Hospitality
The term “hospitality” is used in the New Testament
only two times. It is translated from a Greek word PHILOXENOS. PHILOS
means “loving” and XENOS means “a stranger.” Thus, “hospitality” is
defined by Vine’s Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words as “love
of strangers.” Wuest defines it further as “fondness or affection for
strangers...”
In Romans 12:13, members of the body of Christ are required to be
“given to hospitality.” Vincent, in his word studies, explains this
requirement saying, “The verb indicates not only that hospitality is to
be furnished when sought, but that Christians are to seek opportunities
of exercising it.”
Hebrews 13:2 says, “Do not forget to entertain strangers…” This
would have been a very important command to those Christians who were
persecuted and tortured for their faith.
Even today, Christians are persecuted. New converts need new friends for
support in their new lives. Young people need a safe haven away from the
temptations of youth. Working Christians need the refreshment of
like-minded people after a week of being around the worldly-minded. Is
your home a place where hospitality can be found for those seeking new
life in Christ?
February 2006