Embracing the Stranger: Hospitality in the Bible

In Acts 28, the Apostle Paul and the other 275 passengers on the Alexandrian grain ship sailing to Italy find themselves on the other side of the storm—shipwrecked but all alive, just as the angel of the Lord had promised Paul (Acts 27:23-25). Some swam, while others used planks to float to the shore of the island known by its ancient name, Melita, and today known by its modern name, Malta. Interestingly, the name of the island in the Semitic language means “refuge.” This is where Paul and the others were able to take refuge and received unusual kindness as strangers.

First, they were welcomed and cared for by the islanders, who likely started several bonfires to ensure everyone could gather around and get warm, especially since the weather was cold and rainy, as described in Acts 28. Second, the chief official of the island welcomed Paul and the other disciples to his home and showed them generous hospitality for three days (vs. 7-9). This led to Paul praying for and healing the chief official’s father, who was sick in bed, suffering from fever and dysentery. The hospitality from the islanders led to healing, and based on Paul’s writings and history, it likely also created opportunities for sharing the Good News about the God who heals and shows hospitality to the undeserving and spiritually dead.

This story reminds me of the importance of showing hospitality and receiving hospitality, especially after we have gone through a storm (literal or figurative) and come out on the other side, tired and weary. God can use His people both inside and outside of the storm, as He did with Paul, who helped save all the passengers of the boat during the storm and then heal sick people on the island after the storm. Because Paul chose to believe in God’s promises and power to save, not only did he make it through the storm, but God also used him to save 275 souls and perform healing miracles after he was shipwrecked as a prisoner chained for Christ and His Gospel (Acts 27:23-24; Eph.6:20).

In Paul’s situation, he and the other disciples were welcomed with kindness, which reflects the principle Jesus taught in Matthew 10:11-14. There, Jesus instructed His disciples to seek out worthy homes and offer peace, stating that if the home was receptive, their peace would rest upon it, but if it was not, their peace would return to them. Similarly, the islanders of Malta extended hospitality to Paul and his companions. Because of this reception, I believe the islanders were blessed by God as He moved in their midst, bringing supernatural healing to their sick. Their willingness to welcome and care for the shipwrecked Christian travelers exemplified the kind of hospitality that opens the door for God’s blessing and miraculous works.

The Rich Tradition of Biblical Hospitality

This story not only highlights the importance and power of both giving and receiving hospitality but also invites us to explore its deeper meaning.

To fully understand biblical hospitality, we need to examine both the Old and New Testaments. The terms used in the Scriptures reflect a rich tradition of welcoming and caring for strangers, which is integral to the biblical understanding of hospitality.

Before delving into various passages on this topic, it’s important to recognize that hospitality was highly valued in ancient times. Travel back then was both difficult and dangerous, with very few travelers and even fewer inns available. Unlike today, where travel is relatively easy and fast with numerous hotels and Airbnb options, ancient travel often relied on finding someone to stay with or having strangers open their homes in a town, city, or settlement. Thus, hospitality was crucial for travelers’ well-being and survival. Additionally, there would have been times when individuals were refugees or asylum seekers in Israel due to persecution, war, or natural disasters in their own countries. Others might have found themselves among God’s people because of trade and commerce, while some would have been drawn by religious conversion to Judaism.

In English, the word “hospitality,” which comes from the root word “hospital,” originates from the Latin word hospes, meaning “guest” or “host.” Originally, this term referred to a place that provided accommodation, such as an inn or lodging for travelers. Over time, these establishments that welcomed guests began to offer medical treatment as well. I can’t help but connect this to the parable of the Good Samaritan, who helped an injured stranger and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. And then asked the caretakers to take care of this wounded man (Luke 10:34). Inspired by such teachings, early Christian communities established hospitals and hospices to care for the sick, needy, and dying. These efforts, rooted in love for God and people, ultimately influenced the development of modern hospitals.

In Hebrew, while there’s no exact word that directly matches the New Testament concept of “hospitality,” the idea is conveyed through terms related to kindness toward strangers or sojourners.

Two key passages in the Old Testament that speak to the importance of hospitality are found in Leviticus 19:33-34 and Deuteronomy 10:18-19. Leviticus 19:33-34 instructs, “When a foreigner resides among you in your land, do not mistreat them. The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt. I am the Lord your God.” Similarly, Deuteronomy 10:18-19 states, “He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the foreigner residing among you, giving them food and clothing. And you are to love those who are foreigners, for you yourselves were foreigners in Egypt. I am the LORD your God.”

The key points that God communicates in these passages about hospitality are love, justice, and remembering the Lord God. Israel is told that foreigners, or those who might be seen as strangers, should be treated just like the native-born Israelites. It’s a call to show real hospitality. We also see the command to “love them as yourself” mirrors the broader instruction in Leviticus 19:18 to “love your neighbor as yourself,” which Jesus taught to His disciples as the second greatest commandment (Matthew 22:39).

