Tag: hospitality

Posted in theology

Abraham’s hospitality vs. Lot’s hospitality

Posted on by elizabethprata

By Elizabeth Prata

Last week I posted a few blogs about hospitality.

Hospitality and Apostle John’s shocking words about false teachers
Anxious about Hospitality?
One way to be hospitable

I was reading a commentary on Genesis, focusing on the outcry of Sodom. It was written by John Phillips, called “Exploring Genesis”. It’s a new-to-me commentary. So far it’s not only been solid in doctrine but it is an absorbing read, not just for reference.

Mr Phillips has pointed out some things about the hospitality of Abraham and Lot. I’ll summarize in my own words.

In the biblical Eastern lands, which many call Oriental, hospitality was woven into the fabric of the culture with hard unwritten rules. A man’s reputation rested by how well he hosted guests.

In New Testament times, there are biblical rules about hosting. In fact, a widow was not allowed to be on the list to receive food support if she had not “shown hospitality to strangers.” (1 Timothy 5:10). Jesus rebuked the Pharisee hosts, saying that they had failed in hosting duties- “When I entered your house, you did not give Me water for My feet… you gave Me no kiss…you did not anoint My head“, (Luke 7:44-46). One of the qualifications to be an overseer is that he is a hospitable person. (1 Timothy 3:2).

Genesis 18 has the story of Abraham and Lot’s visitations from heaven before the destruction of Sodom.

At the cusp of the destruction of four of the Cities of the Plain, (Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, and Zeboiim), three men appeared at Abraham’s tent. Several things should be noted. First, it seems that as Abraham was relaxing during the heat of the day at the opening of his tent, the three men were not there, then suddenly they were. Abraham didn’t see them from a distance far off, he looked and suddenly they were “standing opposite him”.

Next, see how Abraham began hosting briskly. He didn’t linger, delay, or in any way demonstrate the was reluctant to host.

Verse 2: When he saw them, he ran from the tent door to meet them
Verse 6a: So Abraham hurried into the tent to Sarah
Verse 6b: “Quickly, prepare…“
Verse 7: Abraham also ran to the herd

He fed them, standing by while they ate. Picture a waiter, at attention near your table, and that was Abraham’s attitude, he didn’t sit with them. He stood, ready to serve.

A normal practice in Bible lands at that time was when the host saw visitors approaching, they stand by their house door or tent flap and await the guest’s arrival. That Abraham rushed to greet them and then bowed, indicated Abraham somehow intuited that these three were not normal men, but the Lord and heavenly visitors. The other two were angels who later went on to Sodom and spoke with Lot. So not only was Abraham a good host but had spiritual insight and worshiped.

Now let’s compare Lot’s hospitality. Genesis 19 has the scene.

Lot was sitting by the Gate. I’ll write another essay later about what that meant and what it entailed. Suffice to say now that being an elder by the gate meant you were a city official doing official things for the city such as administering, judging, ambassadorial greetings, security, etc.

Abraham’s honor at his war-time success likely dribbled onto Lot, and Lot ate it up. So Lot was an elder at the gate, now fully embedded in the city’s life. He was participating in the city. He had even allowed his daughters to marry its unholy citizens. Lot saw the two men (angels) approaching and did the expected as an elder would do, he greeted them and bowed.

However they were not as cordial with Lot as they had been with Abraham and later, Sarah. No conversation, no meal, no chit chat, not as friendly and pleasant with Lot. Lot extended his hospitality to them, saying in verse 2, “Now behold, my lords, please turn aside into your servant’s house, and spend the night, and wash your feet; then you may rise early and go on your way.“

The angels curtly replied, ‘Nah, we’re good. We’ll stay in the park.’ 

This bears thinking about for a moment. Some commenters say that declining an offer of hospitality was expected at first pass, a sign of modesty not to be too forward. Others say the angels were testing the sincerity of Lot’s offer. But I compare the scene with Abraham. In a theophany (incarnated appearance of Jesus in the Old Testament), Jesus came to Abraham. The three stayed a while, had a meal, calmly discussed things. They invited Sarah to join.

