CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width; initial-scale=1.0;"/><title>Topical Bible: Hospitality and Fellowship</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/topical/h/hospitality_and_fellowship.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/newtopical.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/print.css" type="text/css" media="Print" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head> <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-LR4HSKRP2H"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-LR4HSKRP2H'); </script><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/topical/vmenus/genesis/18.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="//biblehu.com/bmcde/h/hospitality.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/topical/">Topical</a> > Hospitality and Fellowship</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/topical/h/hospitality_and_evangelism.htm" title="Hospitality and Evangelism">◄</a> Hospitality and Fellowship <a href="/topical/h/hospitality_and_generosity.htm" title="Hospitality and Generosity">►</a></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse">Jump to: <a href="#sub" title="Subtopics">Subtopics</a> • <a href="#rel" title="Related Terms">Terms</a></div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><a name="te" id="te"></a><div class="vheading2">Topical Encyclopedia</div><b>Definition and Importance</b><br><br>Hospitality and fellowship are central themes in the Bible, reflecting the character of God and the communal nature of the Christian faith. Hospitality involves the generous and friendly reception and treatment of guests or strangers, while fellowship refers to the sharing of common interests, goals, and experiences among believers. Both are vital expressions of love and unity within the body of Christ.<br><br><b>Old Testament Foundations</b><br><br>In the Old Testament, hospitality is often depicted as a sacred duty. Abraham's reception of three visitors in <a href="/genesis/18.htm">Genesis 18:1-8</a> exemplifies this virtue. Abraham hurried to provide food and rest for his guests, demonstrating a heart of service and reverence. The Law also underscores the importance of hospitality, as seen in <a href="/leviticus/19-34.htm">Leviticus 19:34</a>: "The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt."<br><br>Fellowship in the Old Testament is primarily seen in the context of communal worship and shared religious practices. The Israelites gathered for feasts and festivals, such as Passover and the Feast of Tabernacles, which fostered a sense of community and shared faith.<br><br><b>New Testament Teachings</b><br><br>The New Testament expands on these themes, emphasizing hospitality and fellowship as essential Christian practices. Jesus Himself modeled hospitality, often dining with sinners and outcasts, as seen in <a href="/luke/19-5.htm">Luke 19:5-7</a>, where He invites Himself to Zacchaeus' home. His actions teach that hospitality extends beyond social norms and barriers.<br><br>The early church exemplified fellowship in <a href="/acts/2-42.htm">Acts 2:42-47</a>, where believers devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer. This passage highlights the integral role of fellowship in spiritual growth and community life. The sharing of resources and mutual support among believers is a testament to their unity and love.<br><br>The Apostle Paul frequently encouraged hospitality and fellowship in his epistles. <a href="/romans/12-13.htm">Romans 12:13</a> instructs, "Share with the saints who are in need. Practice hospitality." Similarly, <a href="/hebrews/13-2.htm">Hebrews 13:2</a> reminds believers, "Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it."<br><br><b>Theological Significance</b><br><br>Hospitality and fellowship are not merely social niceties but are deeply theological, reflecting God's nature and His kingdom. Hospitality mirrors God's welcoming nature, as He invites all to partake in His grace and salvation. Fellowship embodies the unity of the Trinity and the communal aspect of the Church as the body of Christ.<br><br>The practice of hospitality and fellowship is a tangible expression of the Great Commandment to love God and neighbor (<a href="/matthew/22-37.htm">Matthew 22:37-39</a>). It serves as a witness to the world of the transformative power of the Gospel, breaking down barriers and fostering reconciliation.<br><br><b>Practical Application</b><br><br>Christians are called to practice hospitality and fellowship in their daily lives. This can be manifested through opening homes to others, sharing meals, and providing for those in need. Churches are encouraged to create environments where fellowship can thrive, promoting small groups, communal worship, and service opportunities.<br><br>In a world often marked by division and isolation, the biblical call to hospitality and fellowship challenges believers to live counter-culturally, embodying the love and unity that are hallmarks of the Christian faith.</div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="sub" id="sub"></a><div class="vheading2">Subtopics</div><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/h/hospitality.htm">Hospitality</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/h/hospitality--a_test_of_christian_character.htm">Hospitality: A Test of Christian Character</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/h/hospitality--abimelech_to_abraham.htm">Hospitality: Abimelech to Abraham</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/h/hospitality--abraham.htm">Hospitality: Abraham</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/h/hospitality--abraham_to_the_angels.htm">Hospitality: Abraham to the Angels</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/h/hospitality--barzillai.htm">Hospitality: Barzillai</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/h/hospitality--commanded.htm">Hospitality: Commanded</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/h/hospitality--david.htm">Hospitality: David</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/h/hospitality--david_to_mephibosheth.htm">Hospitality: David to Mephibosheth</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/h/hospitality--elisha_to_the_syrian_spies.htm">Hospitality: Elisha to the Syrian Spies</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/h/hospitality--encouragement_to.htm">Hospitality: Encouragement To</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/h/hospitality--gaius.htm">Hospitality: Gaius</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/h/hospitality--general_scriptures_concerning.htm">Hospitality: General Scriptures Concerning</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/h/hospitality--isaac_to_abimelech.htm">Hospitality: Isaac to Abimelech</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/h/hospitality--jason.htm">Hospitality: Jason</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/h/hospitality--jethro.htm">Hospitality: Jethro</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/h/hospitality--jethro_to_moses.htm">Hospitality: Jethro to Moses</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/h/hospitality--job.htm">Hospitality: Job</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/h/hospitality--job_to_strangers.htm">Hospitality: Job to Strangers</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/h/hospitality--joseph_to_his_brothers.htm">Hospitality: Joseph to his