Hospitality: A Reflection of God’s Love

This makes it clear that hospitality is an expression of love and care. And finally we see the command to show hospitality is rooted in Israel’s own experience of being strangers in Egypt. This historical context serves as a reminder for them to empathize with others in similar situations and to remember their identity as God’s people. As they belong to the Lord God, they are called to reflect His character by showing unconditional love and inclusion to those who are outsiders and undeserving, all while maintaining their distinct identity as a community of believers.

In this context, hospitality isn’t just a nice idea—it’s a command from God. The Israelites were required to extend kindness, care, and protection to foreigners and strangers living among them, treating them with the same respect and love they would show to their own people. This underscores that hospitality is not only a moral obligation, but deeply rooted in God’s character and His commands.

In Greek, the word most closely related to hospitality is Philoxenia: This term is made up of two Greek words—phílo (love) and xenia (stranger or guest). So, it literally means “love of strangers.” It’s the word used in the New Testament to describe the Christian virtue of hospitality, emphasizing a warm, generous, and loving approach to caring for strangers and guests. This could apply to a new neighbor who just moved in next door, a friend or even an enemy, a homeless person, a refugee, or a recently arrived immigrant.

An example is found in Romans 12:13, “Practice hospitality”, meaning to pursue or actively engage in hospitality. Therefore, hospitality is something that must be practiced intentionally and actively. It doesn’t just happen on its own; it requires planning and thoughtful consideration. True hospitality involves a sacrifice of our time, effort, finances, and comfort.

Hospitality in the Bible is not merely about entertaining guests; it is a deeply rooted expression of unconditional love, kindness, and generosity toward others, especially strangers and those in need. We are called to welcome and care for others because it reflects God’s love and care for us. It is an opportunity to be salt and light, proclaiming the Gospel through our deeds and words.

Christ – The Ultimate Host

If you are not yet convinced, consider this: Our Savior chose to leave His home in heaven (Philippians 2:7) to become a stranger without a place to call His own. He was not recognized or accepted by His own (John 1:10-11) and was cast outside the city walls to be forsaken and suffer for sinners (Hebrews 13:12-13). Through His sinless life and sacrifice on the cross, He made it possible for us, who were once enemies of God, to be made holy and accepted by Him (Romans 5:10). And with the promise that He is preparing a place for us, He will come back to take us to our final home, to be with Him forever (John 14:2-3).

Here are some New Testament biblical passages that directly instruct and command us to show hospitality as a people who are called to follow the footsteps of our Savior:

Romans 12:13 – “Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.”

1 Peter 4:9 – “Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.”

Hebrews 13:2 – “Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.”

Titus 1:8 – “Rather, he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined.”

Matthew 25:35 – “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 invited me in.”

3 John 1:5-8 – “Dear friend, you are faithful in what you are doing for the brothers and sisters, even though they are strangers to you. They have told the church about your love. Please send them on their way in a manner that honors God. It was for the sake of the Name that they went out, receiving no help from the pagans. We ought therefore to show hospitality to such people so that we may work together for the truth.”

Practicing Hospitality Today

So now that we have explored some scriptures and the meaning of biblical hospitality, how can we put it into practice?

Before applying the suggestions below, take a moment to consider these questions:

• Who are the people around you who need to be welcomed, brought into our community, and experience Christ-like hospitality?
• How often do you find yourself simply saying hello to strangers, as instructed in Matthew 5:46-47?
• Are you showing hospitality only to those who are like you, or are you open to people who are different? True hospitality embraces diversity.
• Are you receiving hospitality with grace and gratitude? Being willing to accept love and kindness from others is an important aspect of cultivating a hospitable attitude and culture.

Here are some practical ways you can practice hospitality:

1. Invite your neighbors over for dinner within your home. While some may decline, others might accept, creating an opportunity to connect and build relationships.
2. Reach out to members of your network or workplace for a coffee or dinner out. This can help deepen professional and personal connections.
3. Be intentional about including the vulnerable and disadvantaged: Look for ways to extend hospitality to those who might be overlooked, such as the materially poor, the elderly, single parents, and individuals with disabilities.
4. Encourage people to visit you at your spiritual home. The local church is a great place where we collectively extend hospitality to strangers.
5. Take every opportunity before and after church services to meet someone new. If it feels right, consider inviting them to your home or out for lunch after church. As we often say, big cities can be some of the loneliest places to live, and as the people of God, we should be part of the solution to this serious issue.
6. Host a life group in your home. Even if your space is small, it’s the warmth and openness of your heart that truly matters, not the size of your apartment.
7. Get involved in serving at church. Join the Coastal serve team and help welcome newcomers, turning them into potential friends and community members.
8. Serve in the Coastal Eden ministries. This allows you to practice hospitality with other church members by directly serving the materially poor, outcast, homeless, and those struggling with mental illness and addictions in our city.

Hospitality is more than just a kind gesture—it’s a command and a reflection of God’s love for us. As God in Christ opened His arms and heart wide on the cross, giving us access to Himself and His home in heaven, we too should open our hearts and homes to others. By doing so, we not only fulfill a biblical command but also create spaces where God’s grace can flow freely through us. Let’s be intentional in our hospitality, knowing that through it, we might just be entertaining angels (Hebrews 13:2).