But Jesus did not accompany the angels to Sodom. The angels demurred at an invitation to stay with Lot. They did not inquire after Mrs. Lot as they had for Sarah. Their initial preference was to stay in the park. It was only Lot ‘strongly urging’ them that the angels agreed to lodge in Lot’s house.

BTW this is the first mention in the Bible of a house. Lot had one. Abraham, spiritually and materially rich, had a tent.

Lot brought them to his house, but the description of the food Lot put out was not lovingly described as it was for Abraham’s feast, which had included cold milk, tender meat, fine flour bread-cakes. All that is described is that Lot offered a slab of unleavened tasteless bread.

There are many scenes within these scenes that could be pondered. I’ll finish with a direct quote from “Exploring Genesis” by John Phillips-

 “Abraham’s haste and humility teach us the much-neglected lesson of reverence in the presence of God. It was not a matter of forced or artificial posturing. It was a question of spiritual intuition, an overwhelming sense of the presence of God.”

“God took Abraham into His confidence and revealed to His servant a new line of truth-apocalyptic truth, truth concerning the impending overthrow of an utterly vile civilization. The revelation of that truth was an interesting test of Abraham’s growth in grace and of his increase in the knowledge of God.”

“How does a faithful, maturing, obedient child of God react to the truth that a holocaust of judgment is about to engulf a world of vile and godless men? Jonah, faced with apocalyptic truth, was glad. He pondered the impending doom of Nineveh with glee, determined to do nothing to stay its fall, careless of the thousands of little children who lived within its walls. Jesus, faced with apocalyptic truth, was moved to tears. … And He wept, wept for the city whose sins called for vengeance so thorough and so complete. Faced with apocalyptic truth, Abraham prayed.”

And we should do the same. Weep and pray for those caught in sin, pray for their repentance and turning from their immoral ways. Bow with reverence to the One who carries justice and mercy in His bosom. Pray for patience to see which will emerge on behalf of our sinning friends, family, co-workers, and pray for peace with the result, whichever it may be. For Jesus is the Lord of glory.

Posted in theology

Hospitality and Apostle John’s shocking words about false teachers

Posted on by elizabethprata

By Elizabeth Prata

Photo by Clay Banks on Unsplash

Be hospitable to one another without grumbling. (1 Peter 4:9).

Hospitality in Bible times in Palestine was a serious matter. There were cultural expectations, protocols, and traditions. The word host or hospitable is from a Greek word philoxenia meaning “love of strangers”.

Hospitality generally means ‘the gracious treatment of guests in your home’. There are many examples of hospitality in the Bible: (Gen 14:18–24; 18; 19; 23:1–20; 24:10–49; 43:32; Josh 2:1–21; 6:22–25; Judg 4:19; 1 Sam 25:2–38; Neh 5:14–17). The following pattern can be seen:

• a greeting with bow or kiss (Gen 18:2; 19:1)
• a welcome for the guest to come in (Gen 24:31)
• an invitation to rest (Gen 18:4; Judg 4:19)
• an opportunity to wash (Gen 18:4; 19:2; 24:32)
• a provision of food and drink (Judg 4:19; 19:5)
• an invitation to converse (Gen 24:33)
• a provision of security (Gen 19:8)
Source- “Hospitality” from The Lexham Bible Dictionary

We read much in the Old Testament about hospitality. It was expected to offer shelter and grace to those sojourning among them, because back in the day the Israelites were sojourners themselves. It was considered almost a sacred duty! Lack of hospitality was condemned. (Numbers 20:14–21; Deuteronomy 23:3–4).

In the New Testament we read Jesus’ parables urging believers to be hospitable even outside the 4 walls of one’s home, with the Parable of the Good Samaritan and the Parable of the Midnight Visitor. Jesus was the recipient of much hospitality since He had no place to lay His head, and relied on the hospitality of others (such as Mary/Martha/Lazarus) when he lodged for a period of time.

Lydia was quite hospitable. A native Thyatiran, living in Philippi, the first thing she did after her conversion was to press upon the band to come lodge at her house.

A woman named Lydia was listening; she was a seller of purple fabrics from the city of Thyatira, and a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to the things spoken by Paul. 15 Now when she and her household had been baptized, she urged us, saying, “If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house and stay.” And she prevailed upon us. (Acts 16:14-15).

