Topical Encyclopedia Hospitality, particularly towards strangers, is a significant theme throughout the Bible, reflecting the character of God and the ethical expectations for His people. The practice of hospitality is deeply rooted in the cultural and religious traditions of the ancient Near East, where it was considered a sacred duty to welcome and care for travelers and strangers.Old Testament Foundations The Old Testament provides numerous examples and commandments regarding hospitality. One of the earliest and most notable instances is found in Genesis 18, where Abraham welcomes three visitors, who are later revealed to be divine messengers. Abraham's eagerness to provide for their needs exemplifies the ideal of hospitality: "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). The Law of Moses also underscores the importance of hospitality, particularly towards foreigners and sojourners. Leviticus 19:34 commands, "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. I am the LORD your God" . This directive not only emphasizes the moral obligation to care for strangers but also reminds the Israelites of their own history as strangers in a foreign land. New Testament Teachings In the New Testament, hospitality continues to be a vital expression of Christian love and community. Jesus Himself modeled hospitality, often dining with those considered outcasts and sinners. His parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) further illustrates the call to show mercy and kindness to strangers, transcending ethnic and social boundaries. The early church embraced hospitality as a core practice. In Romans 12:13, Paul exhorts believers to "share with the saints who are in need. Practice hospitality" . Similarly, in Hebrews 13:2, Christians are reminded, "Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it" , echoing the account of Abraham. Hospitality is also highlighted in the qualifications for church leadership. In 1 Timothy 3:2, an overseer is required to be "hospitable, able to teach" , indicating that hospitality is not merely a personal virtue but a necessary quality for those in positions of spiritual authority. Theological Significance Hospitality in the biblical context is more than a social courtesy; it is a reflection of God's own nature and His redemptive work. By welcoming strangers, believers participate in God's mission of reconciliation and demonstrate the inclusive love of Christ. The practice of hospitality serves as a tangible expression of the Gospel, breaking down barriers and fostering community. Furthermore, hospitality is a means of spiritual growth and blessing. As believers open their homes and hearts to others, they experience the joy of serving Christ Himself, as Jesus taught in Matthew 25:35, "For I was hungry and you gave Me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave Me something to drink, I was a stranger and you took Me in" . In summary, hospitality, especially towards strangers, is a profound biblical principle that calls believers to reflect God's love and grace in tangible ways. Through acts of hospitality, Christians are invited to participate in the divine narrative of welcome and redemption, embodying the kingdom values of love, generosity, and community. Torrey's Topical Textbook Hebrews 13:2Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Index of Subjects. Alexandria and Rome - the Jewish Communities in the Capitals of ... Ephesians vi. 3-Jan The Heroic Women of Early Indiana Methodism. Homilies on Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians. Homilies on the Epistle to the Hebrews. Concerning the Ministry. The Deputation from Jerusalem - the Three Sects of the Pharisees ... Funeral Oration on the Great S. Basil, Bishop of C??sarea in ... In the House of his Heavenly, and in the Home of his Earthly ... Resources Who were the three men who visited Abraham in Genesis 18? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is New Monasticism? | GotQuestions.org What is Celtic Christianity? | 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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