In the biblical context, the concept of "welcomes" is deeply rooted in the principles of hospitality, love, and acceptance. The act of welcoming is not merely a social courtesy but a reflection of God's love and grace extended to others. Throughout Scripture, welcoming others is portrayed as a virtue that believers are encouraged to practice, reflecting the character of God and the teachings of Jesus Christ.

Old Testament Foundations

The Old Testament lays the groundwork for the practice of welcoming others, particularly through the example of hospitality. Abraham's reception of the three visitors in Genesis 18:1-8 is a notable instance where welcoming strangers is depicted as a righteous act. Abraham's eagerness to serve and provide for his guests exemplifies the importance of hospitality in ancient Near Eastern culture and in the eyes of God.

Leviticus 19:34 further emphasizes the importance of welcoming and loving the foreigner: "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. I am the LORD your God." This command underscores the call to extend kindness and acceptance to those who are not part of one's immediate community.

New Testament Teachings

In the New Testament, the theme of welcoming is expanded and deepened through the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. Jesus Himself modeled a welcoming spirit, often reaching out to those marginalized by society. In Matthew 25:35, Jesus highlights the significance of welcoming others as a reflection of serving Him: "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."

The apostle Paul also addresses the importance of welcoming in his epistles. In Romans 15:7, he writes, "Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring glory to God." This exhortation calls believers to embrace one another with the same grace and acceptance that Christ has shown them.

Welcoming in the Early Church

The early Christian community was characterized by a spirit of welcoming and mutual support. Acts 2:46-47 describes the early believers as meeting together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. This communal life was marked by a welcoming attitude that attracted others to the faith.

The epistle to the Hebrews also encourages believers to practice hospitality, which is closely linked to welcoming: "Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it" (Hebrews 13:2). This passage alludes to the idea that welcoming others can have divine significance and unexpected blessings.

Practical Implications for Believers

For contemporary believers, the biblical call to welcome others is a reminder to embody the love and grace of Christ in everyday interactions. Welcoming is not limited to physical hospitality but extends to attitudes of acceptance, kindness, and openness to those who are different or in need. It challenges believers to break down barriers and create inclusive communities that reflect the kingdom of God.

In summary, the biblical concept of welcomes is a profound expression of God's love and an essential aspect of Christian living. It calls believers to open their hearts and lives to others, mirroring the acceptance and grace they have received through Christ.

An Old Disciple
... The man who welcomes new light, and reaches forward to greet new ways, is apt to
delight in having much fluid that ought to be fixed, and to value himself on a ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/an old disciple.htm

The First Disciples.
... The words with which Jesus welcomes Simon are remarkable: "Thou art Simon, son of
John: thou shalt be called Cephas." This greeting yields its meaning when we ...
/.../the expositors bible the gospel of st john vol i/iv the first disciples.htm

Preface
... It is the sword with which each man must conquer his destiny. It is the
smile with which Beatrice welcomes her lover to Paradise. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/merriam/the chief end of man/preface.htm

The Parable of the Lost Sheep
... free people; the fallen women of the town, and such-like riffraff make up his audiences;
he, instead of repelling them, receives them, welcomes them, looks ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 30 1884/the parable of the lost.htm

The Church and the Young Man.
... positions of power and influence, is powerfully swayed in whatever direction they
choose, as a body, to throw themselves, applauds and welcomes their success. ...
/.../vincent/amusement a force in christian training/the church and the young.htm

Introduction.
... truths are so little taught or emphasized as they should be, and the blessings they
speak of are so little experienced that one gladly welcomes every voice ...
//christianbookshelf.org/macneil/the spirit-filled life/introduction.htm

Exhortation to Abandon their Old Errors and Listen to the ...
... I would pity him in his frantic intoxication, and thus frantic I would invite him
to the sobriety of salvation; for the Lord welcomes a sinner's repentance ...
/.../clement/exhortation to the heathen/chapter xii exhortation to abandon their.htm

Joys to Come.
... When the Lord we loved before,. As Brother-man we see; When He welcomes us above,.
When we share His smile of love,. Will that not joyful be? ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/borthwick/hymns from the land of luther/joys to come.htm

Fifth Tractate. On Potentiality and Actuality.
... Potentiality may be thought of as a Substratum to states and shapes " and forms
which are to be received, which it welcomes by its nature and even strives ...
/.../plotinus/the six enneads/fifth tractate on potentiality and.htm

St. Catherine of Siena as Seen in Her Letters
... Dante's Angel of Purity welcomes wayfarers upon the Pilgrim Mount "in voce assai
piu che la nostra, viva." The saintly voice, like the angelic, is more living ...
/.../benincasa/letters of catherine benincasa/st catherine of siena as.htm

Welcomes (5 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Welcomes (5 Occurrences). ... 2 John 1:11 for he who
welcomes him participates in his evil works. (WEB NIV). ...
/w/welcomes.htm - 7k

Welcomed (30 Occurrences)

/w/welcomed.htm - 15k

Grumble (13 Occurrences)
... Luke 15:2 The Pharisees and the scribes murmured, saying, "This man welcomes sinners,
and eats with them." The Good News According to John (See NAS). ...
/g/grumble.htm - 10k

Welcome (31 Occurrences)
... Luke 15:2 The Pharisees and the scribes murmured, saying, "This man welcomes sinners,
and eats with them." The Good News According to John (Root in WEB WEY NIV ...
/w/welcome.htm - 15k

Welcoming (2 Occurrences)

/w/welcoming.htm - 7k

Eats (57 Occurrences)
... Luke 15:2 The Pharisees and the scribes murmured, saying, "This man welcomes sinners,
and eats with them." The Good News According to John (WEB DBY NAS RSV NIV ...
/e/eats.htm - 24k

Muttered (3 Occurrences)
... Luke 15:2 The Pharisees and the scribes murmured, saying, "This man welcomes sinners,
and eats with them." The Good News According to John (See NIV). ...
/m/muttered.htm - 7k

Murmured (21 Occurrences)
... Luke 15:2 The Pharisees and the scribes murmured, saying, "This man welcomes sinners,
and eats with them." The Good News According to John (WEB KJV ASV DBY WBS ...
/m/murmured.htm - 12k

Participates (2 Occurrences)
... who participates in their work and toils hard. (WEY). 2 John 1:11 for he
who welcomes him participates in his evil works. (WEB NAS). ...
/p/participates.htm - 7k

Sinners (132 Occurrences)
... Luke 15:2 The Pharisees and the scribes murmured, saying, "This man welcomes sinners,
and eats with them." The Good News According to John (WEB KJV WEY ASV BBE ...
/s/sinners.htm - 35k

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