In the biblical context, the treatment of travelers and strangers is a significant theme, reflecting the values of hospitality, kindness, and respect. The Scriptures provide numerous examples and instructions regarding how strangers and travelers should be treated, emphasizing the importance of civility and compassion.

Old Testament Context

The Old Testament lays a strong foundation for the treatment of strangers. In the ancient Near Eastern culture, hospitality was a sacred duty, and the Israelites were commanded to extend kindness to strangers. Leviticus 19:34 states, "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 commandment highlights the principle of empathy, reminding the Israelites of their own history as strangers in Egypt.

Abraham's encounter with the three visitors in Genesis 18:1-8 exemplifies the ideal treatment of travelers. Abraham hurried to welcome the strangers, offering them water, rest, and a meal. His actions demonstrate the importance of hospitality and respect towards those who are not part of one's immediate community.

New Testament Context

The New Testament continues to uphold the value of treating strangers with civility. Jesus Himself was often a traveler, and His teachings reflect the importance of welcoming others. In Matthew 25:35 , Jesus says, "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." This passage underscores the idea that acts of kindness towards strangers are acts of service to Christ Himself.

The early Christian community also practiced hospitality as a core value. Hebrews 13:2 advises, "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 account of Abraham and encourages believers to be open and welcoming to those they do not know.

Cultural and Theological Implications

The biblical mandate to treat strangers civilly is rooted in the understanding of God's character and His love for all humanity. The Israelites' experience as foreigners in Egypt serves as a theological basis for their treatment of strangers, reminding them of God's deliverance and care. This theme is echoed in the New Testament, where the call to love and serve others is central to the Christian faith.

The treatment of travelers and strangers is not merely a social obligation but a reflection of one's relationship with God. By extending hospitality and kindness, believers demonstrate their obedience to God's commands and their commitment to living out the principles of love and grace.

Practical Application

In practical terms, the biblical teachings on civility towards strangers encourage believers to be proactive in their hospitality. This can include offering assistance to those in need, providing shelter or food, and creating a welcoming environment for newcomers in the community. The church is called to be a place of refuge and support, embodying the love of Christ to all who enter its doors.

The biblical perspective on travelers and strangers challenges believers to transcend cultural and social barriers, recognizing the inherent dignity and worth of every individual. By doing so, they fulfill the biblical mandate to love their neighbor as themselves, reflecting the heart of God to a world in need of compassion and grace.Genesis 18:2
And he lift up his eyes and looked, and, see, three men stood by him: and when he saw them, he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself toward the ground,
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 24:18,19
And she said, Drink, my lord: and she hurried, and let down her pitcher on her hand, and gave him drink.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Travelling in Palestine --Roads, Inns, Hospitality, Custom-House ...
... declared, that "the entertainment of travellers was as ... places were chiefly provided
by and for strangers. ... population, they refer only to civil taxation, not to ...
/.../sketches of jewish social life/chapter 4 travelling in palestineroads.htm

A Plymouth Usher
... Travellers visited it, just as they went to Washington or ... During the Civil War most
of the so-called War ... came to be able to tell where the strangers came from ...
/.../griswold/sixty years with plymouth church/a plymouth usher.htm

Shakers, or the United Society of Believers.
... us, and are said to be so by travellers. ... Trustees' Office,' over the door, where
strangers are received ... business is transacted, and where civil people wishing ...
/.../hayward/the book of religions/shakers or the united society.htm

The Government of India.
... insinuating themselves into the goodwill of travellers, with a ... As strangers, it is
difficult for us to understand ... the careful drawing up of civil and criminal ...
/.../chapter xxxi the government of.htm

The Ministry of Paul in Thessalonica, Berea, Athens, and Corinth.
... Strangers from the East passed through it on their way to Rome, and travellers from
the ... endeavoured to avail themselves of the aid of the civil power; but ...
/.../killen/the ancient church/chapter vii the ministry of.htm

Directions How to Lead a Heavenly Life Upon Earth.
... say heaven and thy soul are very great strangers. ... too frequent society with persons
merely civil and moral ... turn, then we should have daily travellers for heaven ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter xii directions how to.htm

The Fourth Continental Journey.
... of London; but happily the civil power proved ... remain totally unknown to ordinary
travellers, and perhaps we ... where they preached to the strangers who attended ...
/.../chapter xv the fourth continental.htm

The Second Continental Journey.
... inducement is held out for improvement in civil society, and ... The travellers fared
badly in Holland, and they were ... where they know how to use strangers with an ...
/.../chapter viii the second continental.htm

His First Residence in Germany.
... of spirit appeared to exist in the strangers who attended ... called a reasonable excise;
but those travellers who have ... The officer was very civil, but told us it ...
/.../chapter iv his first residence.htm

Letter Lxxvii. To Oceanus.
... being detained in Italy on account of the civil wars ... Travellers left Rome in haste
to take advantage of the ... whole world knows that a home for strangers has been ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter lxxvii to oceanus.htm

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