Biblical Teaching on the Gift of Hospitality
Hospitality, the practice of welcoming and caring for guests and strangers, is a virtue highly valued throughout the Bible, reflecting both ancient Near Eastern cultural norms and specific divine commands [1, 6]. In the ancient world, it was considered one of the most important virtues [1].
The Old Testament provides numerous examples and legal stipulations concerning hospitality. Abraham's entertainment of angels in Genesis 18:1-8 and Lot's reception of angels in Genesis 19:1-3 are foundational narratives demonstrating this practice [1, 2, 8]. The Mosaic Law explicitly commanded compassion towards strangers, reminding the Israelites, "for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt" (Leviticus 19:34) [1]. Laws regarding the poor and redemption also aligned with the spirit of hospitality [1]. Job, for instance, is depicted as one who "never turned away a stranger" (Job 31:31-32), highlighting the expectation of care for travelers [2, 6, 9].
The New Testament continues to emphasize hospitality as a core Christian duty. Romans 12:13 exhorts believers to be "given to hospitality" [2, 5]. The author of Hebrews specifically commands, "Do not neglect hospitality, because through this some have received angels as guests without knowing it" (Hebrews 13:2) [2, 4, 8]. This verse alludes to Old Testament accounts like Abraham's encounter, reinforcing the potential divine encounter in welcoming strangers [8]. Ministers are specifically required to be hospitable (1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:8) [2, 3]. The apostle Peter also urges believers to "show hospitality to one another without grumbling" (1 Peter 4:9) [2, 6, 10]. This command implies a sincere, open-hearted welcome, not one given grudgingly [10].
Hospitality is presented as a test of Christian character (1 Timothy 5:10) and is to be extended not only to fellow believers but also to strangers, the poor, and even enemies [2, 11]. The early church, as noted by Clement of Alexandria, was celebrated for its "munificent style of your hospitality" [12]. This practice was particularly crucial in times of persecution and before the widespread availability of public inns, making the entertainment of strangers a sacred duty [7, 8].
Sources
- Smith's Bible Dictionary “Smith's Bible Dictionary: Hospitality — Hospitality was regarded by most nations of the ancient world as one of the chief virtues. The Jewish laws respecting strangers (Leviticus 19:33,34) and the poor, (Leviticus 23:14) seq. Deuteronomy 15:7 And concerning redemption (Leviticus 25:23) seq., etc. are framed in accordance with the spirit of hospitality. In the law compassion to strangers is constantly enforced by the words "for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt." (Leviticus 19:34) And before the law, Abraham's entertainment of the angels, (Genesis 18:1) seq., and Lot's, (Genesis 19:1) are ”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Hospitality — Commanded -- Ro 12:13; 1Pe 4:9. Required in ministers -- 1Ti 3:2; Tit 1:8. A test of Christian character -- 1Ti 5:10. Specially to be shown to Strangers. -- Heb 13:2. The poor. -- Isa 58:7; Lu 14:13. Enemies. -- 2Ki 6:22,23; Ro 12:20. Encouragement to -- Lu 14:14; Heb 13:2. Exemplified Melchizedek. -- Ge 14:18. Abraham. -- Ge 18:3-8. Lot. -- Ge 19:2,3. Laban. -- Ge 24:31. Jethro. -- Ex 2:20. Manoah. -- Jdj 13:15. Samuel. -- 1Sa 9:22. David. -- 2Sa 6:19. Barzillai. -- 2Sa 19:32. Shunammite. -- 2Ki 4:8. Nehemiah. -- Ne 5:17. Job. -- Job 31:17,32. Zacchaeu”
- Titus “but given to hospitality, a lover of good, sober minded, fair, holy, self-controlled; -- Titus 1:8”
- Hebrews “Hebrews 13:2 (LEB) — Do not neglect hospitality, because through this some have received angels as guests without knowing it.”
- Romans “contributing to the needs of the saints; given to hospitality. -- Romans 12:13”
- Job (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Job 31:31: 31:31-32 never turned away a stranger: The Old Testament values hospitality (Gen 18:1-13; 19:2-3; Judg 19:20-21), and the New Testament commands it (Matt 25:35; Rom 12:13; 1 Tim 3:2; Heb 13:2; 1 Pet 4:9).”
- Romans (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Romans 12:13: given to hospitality--that is, the entertainment of strangers. In times of persecution, and before the general institution of houses of entertainment, the importance of this precept would be at once felt. In the East, where such houses are still rare, this duty is regarded as of the most sacred character [HODGE].”
- Hebrews (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Hebrews 13:2: 13:2 Hospitality is another foundational principle in Jewish and Christian ethics (1 Pet 4:9; see also Matt 10:11; Acts 16:15; Titus 3:13; Phlm 1:22; 3 Jn 1:5-8). In the first century, most people did not stay at inns when traveling. • Some . . . have entertained angels: See Gen 18:2-15; Judg 13:2-23.”
- Job (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Job 22:7: Hospitality to the weary traveller is regarded in the East as a primary duty (Isa 21:14).”
- 1 Peter (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Peter 4:9: (Rom 12:13; Heb 13:2.) Not the spurious hospitality which passes current in the world, but the entertaining of those needing it, especially those exiled for the faith, as the representatives of Christ, and all hospitality to whomsoever exercised from genuine Christian love. without grudging--Greek, "murmuring." "He that giveth, let him do it with simplicity," that is open-hearted sincerity; with cordiality. Not secretly speaking against the person whom we entertain, or upbraiding him with the favor we have conferred in him.”
- Hebrews (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Hebrews 13:2: Be not forgetful to entertain strangers,.... By whom are meant, not unconverted men, who are strangers to God and Christ, and the covenants of promise; nor saints, who are as pilgrims and strangers in this world; but such as are of another country, and are unknown; and even though wicked men, they are not excluded; though such as are obliged to quit their own country for righteousness sake are chiefly designed; all strangers in distress are meant, and hospitality is to be exercised towards them; which lies negatively in doing nothing to distress them, and positively ”
- Schaff ANF/NPNF (Patristic) “ANF Vol 2: Hermas, Tatian, Theophilus, Athenagoras, Clement of Alexandria — CHAP. XVII.--PASSAGES FROM CLEMENT'S EPISTLE TO THE CORINTHIANS ON MARTYRDOM. (part 1): Moreover, in the Epistle to the Corinthians, the Apostle[7] Clement also, drawing a picture of the Gnostic, says:[8] "For who that has sojourned among you has not proved your perfect and firm faith? and has not admired your sound and gentle piety? and has not celebrated the munificent style of your hospitality? and has not felicitated your complete and sure knowledge? For ye did all things impartially, and walked in the ordinances o”