In the biblical context, the concept of visitors encompasses a range of interactions, from hospitality to the treatment of strangers and foreigners. The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings regarding how visitors should be treated, reflecting the values of kindness, hospitality, and respect.

Old Testament Context

The Old Testament lays a strong foundation for the treatment of visitors, often emphasizing hospitality as a virtue. In Genesis 18:1-8, Abraham exemplifies this virtue when he welcomes three visitors, who are later revealed to be divine messengers. Abraham's eagerness to provide food and rest for his guests highlights the importance of hospitality in ancient Near Eastern culture.

The Law of Moses also addresses the treatment of visitors, particularly foreigners. 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. I am the LORD your God." This command underscores the expectation of kindness and equality towards visitors, rooted in Israel's own history as sojourners.

New Testament Context

The New Testament continues to emphasize hospitality and the proper treatment of visitors. In the Gospels, Jesus often speaks about welcoming strangers. In Matthew 25:35, He states, "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 is part of a larger discourse on the final judgment, where Jesus equates acts of kindness towards others with service to Himself.

The early Christian community also practiced hospitality. In Acts 16:15, Lydia, a convert in Philippi, invites Paul and his companions to stay at her home, demonstrating the early church's commitment to welcoming visitors. The Apostle Paul, in his epistles, frequently encourages believers to practice hospitality. Romans 12:13 exhorts, "Share with the saints who are in need. Practice hospitality."

Theological Implications

The treatment of visitors in the Bible is deeply connected to the themes of love, community, and the recognition of God's image in every person. Hospitality is not merely a social duty but a spiritual practice that reflects God's love and grace. Hebrews 13:2 reminds believers, "Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it."

Practical Application

For contemporary Christians, the biblical teachings on visitors encourage a lifestyle of openness and generosity. The church is called to be a welcoming community, reflecting the love of Christ to all, including strangers and those from different backgrounds. This includes practical acts of kindness, such as providing for the needs of visitors, offering shelter, and creating inclusive environments.

In summary, the biblical perspective on visitors is one of profound respect and care, rooted in the understanding that all people are created in the image of God and deserving of love and hospitality.1927. epidemeo -- to be at home
... city). Word Origin from epi and demos Definition to be at home NASB Word
Usage visiting (1), visitors (1). dwelling as a stranger. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1927.htm - 6k

Two visitors by Night
... BOOK I. ANTIOCH CHAPTER IV TWO VISITORS BY NIGHT. ... My father used to sell the little
silver shrines of Apollo which the visitors to Antioch buy; but oh, sir! ...
/.../chapter iv two visitors by.htm

Visitors and Pastimes
... CHAPTER VI Visitors and Pastimes. During the winter that followed his father's
marriage, John's stepmother's brother came to live ...
/.../byrum/how john became a man/chapter vi visitors and pastimes.htm

The Request of the Deputies of the Synod of South Holland to their ...
... 4. The request of the Deputies of the Synod of South Holland to their Lordships,
the ,visitors of the University, and the answer which they received. ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/4 the request of the.htm

Bishops must not be Appointed in Villages or Country Districts...
... Bishops must not be appointed in villages or country districts, but visitors; and
those who have been already appointed must do nothing without the consent of ...
/.../schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/canon lvii bishops must not.htm

The Right to a Normal Home Life
... herself. They had many visitors, both Christians and others. ... And during the times
he was at home, there were often visitors to see him. On ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/williamson/have we no rights/chapter 8 the right to.htm

Greek and Jew
... Manifestly it was the visitors who were the aggressors. ... Citizens against the visitors;
visitors against the citizens; soldiers against them all! ...
/.../miller/the city of delight/chapter viii greek and jew.htm

Swords Beaten into Ploughshares.
... When the proper time came, they and their visitors made offerings to the
swords, of plantains, cocoa-nuts, rice, etcetera. After ...
//christianbookshelf.org/hodson/old daniel/chapter seven swords beaten into.htm

Of the Conveniences of the Coenobium.
... about bodily things, by which one has to get ready what is necessary not only for
one's own wants but also for those of any number of visitors, finally no ...
/.../cassian/the conferences of john cassian/chapter vi of the conveniences.htm

How in Egypt we Saw that the Daily Fast was Broken Without Scruple ...
... strictly observed as a matter of rule, but these other voluntary fasts at other
times were to be freely broken through on account of the arrival of visitors. ...
/.../cassian/the works of john cassian /chapter xxiv how in egypt.htm

Anxieties and Troubles, Friends and Foes
... Old Phlegon was installed as porter at the Patriarcheion; and when he was vexed
with the throngs of visitors and the incessant summonses which brought him out ...
/.../chapter xxi anxieties and troubles.htm

Visitors (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Visitors (1 Occurrence). Acts 2:10 Phrygia, Pamphylia,
Egypt, the parts of Libya around Cyrene, visitors...
/v/visitors.htm - 6k

Parlor (5 Occurrences)
... 2. (n.) The apartment in a monastery or nunnery where the inmates are permitted
to meet and converse with each other, or with visitors and friends from without ...
/p/parlor.htm - 9k

Africa (1 Occurrence)
... During this period, it may be supposed, they saw from time to time visitors from
the South-people who are not mentioned in the sacred books of the Old ...
/a/africa.htm - 10k

Vail (44 Occurrences)
... 4. (n.) Money given to servants by visitors; a gratuity; -- usually in the
plural. 5. (vt) To let fail; to allow or cause to sink. ...
/v/vail.htm - 22k

Visitor (2 Occurrences)

/v/visitor.htm - 7k

Visits (4 Occurrences)

/v/visits.htm - 7k

Libya (4 Occurrences)
... Acts 2:10 Phrygia, Pamphylia, Egypt, the parts of Libya around Cyrene, visitors
from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, (WEB KJV ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/l/libya.htm - 8k

Gate (248 Occurrences)
... heap of the city. Visitors in recent years riding outside the city walls
of Jerusalem, on their way to the Mt. of Olives or Jericho ...
/g/gate.htm - 63k

Reception (5 Occurrences)
... of receiving visitors; entertainment; hence, an occasion or ceremony of receiving
guests; as, a hearty reception; an elaborate reception. ...
/r/reception.htm - 8k

Receive (350 Occurrences)
... 8. (vt) To bat back (the ball) when served. 9. (vi) To receive visitors; to
be at home to receive calls; as, she receives on Tuesdays. 10. ...
/r/receive.htm - 36k

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