Brothers</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/h/hospitality--laban.htm">Hospitality: Laban</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/h/hospitality--laban_to_abraham's_servant.htm">Hospitality: Laban to Abraham's Servant</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/h/hospitality--lot.htm">Hospitality: Lot</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/h/hospitality--lot_to_the_angel.htm">Hospitality: Lot to the Angel</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/h/hospitality--lydia.htm">Hospitality: Lydia</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/h/hospitality--lydia_to_paul_and_silas.htm">Hospitality: Lydia to Paul and Silas</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/h/hospitality--man_of_gibeah_to_the_levite.htm">Hospitality: Man of Gibeah to the Levite</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/h/hospitality--manoah.htm">Hospitality: Manoah</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/h/hospitality--martha_to_jesus.htm">Hospitality: Martha to Jesus</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/h/hospitality--melchizedek.htm">Hospitality: Melchizedek</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/h/hospitality--melchizedek_to_abraham.htm">Hospitality: Melchizedek to Abraham</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/h/hospitality--mnason.htm">Hospitality: Mnason</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/h/hospitality--nehemiah.htm">Hospitality: Nehemiah</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/h/hospitality--onesiphorus_to_paul.htm">Hospitality: Onesiphorus to Paul</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/h/hospitality--people_of_melita.htm">Hospitality: People of Melita</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/h/hospitality--pharaoh_to_abraham.htm">Hospitality: Pharaoh to Abraham</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/h/hospitality--pharaoh_to_hadad.htm">Hospitality: Pharaoh to Hadad</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/h/hospitality--pharaoh_to_jacob.htm">Hospitality: Pharaoh to Jacob</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/h/hospitality--pharisees_to_jesus.htm">Hospitality: Pharisees to Jesus</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/h/hospitality--phoebe_to_paul.htm">Hospitality: Phoebe to Paul</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/h/hospitality--publius.htm">Hospitality: Publius</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/h/hospitality--publius_to_paul.htm">Hospitality: Publius to Paul</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/h/hospitality--rahab_to_the_spies.htm">Hospitality: Rahab to the Spies</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/h/hospitality--required_in_ministers.htm">Hospitality: Required in Ministers</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/h/hospitality--rewarded--rahab's.htm">Hospitality: Rewarded: Rahab's</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/h/hospitality--rewarded--widow_of_zarephath's.htm">Hospitality: Rewarded: Widow of Zarephath's</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/h/hospitality--samaritans.htm">Hospitality: Samaritans</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/h/hospitality--samuel.htm">Hospitality: Samuel</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/h/hospitality--shunammite.htm">Hospitality: Shunammite</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/h/hospitality--simon_the_tanner_to_peter.htm">Hospitality: Simon the Tanner to Peter</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/h/hospitality--sons_of_heth_to_abraham.htm">Hospitality: Sons of Heth to Abraham</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/h/hospitality--specially_to_be_shown_to_enemies.htm">Hospitality: Specially to be Shown to Enemies</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/h/hospitality--specially_to_be_shown_to_strangers.htm">Hospitality: Specially to be Shown to Strangers</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/h/hospitality--specially_to_be_shown_to_the_poor.htm">Hospitality: Specially to be Shown to The Poor</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/h/hospitality--the_shunammite_woman_to_elisha.htm">Hospitality: The Shunammite Woman to Elisha</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/h/hospitality--the_widow_of_zarephath_to_elijah.htm">Hospitality: The Widow of Zarephath to Elijah</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/h/hospitality--to_jacob.htm">Hospitality: To Jacob</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/h/hospitality--zacchaeus.htm">Hospitality: Zacchaeus</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/h/hospitality--zacchaeus_to_jesus.htm">Hospitality: Zacchaeus to Jesus</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/i/inhospitableness--ammonites_and_moabites.htm">Inhospitableness: Ammonites and Moabites</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/i/inhospitableness--edom.htm">Inhospitableness: Edom</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/i/inhospitableness--men_of_gibeah_toward_a_levite.htm">Inhospitableness: Men of Gibeah Toward a Levite</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/i/inhospitableness--nabal_toward_david.htm">Inhospitableness: Nabal Toward David</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/i/inhospitableness--sihon.htm">Inhospitableness: Sihon</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/i/inhospitableness--some_samaritans_toward_jesus.htm">Inhospitableness: some Samaritans Toward Jesus</a></p><a name="rel" id="rel"></a><div class="vheading2">Related Terms</div><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/c/cruelty.htm">Cruelty (8 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/c/cruel.htm">Cruel (196 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/u/unmerciful.htm">Unmerciful (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/i/inherits.htm">Inherits (5 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/f/fell.htm">Fell (331 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/b/barbarous.htm">Barbarous (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/b/brutal.htm">Brutal (2 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/savage.htm">Savage (3 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/i/iniquities.htm">Iniquities (59 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/h/hellenism.htm">Hellenism</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/h/hellenist.htm">Hellenist</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/slavery.htm">Slavery (31 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/slave.htm">Slave (148 Occurrences)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/topical/h/hospitality_and_evangelism.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Hospitality and Evangelism"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Hospitality and Evangelism" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/topical/h/hospitality_and_generosity.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Hospitality and Generosity"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Hospitality and Generosity" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div> <div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"><script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script></div></td></tr></table></div></div></div> <br /><br /> <div align="center"> <div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>