Examples of hospitality

Examples of hospitality in the OT

Genesis 18:2–5 NRSV

He looked up and saw three men standing near him. When he saw them, he ran from the tent entrance to meet them, and bowed down to the ground. He said, “My lord, if I find favor with you, do not pass by your servant. Let a little water be brought, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree. Let me bring a little bread, that you may refresh yourselves, and after that you may pass on—since you have come to your servant.” So they said, “Do as you have said.”

See also Ge 19:1–3 Lot entertains visitors from God; Ge 24:22–25 Abraham’s servant is welcomed in Rebekah’s home; Ex 2:20 Moses is welcomed by a priest of Midian; Jdg 13:15 Manoah receives the angel of the Lord.

Shelter is given to a Levite:

Jdg 19:1–4; Jdg 19:20–21

2 Sa 17:27–29 hospitality shown to David and his people; 1 Ki 17:7–16 The widow of Zarephath cares for Elijah despite her poverty; 2 Ki 4:8–10 a Shunammite provides for Elisha; Ne 5:17 Nehemiah shows hospitality to fellow Jews.

Hospitality shown to Jesus Christ

Mt 9:10 Jesus Christ received hospitality from people of all social backgrounds.

See also Mt 8:14–15 at Peter’s house

Jesus Christ anointed at Bethany:

Mt 26:6–7; Jn 12:1–3

Lk 7:36 at the house of Simon the Pharisee; Lk 10:38 at the home of Mary and Martha; Lk 14:1 at the house of a prominent Pharisee; Lk 19:5–7 at Zacchaeus’ house; Lk 24:29 with disciples in Emmaus; Jn 2:2 at the wedding at Cana

Hospitality assisted the mission of the apostles

Hospitality shown to the disciples

Mt 10:11–12 Jesus Christ sends out the Twelve.

See also Lk 10:5–7

Hospitality shown to Peter

Ac 10:32 at the home of Simon the tanner; Ac 10:48 with Cornelius and his family

Hospitality shown to Paul and his companions

Ac 16:15 at the home of Lydia; Ac 16:34 at the house of the Philippian jailer; Ac 18:2–3 with Aquila and Priscilla in Corinth; Ac 21:8 at the house of Philip; Ac 21:16 at the home of Mnason in Jerusalem; Ac 28:2 on Malta; Ac 28:7 at the home of Publius; Ro 16:23 with Gaius; Phm 22 as a guest of Philemon

Christians opened their homes for gatherings of believers

1 Corinthians 16:19 NRSV

The churches of Asia send greetings. Aquila and Prisca, together with the church in their house, greet you warmly in the Lord.

See also Ac 2:46; Ro 16:3–5; Col 4:15; Phm 2

Examples of inhospitable behaviour

1 Samuel 25:10–11 NRSV

But Nabal answered David’s servants, “Who is David? Who is the son of Jesse? There are many servants today who are breaking away from their masters. Shall I take my bread and my water and the meat that I have butchered for my shearers, and give it to men who come from I do not know where?”

See also Nu 20:18 Edom; Nu 21:21–23 Sihon; Dt 23:3–4 Ammonites and Moabites; Jdg 19:15 Gibeah; Lk 9:52–53 a Samaritan village