Christian Hospitality Towards Visiting Brethren

Christian hospitality is a command woven into the life and ministry of the early church. In an age when travel was slow and dangerous, when inns were scarce or unsafe, and when travelling Christians and missionaries depended entirely on the good will of churches, Scripture repeatedly urges believers to open their homes and hearts to those who serve the Gospel abroad. Today, as brethren visit from foreign mission stations, this call remains as compelling and joyful as ever.

A Commanded Virtue: “Be not forgetful to entertain strangers”

The writer of Hebrews exhorts believers, “Be not forgetful to entertain strangers” (Heb. 13:2).   The word “strangers” often refers to travelling believers, including itinerant ministers and missionaries. Hospitality is not optional; it must not be forgotten or neglected. Why? Because, as the verse continues, such acts have sometimes unknowingly entertained angels unawares, revealing how greatly God values such hospitality.

Paul likewise instructs, “Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality” (Rom. 12:13). The phrase, “given to hospitality”, means pursuing it, chasing after opportunities to show Christian charity to God’s people who come to our midst. The early Christians were not passive in this virtue; they actively sought to refresh the brethren.

Peter adds, “Use hospitality one to another without grudging” (1 Pet. 4:9). Hospitality is not to be extended with a reluctant or burdensome attitude, but in a cheerful, willing, and loving manner.

These commands reveal that hospitality is part of the Christian’s conduct, and it reflects God’s love and provision in Christ for His saints.

Supporting Missionaries: “Bring (them) forward on their journey after a godly sort”

The apostle John provides one of the clearest instructions on missions-oriented hospitality in Scripture. Writing to Gaius, he says: “Beloved, thou doest faithfully whatsoever thou doest to the brethren, and to strangers; which have borne witness of thy charity before the church: whom if thou bring forward on their journey after a godly sort, thou shalt do well” (3 John 5–6).

Here we see that Gaius showed hospitality to visiting brethren, though they were not personally known to him. John praises him and urges continued generosity: “Bring them forward on their journey.”

In the apostolic days, “bring them forward” meant supplying necessary things, such as food, lodging, provisions, financial support, prayer, and encouragement. John calls such hospitality “a godly sort”, one fully pleasing to God.

He explains the reason: “Because that for his name’s sake they went forth, taking nothing of the Gentiles” (3 John 7). Missionaries did not solicit unbelievers for aid; they relied on the church. Therefore, welcoming them was not merely kindness; it was a vital Gospel partnership.

John concludes: “We therefore ought to receive such, that we might be fellowhelpers to the truth” (v. 8). When believers welcome, support, and refresh missionaries, they become “fellowhelpers”, co-workers in the truth. Their hospitality becomes part of the mission itself.

More New Testament Examples of Missionary Hospitality

• Lydia of Philippi (Acts 16:15): After her conversion, Lydia urged Paul and his companions, “If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there.” Her home became the first headquarters of the Gospel mission in Philippi. Hospitality flowed from her transformed heart.
• The Philippian Church (Phil. 4:15–18): Though far from affluent, the Philippians repeatedly supported Paul during his travels and imprisonments. Paul calls their support “an odour of a sweet smell … wellpleasing to God”. Their generosity was itself an offering to the Lord.
• Aquila and Priscilla (Acts 18:1–3; Rom. 16:3–5): This couple opened their home to Paul, working alongside him and hosting a church within their house. Their home was a sanctuary for missionary labour.
• The Christians of Tyre and Caesarea (Acts 21:4, 8): Believers took Paul in, provided him lodging, and cared for him on his journey towards Jerusalem. Their hospitality refreshed the Lord’s servant in the midst of his hardship. These examples demonstrate that the church has always been a refuge and support base for travelling Gospel workers.

Why Hospitality to Visiting Missionaries Matters Today

• It expresses love for Christ’s servants: “Whosoever shall receive one of such children in my name, receiveth me” (Mark 9:37).
• It strengthens weary Christians: Missionaries often arrive tired, lonely, weary or spiritually burdened. Loving hospitality refreshes their souls.
• It extends the communion of saints to the global church: Hospitality helps visiting believers feel at home, breaks down cultural barriers, and reminds us with joy that we are one body in Christ.
• It helps to participate in the Great Commission: Those who welcome missionaries share in their fruit (cf. Matt. 10:41).
• It fulfils God’s purposes and glorifies Him: God, who commanded it, delights in it (cf. Phil. 4:15–18).

Let us be a church that joyfully welcomes faithful servants, and honours those who labour for Christ, following Paul’s exhortation – “Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in reputation” (Phil. 2:29).