Scripture provides many examples of friendship and generosity towards strangers, and encourages believers to be hospitable in turn.
Examples of hospitality in the OT
Genesis 18:2–5 See also Genesis 19:1–3 Lot entertains visitors from God; Genesis 24:22–25 Abraham's servant is welcomed in Rebekah's home; Exodus 2:20 Moses is welcomed by a priest of Midian; Judges 13:15 Manoah receives the angel of the LORD.Judges 19:1–4, Judges 19:20–21 2 Samuel 17:27–29 hospitality shown to David and his people; 1 Kings 17:7–16 The widow of Zarephath cares for Elijah despite her poverty; 2 Kings 4:8–10 a Shunammite provides for Elisha; Nehemiah 5:17 Nehemiah shows hospitality to fellow Jews.
And Abraham looked up and saw three men standing nearby. When he saw them, he ran from the entrance of his tent to meet them and bowed low to the ground. “My lord,” said Abraham, “if I have found favor in your sight, please do not pass your servant by. Let a little water be brought, that you may wash your feet and rest yourselves under the tree. And I will bring a bit of bread so that you may refresh yourselves. This is why you have passed your servant’s way. After that, you may continue on your way.” “Yes,” they replied, “you may do as you have said.”
Hospitality shown to Jesus Christ
Matthew 9:10 parallels Mark 2:15, Luke 5:29 Jesus Christ received hospitality from people of all social backgrounds. See also Matthew 8:14–15 parallels Mark 1:29–31, Luke 4:38–39 at Peter's houseMatthew 26:6–7 parallel Mark 14:3; John 12:1–3 Luke 7:36 at the house of Simon the Pharisee; Luke 10:38 at the home of Mary and Martha; Luke 14:1 at the house of a prominent Pharisee; Luke 19:5–7 at Zacchaeus' house; Luke 24:29 with disciples in Emmaus; John 2:2 at the wedding at Cana
Later, as Jesus was dining at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with Him and His disciples.
Hospitality assisted the mission of the apostles
Hospitality shown to the disciples
Matthew 10:11–12 parallels Mark 6:10, Luke 9:4 Jesus Christ sends out the Twelve. See also Luke 10:5–7
Whatever town or village you enter, find out who is worthy there and stay at his house until you move on. As you enter the home, greet its occupants.
Hospitality shown to Peter
Acts 10:32 at the home of Simon the tanner; Acts 10:48 with Cornelius and his family
Hospitality shown to Paul and his companions
Acts 16:15 at the home of Lydia; Acts 16:34 at the house of the Philippian jailer; Acts 18:2–3 with Aquila and Priscilla in Corinth; Acts 21:8 at the house of Philip; Acts 21:16 at the home of Mnason in Jerusalem; Acts 28:2 on Malta; Acts 28:7 at the home of Publius; Romans 16:23 with Gaius; Philemon 1:22 as a guest of Philemon
Christians opened their homes for gatherings of believers
1 Corinthians 16:19 See also Acts 2:46; Romans 16:3–5; Colossians 4:15; Philemon 1:2
The churches in the province of Asia send you greetings. Aquila and Prisca greet you warmly in the Lord, and so does the church that meets at their house.
Examples of inhospitable behaviour
1 Samuel 25:10–11 See also Numbers 20:18 Edom; Numbers 21:21–23 Sihon; Deuteronomy 23:3–4 Ammonites and Moabites; Judges 19:15 Gibeah; Luke 9:52–53 a Samaritan village
But Nabal asked them, “Who is David? Who is this son of Jesse? Many servants these days are breaking away from their masters. Why should I take my bread and water and the meat I have slaughtered for my shearers, and give them to these men whose origin I do not know?”
Related themes
Dictionary of Bible Themes © 1999 Martin Manser, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0, via Bible Aquifer. Formatted for this site, with Scripture from the Berean Standard Bible.