The first New Testament missionaries would have had to rely on this Palestinian tradition of gracious lodging, made all the more sweet because of the message the missionaries carried.

As the first Christian churches were founded, the exercise of hospitality took on a new aspect, esp. after the breach with the Jews had begun. Not only did the traveling Christian look naturally to his brethren for hospitality, but the individual churches looked to the traveler for fostering the sense of the unity of the church throughout the world. Hospitality became a virtue indispensable to the well-being of the church—one reason for the emphasis laid on it (Romans 12:13; Hebrews 13:2). As the organization of the churches became more perfected, the exercise of hospitality grew to be an official duty of the ministry and a reputation for hospitality was a prerequisite in some cases (1 Timothy 3:2; 5:10; Titus 1:8). Source- The International Standard Bible Encyclopaedia.

That is why John’s words were shocking. In some cases, believers were instructed to DENY hospitality to another. It was a big, countercultural step. 1 Corinthians 5:11 instructs the believer thus:

But now I am writing to you not to associate with any so-called brother if he is a sexually immoral person, or greedy, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or a swindler—not even to eat with such a one.

Believers were to DENY hospitality to anyone who teaches false doctrine. These false teachers were entering homes and abusing the graciousness of hosts to captivate weak women and lure them into the falsity. (2 Timothy 3:5).

They were also told to DENY hospitality to intentional deceivers:

If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house, and do not give him a greeting, (2 John 1:10).

This is why John’s words (and Paul’s) were so shocking. You can imagine how this behavior would be so startling. It isn’t so shocking today, we don’t entertain strangers in our homes. We don’t go house to house in fellowship much anymore either. It isn’t shocking to deny entertaining so-and-so when they never even came to your house in the first place. But to close the door against someone in Bible times, with thousands of years of a deeply embedded tradition in hospitality, would be shocking.

Times nowadays have completely changed the notion of hospitality. We do not and should not entertain unknown traveling itinerants. We have hotels. Unannounced guests knocking on our door is rare and rather scary. We aren’t nomads anymore either. But in today’s times we do have TV, radio, podcasts, and streaming entering our home. Do you allow false teachers and deceivers into your home via technology? Are you ‘hosting’ them daily, or weekly? Do your children see you offering your time to these false teachers, by sending them money by purchasing their materials?

Hospitality has changed definitions since John’s day, but today we can still host gatherings of believers from church, craft a celebratory party or dinner for struggling folks, or practice hospitality one-on-one with those whom we know. Being hospitable isn’t necessarily restricted to a home environment, either. A gracious greeting at work, sharing lunch with someone at work, a phone call to check up on someone, pleasant conversation at church, are all hospitable activities.

DENY these false teachers entry to your home. Do not expose them to your family or to your own soul. Even though such ‘hospitality’ in today’s times may be just second hand through a screen, still, do not entertain them. And when or if a person in your church is disciplined as per Matthew 18:17b, and reaches the last stage, “if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as the Gentile and the tax collector” are you strong enough to obey and DENY them hospitality?

EPrata photo
Posted in theology

Anxious about Hospitality?

Posted on by elizabethprata

By Elizabeth Prata

https://open.spotify.com/episode/6XgsTkUBrJ1oL0p2f1uHDO?si=07PaD5j_R_uXs68VnHM5Wg

As keepers of the home, we women are often encouraged to invite or even expect others to visit our homes. The hospitality offered by Lydia, Martha & Mary, the mother of John Mark (where Rhoda was so startled when jailed Peter showed up during the prayer gathering) are homes in the NT where women hosted gladly.

We are called to do the same: Titus 1:8, Romans 12:13, 1 Peter 4:9, 1 Timothy 5:10…

I quail at the thought. I am like many women, who would be afraid to host someone in my home when it is less than sparkling clean. I’d want it to be where everything is always put away and I have fresh flowers arranged just so in charming vases and fresh towels in the bathroom with rose petals on them waiting for the random friend to stop over. LOL. Well, that’s how I imagine it anyway.

