Reading Video Notes: Biblical Foundations of Hospitality Ministry

Biblical Foundations of Hospitality

Objective:
Understand the theological principles guiding Christian hospitality, exploring key Scriptures and word studies from both the Old and New Testaments.

Introduction to Biblical Hospitality

Hospitality is an integral part of both Old and New Testament teachings, reflecting the heart of God and the way His people are called to treat others. In this lesson, we will explore the biblical roots of hospitality by examining the key Hebrew and Greek terms used in the Bible and how they inform our practice of ministry hosting today.

Old Testament Survey of Hospitality

Hebrew Word for Hospitality: "Gēr" (גֵּר)

In the Old Testament, hospitality is often expressed in the context of welcoming strangers or "sojourners," referred to as gēr (גֵּר). This term signifies foreigners or travelers who were passing through a region, typically without permanent residence or legal status. God's people were commanded to show kindness and care to these strangers, ensuring they were treated with dignity and given shelter.

• Leviticus 19:33-34 (WEB):
  "If a stranger lives as a foreigner with you in your land, you shall not do him wrong. The stranger who lives as a foreigner with you shall be to you as the native-born among you, and you shall love him as yourself, for you lived as foreigners in the land of Egypt. I am Yahweh your God."

This commandment is rooted in Israel’s own history as strangers in Egypt. God’s people were to remember their own experience of oppression and extend hospitality to those who were vulnerable, making hospitality an act of compassion and justice.

Hospitality in the Old Testament involved more than simply providing food and shelter. It was about protection, inclusion, and the recognition of shared humanity. Abraham’s story in Genesis 18 is a prime example of this principle in action.

Abraham and the Three Visitors (Genesis 18:1-8, WEB)

• "Yahweh appeared to him by the oaks of Mamre, as he sat in the tent door in the heat of the day. He lifted up his eyes and looked and saw that three men stood near him. When he saw them, he ran to meet them from the tent door and bowed himself to the earth and said, 'My lord, if now I have found favor in your sight, please don’t go away from your servant. Now let a little water be fetched, wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree. I will get a piece of bread so you can refresh your heart. After that you may go your way, now that you have come to your servant.' They said, 'Very well, do as you have said.' Abraham hurried into the tent to Sarah, and said, 'Quickly prepare three measures of fine meal, knead it, and make cakes.' Abraham ran to the herd and fetched a tender and good calf, and gave it to the servant. He hurried to dress it. He took butter, milk, and the calf which he had dressed, and set it before them. He stood by them under the tree, and they ate."

In this passage, Abraham embodies the core values of hospitality—welcoming strangers, serving them generously, and ensuring their comfort. His eagerness and humility in offering hospitality reflect the deeply ingrained practice of caring for those in need.

New Testament Survey of Hospitality

Greek Word for Hospitality: "Philoxenia" (φιλοξενία)

In the New Testament, the Greek word used for hospitality is philoxenia (φιλοξενία), which is a compound word meaning "love of strangers" (philos = love, xenos = stranger). This term captures the essence of hospitality as a selfless act of love and care for those who may be unknown or unfamiliar to us.

• Romans 12:13 (WEB):
  "Contribute to the needs of the saints, and practice hospitality (philoxenia)."

Paul’s instruction to the Roman church emphasizes hospitality as an essential practice for believers. Here, philoxenia is not just an act of kindness, but a spiritual discipline, something that should be part of the believer’s everyday life.

• Hebrews 13:2 (WEB):
  "Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for in doing so, some have entertained angels without knowing it."

This verse points back to the story of Abraham in Genesis 18 and reinforces the spiritual significance of hospitality. The writer of Hebrews reminds Christians that in welcoming strangers, they may be hosting angels—divine messengers sent by God. Hospitality is not only a social act but also a profound spiritual opportunity.

Jesus’ Example of Hospitality

Jesus modeled hospitality in His ministry, not only through welcoming others into His presence but also through His radical love for the marginalized. He consistently broke social norms by dining with sinners, tax collectors, and the outcasts of society. His life demonstrated that hospitality is about inclusion, acceptance, and love.

• Luke 19:5-7 (WEB):
  "When Jesus came to the place, he looked up and saw him, and said to him, 'Zacchaeus, hurry and come down, for today I must stay at your house.' He hurried, came down, and received him joyfully. When they saw it, they all murmured, saying, 'He has gone in to lodge with a man who is a sinner.'"

Jesus’ invitation to Zacchaeus, a tax collector despised by his community, shows the transformative power of hospitality. In inviting Himself into Zacchaeus’ home, Jesus breaks down barriers, offering forgiveness and a new way of life. Hospitality in the New Testament is closely linked to restoration and reconciliation.

Hospitality in the Early Church

Hospitality was central to the life of the early church. The first Christians frequently met in homes for worship, teaching, and fellowship, embodying a lifestyle of communal care and support.

• Acts 2:46-47 (WEB):
  "Day by day, continuing steadfastly with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread at home, they took their food with gladness and singleness of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. The Lord added to the assembly day by day those who were being saved."

Hospitality in the early church was not just an act of service but a means of evangelism. Through their openness and generosity, the early believers reflected Christ’s love, drawing others to the faith.

The Role of Hospitality in Ministry Hosting

Ministry Hosting today continues this biblical tradition of offering hospitality as an expression of Christ’s love. Whether it is opening our homes for small groups, hosting community outreach events, or providing temporary housing for those in need, we follow the biblical command to "practice hospitality."

By practicing philoxenia, we extend the love of Christ to strangers, creating spaces for spiritual transformation. Hosting becomes not just a physical act of kindness but a spiritual ministry where both hosts and guests experience the presence of God.

Conclusion

The practice of hospitality, from the Old Testament concept of welcoming strangers (gēr) to the New Testament command of loving strangers (philoxenia), reveals that hospitality is a central expression of faith in God. It is more than a social responsibility—it is a divine mandate that reflects God’s heart for the vulnerable, the outsider, and those in need.

As Host Ministers, our calling is to embody this biblical hospitality, creating environments where people can experience the love of Christ and grow in their faith. We are called to create safe, welcoming, and nurturing spaces that allow the Holy Spirit to work in the lives of those we serve.