Topical Bible: Christian Minister: Hospitality to The Foreigners to Paul

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Introduction

Hospitality is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, reflecting God's love and care for all people, including strangers and foreigners. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul, a pivotal figure in early Christianity, both received and advocated for hospitality. His experiences and teachings provide a profound insight into the Christian duty of welcoming and caring for those who are not native to one's community.

Old Testament Foundations

The concept of hospitality to foreigners is deeply rooted in the Old Testament. The Israelites were commanded to love the foreigner residing among them, as seen in Leviticus 19:34: "The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt." This commandment underscores the importance of empathy and kindness, setting a precedent for New Testament teachings.

Paul's Experiences with Hospitality

Paul's missionary journeys, as recorded in the Acts of the Apostles, highlight numerous instances where he was the recipient of hospitality from both Jews and Gentiles. In Acts 16:15, Lydia, a seller of purple goods in Philippi, extends hospitality to Paul and his companions: "And when she and her household had been baptized, she urged us, 'If you consider me a believer in the Lord, come and stay at my house.' And she persuaded us." Lydia's invitation exemplifies the early Christian practice of opening one's home to traveling ministers and believers.

In Acts 28:7, after being shipwrecked on the island of Malta, Paul and his companions were shown "extraordinary kindness" by the islanders. Publius, the chief official, welcomed them into his home and provided for their needs. This act of hospitality not only met their physical needs but also facilitated the spread of the Gospel, as Paul healed the sick on the island, leading many to faith.

Paul's Teachings on Hospitality

Paul's epistles further emphasize the importance of hospitality within the Christian community. In Romans 12:13, he instructs believers to "Share with the saints who are in need. Practice hospitality." This directive is not merely a suggestion but a call to action, reflecting the communal nature of the early Church.

In his letter to the Hebrews, Paul (or the author, traditionally attributed to Paul) reminds believers of the spiritual significance of hospitality: "Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it" (Hebrews 13:2). This echoes the account of Abraham in Genesis 18, where he unknowingly entertained divine visitors, reinforcing the idea that hospitality can have profound spiritual implications.

Theological Implications

Hospitality to foreigners, as demonstrated by Paul and taught in his writings, is a reflection of God's inclusive love and grace. It serves as a tangible expression of the Gospel, breaking down barriers and fostering unity within the body of Christ. By welcoming strangers, believers participate in God's redemptive work, extending His kingdom on earth.

Conclusion

Paul's life and teachings on hospitality offer a compelling model for Christians today. His experiences underscore the transformative power of welcoming the foreigner, not only as an act of kindness but as a vital component of Christian witness and community. Through hospitality, believers can embody the love of Christ, creating spaces where all are welcomed and valued.

Nave's Topical Index

Acts 28:1-10
And when they were escaped, then they knew that the island was called Melita.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Church of God.
... (Lover of hospitality. ... Deacon is translated from "diakonos," meaning minister. ... in
defining presbyter, says, "An elder in the early Christian church." Young in ...
//christianbookshelf.org/orr/the gospel day /chapter vii the church of.htm

From the Close of the General Conference of 1832 to the Beginning ...
... may be said of every good and evangelical minister. ... made, through the columns of
the Christian Advocate and ... treated with great kindness and hospitality by Dr ...
/.../chapter 12 from the close.htm

Homilies on the Epistle to the Hebrews.
... 2383]521, [2384]522; learn from his hospitality, [2385]422 ... ie made flesh, [2953]377;
no minister, [2954]ib ... forbidden even to come to a Christian funeral and ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homilies on the epistle to.htm

The Arminian Controversy. AD 1604-1619.
... found clean and stately mansions, generous hospitality, and every ... Beza at Geneva,
was elected minister at Amsterdam ... his life he showed a meek, Christian spirit ...
/.../ 65 the arminian controversy.htm

John Calvin. His Life and Character.
... E. St??helin (Reformed minister at Basle): Johannes Calvin ... This truly Christian
friendship was touchingly expressed by ... of his generous hospitality to strangers ...
/.../creeds of christendom with a history and critical notes/ 56 john calvin his.htm

Faustus States his Objections to the Morality of the Law and the ...
... under the name of Christianity, bring such objections against the Christian Scriptures,
we ... of similar passages from his own authors, as in Paul's speech at ...
/.../faustus states his objections to.htm