Of course our homes are never like that. If we really live, we really have a house that’s lived in. Kids toys are all around, there might be – gasp! – dirty dishes in the sink, popcorn kernels in the couch, a pile of mail needing tending to, open books and magazines on the coffee table accompanied by empty mugs of coffee or sticky soda cans…

I remember the most hospitable person I’ve ever known. She isn’t saved. But she is a great wife and mom. Her stance was that she wanted to be the house where her kids’ friends came to, all the better to keep an eye on her kids.

In her house were piles of clutter, worn out sofa, small rooms crowded with ‘stuff’ or oddly arranged. According to design rules, the place wasn’t suited for company. When it got to be dinner time, without a fuss the hostess would cook up a pan of scrambled eggs or baked beans from a can with brown bread (also from a can) and just hand it out on paper plates. Sometimes the husband or the grown kid would pull out a guitar or mandolin and we’d sing.

Anyone and everyone was always invited. Absolutely everyone was treated with warmth, respect, and dignity. And the hostess did collect oddballs, me included. But all were equal, loved, and given a place of acceptance. As I said, she wasn’t saved. She did all this effortlessly and created a safe space I’ll remember forever.

As Christians, we should do that and more. Now, it is certain we should do our best to have a clean house, or at least one that’s fairly picked up. We don’t want to serve food on dirty plates from unsanitary counters, or allow piles of laundry to get strewn as a tripping hazard. There is a balance between sparkling perfection and filthy hoarder.

But there is no need to panic if you’re asked to host a Book Group or a Bible Study or a Fellowship dinner in your home.

Here is one resource-

Having a Martha Home the Mary Way: 31 Days to a Clean House and a Satisfied Soul by Sarah Mae. Here is the blurb,

“Sarah Mae wants to let you in on a little secret about being a good homemaker: It’s not about having a clean house. She’d never claim to be a natural, organized cleaner herself―yet, like you, she wants a beautiful space to call home, a place where people feel loved and at peace. Where people can really settle in with good food, comfy pillows, and wide-open hearts. Is it possible to find a balance?” (Sarah Mae’s book on Amazon)

I have not read the book, but I did read the 29 pages allowed in the Google preview. She seemed to be saying the right things and the tone was non-judgmental. If you find that you’d like to increase your hospitality, I’d say try this book.

Marci Ferrell the Thankful Homemaker also did a podcast recently on “Cultivating Biblical Hospitality“

Here are some other resources-

Ligonier: How Can I Practice Christian Hospitality?

Christian Library: The Biblical Basis for Hospitality

Reformed Theological Seminary, 3-min video clip: Why is true Christian Hospitality so Important?

Start small, invite one lady over, or ask the mom who’s picking up her kid from your house to stay for a cup of tea. The key is love. Just love them.

Posted in fellowship, gracious, hospitable, hospitality

One way to be hospitable

Posted on by elizabethprata

By Elizabeth Prata

When we think of hospitality we usually think of the setting. And since it’s the woman who are responsible for the home, it usually falls on the woman to set the setting when people are coming over. Cleaning, arranging, setting out the things she’ll need. It is a mark of respect that the hostess makes sure the place she has asked people to enter is comfortable and aesthetically pleasing.

But true hospitality doesn’t really rest on the setting. It rests on the people, and one of the ways the hostess makes people feel comfortable is the conversation.

I envy people who can easily converse in a crowd. The art of conversation is one that, I believe, is a dying art.

Once we had a friend Mike, we called him Mikey. He was a huge man, 350 pounds, built like an aging football player, with an easy laugh. He lived next door and often, he would stop at our house on his way home. When we heard his truck we knew we were in for a few laughs and a good story. He was a true raconteur, regaling us loudly and always had us laughing in two minutes flat. Mikey was the kind of friend you were always glad to see coming. We were glad we were the kind of friends he felt comfortable stopping in to see.

Public Domain

Other people can converse on a more quiet and less showy way. My gal friend had a husky laugh and her eyes sparkled in delight when we talked. She didn’t say much, but her words were always insightful and full of love. Her style of conversation was more of the listening kind. She would listen with full attention, too. I’d storm in, say, “Guess what happened?!” and she would stop what she was doing, fold her hands across her Buddha belly, and look me full in the eye. She would laugh at all the right spots, and was entertained by the smallest incident. Often, she would add an insightful comment that left me pondering a new thought for the rest of the day.

