Video Notes and Reading: Host Ministers: Given To Hospitality

Given to Hospitality: The Cultural Brand of Early Christian Leaders and Christianity

In his letters to early Christian communities, Paul repeatedly emphasizes that spiritual leaders should be "given to hospitality." Romans 12:13 (WEB) instructs believers to “Contribute to the needs of the saints, and practice hospitality,” while 1 Timothy 3:2 (WEB) outlines that an overseer or leader “must be blameless, the husband of one wife, temperate, sensible, modest, hospitable, able to teach.” These exhortations form the foundation for a defining characteristic of the early church: its radical commitment to hospitality.

This culture of hospitality was not just a recommendation for Christian leaders; it became a cultural brand that set early Christianity apart in the Roman world. In a society where the rich and powerful were often indifferent to the needs of the marginalized, the Christian community embodied a countercultural commitment to welcoming the stranger, caring for the poor, and treating all people with dignity. This practice of hospitality became a visible and powerful testimony of the Gospel in action, marking the early Christian church as distinctly different from the pagan society around it.

Hospitality in Contrast to Roman Society

In Roman society, hospitality was typically reserved for those of the same social class. The wealthy hosted elaborate banquets, but the purpose was often to display social status or form alliances, not to care for the needy. The poor, slaves, and those considered "outsiders" were excluded from these acts of hospitality. Hospitality, in the pagan sense, was transactional—based on reciprocity and maintaining one's status.

In contrast, the Christian understanding of hospitality was rooted in selfless love and service, grounded in Jesus’ teachings. Christians were called to welcome everyone, especially those who were marginalized, such as the poor, widows, orphans, and even slaves. Paul’s instruction to be "given to hospitality" meant that Christians were to extend care, not for personal gain, but as a reflection of Christ’s love.

The Early Church’s Distinctive Practice

The early church took Paul’s teachings seriously. The practice of hospitality was not just a private affair but a public witness of the faith. Christian homes became sanctuaries for travelers, the poor, and those in need. Communities pooled their resources to care for the sick, feed the hungry, and provide shelter to those with nowhere else to go. In times of crisis, such as plagues or famines, Christians were known to stay behind and care for the sick, while others fled for safety. This commitment to hospitality was so radical that it became one of the primary ways the early church grew and attracted new converts.

One of the most compelling examples of early Christian hospitality is found in the story of Bishop Dionysius of Alexandria during the Plague of Cyprian. While Roman citizens abandoned the sick and fled the cities, Christians stayed behind to nurse the dying, showing the world what it meant to be "given to hospitality" in a time of crisis. Their love for strangers, even at great personal risk, reflected the teachings of Jesus and stood in stark contrast to the fear and self-preservation that characterized much of Roman society.

Hospitality as Evangelism

Hospitality became one of the early church’s most effective tools for evangelism. In a world divided by class, ethnicity, and social status, the Christian practice of radical hospitality broke down barriers and created communities where all were welcome. The message of the Gospel—of a God who welcomes the sinner, the outcast, and the stranger—was lived out in the daily actions of believers.

In this way, Christian hospitality was not just about providing physical needs; it was a tangible expression of the love of Christ. As Christians welcomed strangers into their homes, they also welcomed them into their faith communities, sharing the message of salvation. The act of breaking bread together became a sacred act, pointing to the communal nature of the Christian faith and the inclusiveness of God’s kingdom.

The Role of Leaders in Hospitality

Paul’s command that leaders be "given to hospitality" was foundational to how the early church operated. Leaders were expected to model this hospitality for others, demonstrating what it meant to live out the Gospel in practical ways. Hospitality was not an optional task for leaders—it was essential to their role. A leader’s home was often a place where new believers were discipled, where the poor were fed, and where the community gathered to worship and learn together.

This expectation created a culture where Christian leaders were not above serving others. In fact, their authority came from their willingness to humble themselves and open their homes to all. Leaders like Philemon and Aphia, who hosted the church in their home, exemplified this role. They provided a space for the Christian community to grow, not only in numbers but also in spiritual depth.

The Cultural Brand of Christianity

This commitment to hospitality was not just a practice—it became the cultural brand of early Christianity. As believers across the Roman Empire embraced this call, the Christian community became known for its generosity, kindness, and willingness to serve those whom society had forgotten. This brand of radical hospitality was so different from the surrounding pagan culture that it often sparked curiosity and admiration, leading many to explore the faith for themselves.

The early church’s reputation for hospitality also served as a form of protection. Roman authorities often viewed Christians with suspicion, but their acts of charity and care for the marginalized made it harder to dismiss them as a mere sect or threat. The church’s commitment to hospitality softened hearts and opened doors for the Gospel to spread.

Conclusion: Hospitality as a Core Identity

Paul’s command to be "given to hospitality" became a cornerstone of the early church’s identity, shaping how Christians lived out their faith in a hostile world. In a society marked by division and indifference, the Christian community embodied the love of Christ through their radical hospitality. Their homes became sanctuaries for the lost and hurting, and their generosity became a powerful witness to the transforming power of the Gospel.

Today, the church can reclaim this legacy of hospitality as a defining characteristic of its mission. By being "given to hospitality," Christians continue to reflect Christ’s love to a world in need, offering not just food and shelter, but the hope of the Gospel. Through this simple yet profound practice, the early church turned hospitality into a powerful form of evangelism—one that continues to inspire Christians today to welcome others as Christ has welcomed us.