Christian hospitality
by Maria Rudolph
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We sought out the disciples there and stayed with them seven days (Acts 21:4a).
Read Acts 21:1–14
Whenever I travel in Australia or overseas, staying at a guest house or hotel is okay, yet always a bit impersonal. I feel quite separate from the locals and their lives. I’ve used Airbnb a few times, and that gives an interesting ‘everyday life’ perspective on a place. But I reckon nothing beats staying in the home of fellow Christians: reading the Bible together and eating and praying together. When I stay with Christian sisters and brothers, I feel I have a bond so precious, sometimes stronger than with family members or other friends. Do you have your own experience of Christian hospitality?
When Paul boarded a ship on his missionary journey and went past places now teaming with mass tourism hotel complexes and restaurants galore (for example, Kos, Rhodes, Cyprus), accommodation options were sparse, and all-you-can-eat buffets not yet a thing. But it was intentional that Paul and his companions sought out fellow Christians to stay with everywhere they went. Paul and his friends would have been a great encouragement to them, reinforcing their faith, giving them sound Bible teaching and discovering spiritual gifts among them (Acts 21:9). The stays were of mutual benefit, as the Christian hosts prophesied over them (Acts 21:4b,10,11), prayed with them (Acts 21:5) and provided what they needed. In the end, we are reminded of the disciples trying to discourage Jesus from meeting his destiny in Jerusalem, with Paul’s companions realising all the prophesies seemed to indicate Paul’s arrest upon arrival in Jerusalem. But Paul stoically and faithfully follows the path of the Holy Spirit and sets them an example of Christian obedience.
In all this, Christian hospitality sweetens this heavy storyline like fine honey. Thanks be to God when we receive Christian hospitality and get a chance to give it to others.
Dear God, let me show Christian hospitality to others, whether by having them stay over, providing them with a meal, or sharing my time with them. Thank you for the times I have received Christian hospitality from others. Help me seek out my Christian sisters and brothers near and far for mutual encouragement and prayer. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Maria loves serving God through the LCANZ and currently does this at St John’s Perth as a pastoral associate and volunteers at Concordia Duncraig in Western Australia. She enjoys being part of a Way Forward Working Group and tackling current theological issues on the Commission on Theology and Inter-Church Relations. Her three kids and pastor husband keep her very happy and busy.
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