True hospitality means we are focused on the people, and we do that by listening. Focus on them.

Emily Post in 1912

Emily Post was an etiquette queen. She wrote her first etiquette book in 1922, ‘Etiquette in Society, in Business, in Politics, and at Home.’ It was an enormous best seller. She founded The Emily Post Institute, which continues her work to this day. There are many articles at her Institute regarding hostessing. And many of those revolved around “Good Conversation.” Making Small Talk. How to Be a Good Conversationalist: The Basics. And so on.

Italians’ style of conversation is steeped in storytelling. We call it ‘l’historia.” Even the simplest query from a friend, the smallest question designed for a short answer of “fine”, to the Italian, is met with excitement. Immediately we launch into a long, lyrical story that has a beginning, middle, end, and ranges from laughter to tears and back again. Watch out if you ask me how I’m doing! You are likely to get a long, and to me, absolutely fascinating story.

Remember the movie Moonstruck with Cher? A Brooklyn Italian-American family and their trials and triumphs? The brother-in-law character was named Raymond Cappomaggi and it was he who saw the large moon years before. Around the dinner table he was urged to repeat the legendary incident, with the family exhorting, ‘Come on, Ray, tell about Cosmo’s moon!” he responded apologetically, “Well, it’s not a story…but…”

Moonstruck

Conversation knits people together because it creates ties, reveals vulnerabilities, shares experiences, and bonds people in His name for His name.

Not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. (Hebrews 10:25)

There are many different styles of conversation. Be hospitable by being a good listener and a lover of people.

That is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine. (Romans 1:12)

Further Resources

Christian Conversation

Christian communication – what are the keys?

Biblical Principles for Godly Verbal Communication

Posted in theology

Anxious about Hospitality?

Posted on by elizabethprata

By Elizabeth Prata

As keepers of the home, we women are often encouraged to invite or even expect others to visit our homes. The hospitality offered by Lydia, Martha & Mary, and the home of Mary the mother of John Mark (where Rhoda was so startled when jailed Peter showed up during the prayer gathering) are homes in the NT where women hosted gladly.

We are called to do the same: Titus 1:8, Romans 12:13, 1 Peter 4:9, 1 Timothy 5:10…

I quail at the thought. I am like many women, who would be afraid to host someone in my home when it is less than sparkling clean. I’d want it to be where everything is always put away and I have fresh flowers arranged just so in charming vases and fresh towels in the bathroom with rose petals on them waiting for the random friend to stop over. LOL. Well, that’s how I imagine it anyway.

Of course our homes are never like that. If we really live, we really have a house that’s lived in. Kids toys are all around, there might be – gasp! – dirty dishes in the sink, popcorn kernels in the couch, a pile of mail needing tending to, open books and magazines on the coffee table accompanied by empty mugs of coffee or sticky soda cans…

I remember the most hospitable person I’ve ever known. She isn’t saved. But she is a great wife and mom. Her stance was that she wanted to be the house where her kids’ friends came to, all the better to keep an eye on her kids.

In her house were piles of clutter, worn out sofa, small rooms crowded with ‘stuff’ or oddly arranged. According to design rules, the place wasn’t suited for company. When it got to be dinner time, without a fuss the hostess would cook up a pan of scrambled eggs or baked beans from a can with brown bread (also from a can) and just hand it out on paper plates. Sometimes the husband or the grown kid would pull out a guitar or mandolin and we’d sing.

Anyone and everyone was always invited. Absolutely everyone was treated with warmth, respect, and dignity. And the hostess did collect oddballs, me included. But all were equal, loved, and given a place of acceptance. As I said, she wasn’t saved. She did all this effortlessly and created a safe space I’ll remember forever.

As Christians, we should do that and more. Now, it is certain we should do our best to have a clean house, or at least one that’s fairly picked up. We don’t want to serve food on dirty plates from unsanitary counters, or allow piles of laundry to get strewn as a tripping hazard. There is a balance between sparkling perfection and filthy hoarder.

