Category Archives: Hospitality

Friends sharing wine and food around a warmly lit dinner table
Love, Bible, Scripture, Service, Servant, Romans, Hospitality

THE HOST WITH THE MOST

ROMANS 16:23

“Gaius, host to me and to the whole church, greets you. Erastus, the city treasurer, greets you, and Quartus, the brother.”

Have you ever known a truly, gracious host? I’ve known a few. They make sure you are taken care of with everything you need at their home. They provide you with a room, towels, food and maybe even some snacks. Whenever my wife and I have hosted guests in our home, we have tried to do the same. Some people are just gifted hosts or hostesses.

I am guessing Gaius was such a person. Most scholars agree that he was more than likely a wealthy member of the church there in Corinth. He even hosted the church in his home. This wasn’t the only time Paul referenced Gaius. In 1 Corinthians 1:14 we find he was one of two people Paul himself baptized in Corinth. “I am thankful that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius,…” The Topical Lexicon says, “The twin notes of baptism and hospitality suggest spiritual responsiveness followed by tangible kingdom investment—an enduring pattern for Christian discipleship.”

APPLICATION

Gaius was obviously loved by many others besides Paul. Some scholars attribute this Gaius as the one John writes to in 3 John.
“The elder to the beloved Gaius, whom I love in truth.” We don’t know for sure if this is the same Gaius or another of the same name, but they both have similar character traits. They were both hospitable, faithful and loving. We’ll find out one day who these men were and if they were the same person. For our teaching today, let’s assume they were.

Did you know that John Bunyan used the name Gaius as his innkeeper in The Pilgrim’s Progress? The name Gaius means “happy” or “one who rejoices.” What a great name, right? So, let me ask you if you are being hospitable toward others. Do you seek to meet the needs of others when you can? I know we can’t always do that, but we have so many examples of that in Scripture. It seems that the Lord wants us to show a little hospitality when we can.

You may not be wealthy in material goods, but we all have things we can share with others. When I have traveled overseas, I have always been well taken care of by people who have little to give. They always make sure my needs are met. They feed me well (even though I may not prefer the food they put before me, lol) and make sure I am safe wherever I stay. That’s how the body of Christ works. Will you ask the Lord how you can show this great love for others today?

Thank You, Lord, for those You have gifted with that great gift of hospitality toward others. Help me exercise that gift more myself.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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A woman feeding an elderly person a bite of food at a table with plates and glasses
Bible, Giving, Hospitality, Needs, Pursue, Romans, Scripture

DO UNTO OTHERS

ROMANS 12:13

“contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality.”

I am so thankful for the supporters of our ministry with Every Man A Warrior. These supporters, some monthly, some annually and some sporadically, are so appreciated. They are truly what keeps us going. They share from the resources the Lord has blessed them with. They are doing exactly what Paul is talking about today in verse 13. Let’s take a look.

Paul uses a Greek word for “contributing” that I am sure you have heard before. It’s koinóneó which literally means to share with other people. It can also mean to be partaker or an associate with someone else. You have probably heard the noun form before. It’s koinonia which means fellowship or contribution. Then Paul tells us to be “practicing hospitality.” The verb “practicing” is really an interesting word. It’s diókó, and we’ll look closer at it later.

APPLICATION

Back to koinóneó. This word is used eight times in the New Testament where it is often translated as “sharing.” Later in Romans 15:27 we read, “For if the Gentiles have shared in their spiritual things,” where Paul refers to the things the Gentiles have shared with the Jewish believers. And another verse that I really like where this word is used is Galatians 6:6. “The one who is taught the word is to share all good things with the one who teaches him.” Sharing with our brethren is an important practice for the body of Christ.

Diṓkō means to “aggressively chase, like a hunter pursuing a catch (prize). Diṓkō is used positively (earnestly pursue) and negatively (zealously persecute, hunt down). In each case, diṓkō means pursue with all haste (chasing after), earnestly desiring to overtake (apprehend).” (HELPS Word-studies) That’s an interesting way to talk about be hospitable, isn’t it. I’ve known people who practice this gift without hesitation. They welcome people in their homes or give them what they may need without any thought of being repaid.

How can we do these two things better? I can only think of one – be more like Christ. Put others before us. Be more selfless. That’s hard, isn’t it? But we are told to do this continually. Both of these words are in the Present Tense. That means to keep doing it. Ask the Lord how He wants you to put these two things into practice more. He will lead you to those in need.

Open my eyes, Lord, to see those around me who I can assist.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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