In biblical times, the concept of hospitality was deeply ingrained in the culture and religious practices of the people. The term "guest" in the Bible often refers to a traveler or stranger who is received and cared for by a host. This practice was not only a social expectation but also a moral obligation, reflecting the values of kindness, generosity, and community.

Old Testament Context

The Old Testament provides numerous examples of hospitality towards guests. One of the most notable instances is found in Genesis 18, where Abraham receives three visitors near the great trees of Mamre. Abraham's immediate and generous response to these guests, offering them water, rest, and a meal, exemplifies the high regard for hospitality. The text states, "So Abraham hurried into the tent to Sarah and said, 'Quick, prepare three seahs of fine flour, knead it, and bake some bread'" (Genesis 18:6). This passage highlights the urgency and importance placed on welcoming guests.

The Mosaic Law also underscores the treatment of guests, particularly strangers and sojourners. Leviticus 19:34 commands, "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" . This directive reflects the broader principle of empathy and compassion towards those who are not part of one's immediate community.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the theme of hospitality continues to be significant. Jesus Himself often relied on the hospitality of others during His ministry. In Luke 10:38-42, we read about Jesus visiting the home of Martha and Mary. Martha's concern with serving her guest, while Mary chooses to sit at Jesus' feet, illustrates the balance between service and spiritual attentiveness.

The early Christian community also emphasized hospitality. In Romans 12:13, Paul instructs believers to "share with the saints who are in need. Practice hospitality" . This call to hospitality is echoed in 1 Peter 4:9, which advises, "Show hospitality to one another without complaining" . These passages indicate that hospitality was not merely a cultural norm but a spiritual practice integral to Christian life.

Theological Significance

Theologically, the act of welcoming guests is seen as a reflection of God's own hospitality towards humanity. In Matthew 25:35, Jesus teaches, "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 suggests that acts of hospitality are ultimately acts of service to God Himself.

Furthermore, the Epistle to the Hebrews reminds believers of the potential divine nature of their guests: "Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it" (Hebrews 13:2). This reference to the account of Abraham and the three visitors underscores the sacredness of the guest-host relationship.

Cultural and Social Implications

In biblical times, the role of a guest was not passive. Guests were expected to respect the customs and rules of their host's household. The mutual respect between host and guest was essential for maintaining social harmony and community bonds. The account of Lot in Genesis 19 illustrates the protective role a host played, even to the point of risking personal safety to ensure the well-being of his guests.

Overall, the biblical concept of guests and hospitality serves as a powerful reminder of the values of kindness, generosity, and the recognition of the divine image in every person.

The Christ in the Garden
... Augustin. His guest's words resounded in him like the blows of a clapper
in a bell. He saw himself in the two courtiers of Treves. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bertrand/saint augustin/v the christ in the.htm

The Treasure Cave
... with oil to keep away the insects, put the lamp behind the amphora rack, hung her
scarf over the frame that the light might not shine in her guest's eyes, and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xx the treasure cave.htm

The Evangelical Revival.
The English Church in the Eighteenth Century. <. ...
/.../chapter ix the evangelical revival.htm

Guest's (2 Occurrences)
...Guest's (2 Occurrences). Matthew 22:11 But when the king came in to see the guests,
he saw there a man who had not on a guest's robe; (BBE). ...
/g/guest's.htm - 6k

Guidance (9 Occurrences)

/g/guidance.htm - 9k

Guests (43 Occurrences)
... 1 Samuel 9:22 Then Samuel took Saul and his servant into the guest room, and made
them take the chief place among all the guests who were there, about thirty ...
/g/guests.htm - 18k

Nothing (769 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV WEY ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). Matthew 22:12 And he says to
him, Friend, how came you in here not having a guest's robe? ...
/n/nothing.htm - 40k

Says (1491 Occurrences)
... DBY). Matthew 22:12 And he says to him, Friend, how came you in here not
having a guest's robe? And he had nothing to say. (BBE DBY). ...
/s/says.htm - 34k

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