But there is no need to panic if you’re asked to host a Book Group or a Bible Study or a Fellowship dinner in your home.

I saw this book on Marci Ferrell’s Thankful Homemaker site, here. It’s:

Having a Martha Home the Mary Way: 31 Days to a Clean House and a Satisfied Soul by Sarah Mae. Here is the blurb,

“Sarah Mae wants to let you in on a little secret about being a good homemaker: It’s not about having a clean house. She’d never claim to be a natural, organized cleaner herself―yet, like you, she wants a beautiful space to call home, a place where people feel loved and at peace. Where people can really settle in with good food, comfy pillows, and wide-open hearts. Is it possible to find a balance?”

I have not read the book, but I did read the 29 pages allowed in the Google preview. She seemed to be saying the right things and the tone was non-judgmental. If you find that you’d like to increase your hospitality, I’d say try this book. Here are some other resources-

Ligonier: How Can I Practice Christian Hospitality?

Christian Library: The Biblical Basis for Hospitality

Reformed Theological Seminary, 3-min video clip: Why is true Christian Hospitality so Important?

Start small, invite one lady over, or ask the mom who’s picking up her kid from your house to stay for a cup of tea. The key is love. Just love them.

Posted in theology

Hospitality and Apostle John’s shocking words about false teachers

Posted on by elizabethprata

By Elizabeth Prata

Photo by Clay Banks on Unsplash

Be hospitable to one another without grumbling. (1 Peter 4:9).

Hospitality in Bible times in Palestine was a serious matter. There were cultural expectations, protocols, and traditions. The word host or hospitable is from a Greek word philoxenia meaning “love of strangers”.

Hospitality generally means ‘the gracious treatment of guests in your home’. There are many examples of hospitality in the Bible: (Gen 14:18–24; 18; 19; 23:1–20; 24:10–49; 43:32; Josh 2:1–21; 6:22–25; Judg 4:19; 1 Sam 25:2–38; Neh 5:14–17). The following pattern can be seen:

• a greeting with bow or kiss (Gen 18:2; 19:1)
• a welcome for the guest to come in (Gen 24:31)
• an invitation to rest (Gen 18:4; Judg 4:19)
• an opportunity to wash (Gen 18:4; 19:2; 24:32)
• a provision of food and drink (Judg 4:19; 19:5)
• an invitation to converse (Gen 24:33)
• a provision of security (Gen 19:8)
Source- “Hospitality” from The Lexham Bible Dictionary

We read much in the Old Testament about hospitality. It was expected to offer shelter and grace to those sojourning among them, because back in the day the Israelites were sojourners themselves. It was considered almost a sacred duty! Lack of hospitality was condemned. (Numbers 20:14–21; Deuteronomy 23:3–4).

In the New Testament we read Jesus’ parables urging believers to be hospitable even outside the 4 walls of one’s home, with the Parable of the Good Samaritan and the Parable of the Midnight Visitor. Jesus was the recipient of much hospitality since He had no place to lay His head, and relied on the hospitality of others (such as Mary/Martha/Lazarus) when he lodged for a period of time.

Lydia was quite hospitable. A native Thyatiran, living in Philippi, the first thing she did after her conversion was to press upon the band to come lodge at her house.

A woman named Lydia was listening; she was a seller of purple fabrics from the city of Thyatira, and a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to the things spoken by Paul. 15 Now when she and her household had been baptized, she urged us, saying, “If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house and stay.” And she prevailed upon us. (Acts 16:14-15).

The first New Testament missionaries would have had to rely on this Palestinian tradition of gracious lodging, made all the more sweet because of the message the missionaries carried.

As the first Christian churches were founded, the exercise of hospitality took on a new aspect, esp. after the breach with the Jews had begun. Not only did the traveling Christian look naturally to his brethren for hospitality, but the individual churches looked to the traveler for fostering the sense of the unity of the church throughout the world. Hospitality became a virtue indispensable to the well-being of the church—one reason for the emphasis laid on it (Romans 12:13; Hebrews 13:2). As the organization of the churches became more perfected, the exercise of hospitality grew to be an official duty of the ministry and a reputation for hospitality was a prerequisite in some cases (1 Timothy 3:2; 5:10; Titus 1:8). Source- The International Standard Bible Encyclopaedia.

