Hospitality

Mulling this over recently...What happened to hospitality?

Rom 12:13 Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality (G5381).

1Ti 3:2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality (G5382), apt to teach;

Tit 1:8 But a lover of hospitality (G5382), a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate;

1Pe 4:9 Use hospitality (G5382) one to another without grudging.

G5381 - From G5382; hospitableness.

G5382 - From G5384 and G3581; fond of guests, that is, hospitable.

• G5384 - Properly dear, that is, a friend; actively fond, that is, friendly (still as a noun, an associate, neighbor, etc.).
• G3581 - Apparently a primary word; foreign (literally alien, or figuratively novel); by implication a guest or (vice-versa) entertainer.

A widow was not to be taken into the rolls:

1Ti 5:9-10 Let not a widow be taken into the number under threescore years old, having been the wife of one man, Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers (G3580), if she have washed the saints' feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work.

G3580 - lodged strangers - From a compound of G3581 and G1209; to be hospitable.

• G3581 - see above.
• G1209 - Middle voice of a primary verb; to receive (in various applications, literally or figuratively).

Searching for G5381 and G5382 usages:

G5381 - Romans 12:13 (above) and

Hebrews 13:2 - Be not forgetful to entertain strangers (G5381): for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.

G5382 - same as above, no additional references.

Interestingly it is not JUST a woman's role, the instruction is specific in some verses and general in others. Regardless of one's marital status, we can practice hospitality. Which does not always involve inviting someone into our home, but can be found in other outlets. Think creative!

I went searching and came across a few articles to share.

Sunday Guests - I liked this one for its encouragement to see beyond the typical approach of hospitality.

Christian Love and Christian Hospitality - enjoyed this one, with the focus on love and hospitality.

Gracious Hospitality - general encouragement and exhortation.