Hebrews 13:2

Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.

Hebrews 13:2 (KJV)

Context

Hebrews is a letter written to Jewish Christians facing persecution and the temptation to return to their former religious practices. The author urges them to remain steadfast in faith in Jesus Christ. This verse appears in a section of practical exhortations that begin with brotherly love (Hebrews 13:1), showing that hospitality is a tangible expression of love for God and neighbor.

Meaning

The verse begins with the admonition, “Be not forgetful to entertain strangers.” The Greek word for “entertain strangers” is philoxenia, literally “love of strangers.” This is more than mere politeness; it is a distinct Christian virtue that involves actively welcoming and caring for those who are unknown or in need. The command is to be proactive, not merely to avoid being inhospitable. The warning against forgetfulness implies that hospitality requires intentionality and deliberate effort.

The verse continues, “for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” This phrase suggests that by showing hospitality to strangers, some individuals have unknowingly entertained angels. This alludes to Old Testament examples, specifically Abraham (Genesis 18:2ff) and Lot (Genesis 19), who unknowingly hosted angels. The point is not that every stranger is an angel, but that we may miss the opportunity to bless or be blessed by those whom God sends. The author emphasizes the unexpected nature of these encounters to encourage readers to treat all strangers with kindness and hospitality.

Biblical connections

This teaching is consistent with the New Testament emphasis on hospitality as a mark of Christian character (Romans 12:13). The motivation is not to gain angelic encounters but to express love and obedience to God, who identifies with the stranger. The promise of possibly entertaining angels is a gracious encouragement, not a guarantee.

Application

The verse carries important lessons for Christians today:

• Practicing Hospitality: The verse calls believers to actively engage in hospitality, demonstrating love and kindness towards strangers. This extends beyond mere politeness and includes providing shelter, food, and other forms of assistance to those in need.

• Recognition of Divine Encounters: The verse reminds Christians that their acts of kindness towards strangers can have far-reaching spiritual implications. While not every stranger encountered may be an angel in disguise, believers should treat others with love and respect, recognizing the potential for divine encounters in their interactions.

• Embracing the Unknown: By encouraging hospitality towards strangers, the verse teaches Christians to overcome fear or prejudice and be open to those who may be different from them. It challenges believers to extend grace and love to all, regardless of their background or circumstances.

To apply this verse in our lives, we can practice hospitality in our homes and communities, showing kindness to strangers, refugees, and those in need. We can cultivate an attitude of openness and empathy towards others, embracing diversity and seeking to understand different perspectives. We can recognize that our acts of kindness and love towards others can have a greater impact than we realize, as we serve God through our interactions with those around us.

Remember that the ultimate goal of hospitality is to reflect the love of Christ and share His message of grace with others.