That is why John’s words were shocking. In some cases, believers were instructed to DENY hospitality to another. It was a big, countercultural step. 1 Corinthians 5:11 instructs the believer thus:

But now I am writing to you not to associate with any so-called brother if he is a sexually immoral person, or greedy, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or a swindler—not even to eat with such a one.

Believers were to DENY hospitality to anyone who teaches false doctrine. These false teachers were entering homes and abusing the graciousness of hosts to captivate weak women and lure them into the falsity. (2 Timothy 3:5).

Thy were also told to DENY hospitality to intentional deceivers:

If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house, and do not give him a greeting, (2 John 1:10).

This is why John’s words (and Paul’s) were so shocking. You can imagine how this behavior would be so startling. It isn’t so shocking today, we don’t entertain strangers in our homes. We don’t go house to house in fellowship much anymore either. It isn’t shocking to deny entertaining so-and-so when they never even came to your house in the first place. But to close the door against someone in Bible times, with thousands of years of a deeply embedded tradition in hospitality, would be shocking.

Times nowadays have completely changed the notion of hospitality. We do not and should not entertain unknown traveling itinerants. We have hotels. Unannounced guests knocking on our door is rare and rather scary. We aren’t nomads anymore either. But in today’s times we do have TV, radio, podcasts, and streaming entering our home. Do you allow false teachers and deceivers into your home via technology? Are you ‘hosting’ them daily, or weekly? Do your children see you offering your time to these false teachers, by offering them money by purchasing their materials?

Hospitality has changed definitions since John’s day, but today we can still host gatherings of believers from church, craft a celebratory party or dinner for struggling folks, or practice hospitality one-on-one with those whom we know.

DENY these false teachers entry to your home. Do not expose them to your family or to your own soul. Even though such ‘hospitality’ in today’s times is second hand through a screen, still, do not entertain them. And when or if a person in your church is disciplined as per Matthew 18:17b, and reaches the last stage, “if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as the Gentile and the tax collector” are you strong enough to obey and DENY them hospitality?

EPrata photo “Closed”
Posted in theology

Blooming where He plants you

Posted on by elizabethprata

By Elizabeth Prata

Sometimes when I watch a video of secret churches in Iran or China I feel embarrassed that I am living in comfort and freedom in America, able to worship freely. When I read of the persecution of believers in the Middle East I do cry for the loss of such wonderful believers, knowing I owe them a debt. I want to race out and save exploited children in the sex slavery trade, or run off and be a missionary in the Himalayas or something. But that is not what God has laid out for me to do. He has deliberately and sovereignly placed me here.

We can still be effective witnesses and servants of the Gospel. I believe that an equal debt is owed the mature, steady Christians who week after week, lovingly open their homes to people, who patiently teach the word more accurately, who encourage, who send money on missions and who tithe locally. Who live out their faith in the secular workplaces, who shine among the public when out and about doing our mundane errands.

I use Priscilla and Aquila for this model. They were two tentmaking colleagues of Paul (Acts 18:1-4) who welcomed Paul in their home and also discipled other believers constantly. They are mentioned six times, in Acts 18:2, 18,26; Romans 16:3; 1 Corinthians 16:19; 2 Timothy 4:19. It is obvious from Paul’s letters that he cherished these two. Now Paul was the fiery missionary, tramping from Greece to Yugoslavia and across seas and oceans on behalf of the Lord. It was an important and big ministry. Yet he valued the ‘little’ and unflashy ministry of the believers at home, the husband and wife duo of Priscilla (Prisca as a nickname) and Aquila who discipled, welcomed, encouraged, and taught quietly. 

You can do this as well. Hospitality, friendship, and person-to-person teaching (Acts 18:26) is wonderful and shares His light just as effectively as Paul’s fiery zeal and public pronouncements to whole cities. Private evangelism is still evangelism, and the two biblical Christians so valued by Paul show us today what a solid couple in the Lord can do for Jesus. Your home is a gift you can use to further His kingdom.