Hebrews 13:2 Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. In hospitality these things are required: 1. That we do it frequently. One swallow makes not a spring. The receiving of a stranger once makes not a hospitable man. We must make a daily use and occupation of it. It was the continual practice of Lot and Abraham, as may appear by their behaviour. 2. It must be willingly. We must not tarry till strangers offer themselves. We must pull them in, as Abraham and Lot did. We must constrain them, as Lydia did St. Paul and Silas. 3. Cheerfully without grudging (1 Peter 4:9), we must not repine at it, speak hardly of them when they be gone. 4. Meekly; not receive them after a stately and lord-like manner; but after a meek manner, as if we were rather beholden to them, than they to us. They be the brethren of Christ, the sons of God; we are not worthy of such guests. 5. Abundantly; according to that ability wherewith God hath blessed us. If we have but a little, let them have a little, as the widow of Sarepta dealt with Elias. If we have a great portion of God's blessings, let them taste of them. 6. We must do it perseveringly: be not weary of well doing. Hospitality is a good thing, be not weary of it. Let thy house be open to good men all the days of thy life. But alas, this is a hard doctrine, who can abide it; we are too much wedded to the world: yea, they that make a great show of Christianity, are ready to say with Nabal," Shall I take my bread and my water, and my flesh, and give it unto men whom I know not whence they be? "Oh forget not this duty. Here he means such strangers especially as are compelled to forsake their country for the gospel's sake; but it is to be extended to all.It is an excellent duty, and we have many spurs to prick us to it. 1. God requires it (Isaiah 58:7). 2. We have many ensamples for it. 3. We ourselves may be strangers, therefore do as ye would be done to. 4. The want of it hath been grievously punished, it was the overthrow of the whole tribe (Judges 20.). 5. In receiving men that are strangers, we may receive angels. Preachers which be God's angels, nay, Christ Himself (Matthew 25:6). 6. It is gainful for this life, and that which is to come. (W. Jones, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. |
    |