New Testament Hospitality

I began implementing hospitality after reading my daily Bible reading in the New Testament. It became evident that hospitality was a pattern modeled by Jesus’ attitude towards others; early Christians were defined by it, and the New Testament urges Christians to be hospitable. Because I was fascinated with this pattern of hospitality, I have studied the words in my own time with the Lord. I went to the Blue Letter Bible website to help me study words in the original Greek and Hebrew, in which the Bible was written. Through these tools, I could see the meanings of the Greek word for hospitality and its occurrences in the Bible.

The same word for hospitality in Greek occurs in Hebrews 13:2 and Romans 12:13. The word φιλοξενία or philoxenia means hospitality or love to strangers. This same description of hospitality was used to describe believers' attitudes towards other believers and strangers. In Hebrews 13:2, the author writes his final encouragement to the Jewish Christians who would receive the letter. The audience is reminded of short phrases summarizing different Christian life points. The verse reads, “Don't neglect to show hospitality, for by doing this, some have welcomed angels as guests without knowing it.”. There seems to be an unexpected blessing to showing love to strangers that may not always be realized at the time. In Romans 12:13, Paul encourages the church in Rome to live according to Christian ethics. In verse 13, Paul urges them to meet the needs of the saints and pursue hospitality. He says, “Share with the saints in their needs; pursue hospitality.”

Although it does not use the same Greek word for hospitality as the previous passages, 1 Timothy 5:10 and 1 Peter 4:9 also use the word to define the godly character of different individuals. Before that, the early Christians are seen as demonstrating hospitable characteristics to other saints and strangers. In Acts, the early Christians seemed to have this hospitable attitude concerning finances and providing for others' needs (Acts 2: 42-27). They reoriented their lives in such a way that their lives would express their new faith in Christ.

Looking at Jesus’ example, we see an attitude of hospitality in his interactions with others. Jesus opened His life up for others to see the glory of God. Jesus came to Earth and invited all who would hear to believe in the Gospel. Although there was a group of people to which He was most open, He did not turn away those who believed differently or acted differently. His hospitality was more than opening the door of His home, it was welcoming others into a relationship with the Father. He is still doing this very thing today. Placing our faith in Jesus is an invitation to a restored relationship with God. Before this, our relationship was broken and disconnected because of our sins. Accepting this invitation to follow Jesus means our sins are forgiven through His work on the cross, and we have a relationship with the God of the universe! This is the very nature of hospitality. Jesus showed strangers the greatest gift of love in taking their place on the cross. After seeing our Savior do this, it is natural to feel challenged to be hospitable or motivated to apply what you have seen through the Word.

Here are some questions to consider:

• What is your next step towards hospitality towards others?
  • Is there a neighbor you can serve?
  • Is there a friend you must share Jesus’ invitation to follow Him with?
• What about Jesus’ example of hospitality challenges you?
• How do you need to apply the Word?