformed by the Holy Spirit, capable of seeing others through the lens of Christ's love. This form of hospitality is a powerful witness to the world, demonstrating the reality of God's kingdom and the transformative power of His love. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Kings 6:22,23And he answered, You shall not smite them: would you smite those whom you have taken captive with your sword and with your bow? set bread and water before them, that they may eat and drink, and go to their master. Torrey's Topical Textbook Romans 12:20 Library Homilies on Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians. Homilies on Galatians and Ephesians. Index of Subjects. John xii. 8 B. The Second Stages. Chs. 13:22 to 17:10 Alexandria and Rome - the Jewish Communities in the Capitals of ... Homilies on the Epistle to the Hebrews. The First Epistle of St. Peter Funeral Oration on the Great S. Basil, Bishop of C??sarea in ... Concerning the Ministry. 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 |
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