𝐇𝐨𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐌𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧: 𝐀 𝐁𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞
Introduction Hospitality in Scripture is more than just a cultural courtesy or social nicety—it is a vital spiritual discipline and a missional practice. At the heart of the gospel lies the welcome of God to the outsider, the stranger, the marginalized, and the lost. Biblical hospitality, rooted in the Greek word group philoxenos/philoxenia , means “love for strangers,” and it extends far beyond the boundaries of the home. It is the practical expression of God’s grace and love through His people. In this paper, we will explore how hospitality, as practiced by the early church and taught throughout the New Testament, played a significant role in the expansion of Christian missions and continues to provide a framework for faithful ministry today. 1. Defining Biblical Hospitality: Philoxenos/Philoxenia Hospitality, as defined by the Greek terms philoxenos (hospitable) and philoxenia (hospitality), refers to the love and welcome extended to strangers. Unlike modern perception...