Love, Hospitality and Service

June 8th, 2026
by Lance Waldie

Hebrews 13:1-3 Continue in brotherly love. 2 Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels unawares. 3 Remember the prisoners, as though in prison with them, and those who are ill-treated, since you yourselves also are in the body.

The author of Hebrews spent the first ten chapters writing doctrinal truths. In chapter 11 he gave examples of faithful believers from the past. In chapter 12 he gave exhortations to believers in the present based upon the faithfulness of those saints of the past. Now in chapter 13 he puts together a hodgepodge of miscellaneous issues needing attention as he closes his epistle. These issues concern love, hospitality, marriage, and church leaders—all of which will comprise the evidences of faith expected from those who call themselves Christians.

The first evidence of true faith is “brotherly love” (Gr. philadelphia)—from philos (fond affection) and delphos (brother); literally, “the philadelphia must continue.” In short, Christians love one another (cf. Rom. 12:10; 1 Thess. 4:9; 1 Pet. 1:22; 2 Pet. 1:7). After all, the Church is a spiritual family, sharing a bond far higher than mere blood relations. The philadelphia is therefore a Christian fraternity promoting and exhibiting love (cf. John 13:34-35; 15:12, 17). The original audience appears to have had philadelpia towards each other, and though there were divisions among them due to the instability of the faith of some, they were to continue their love fraternity and not divide. Love for each other was to endure in spite of their circumstances.

In teaching brotherly love, it is possible that the author also had fellow Jews in mind who were not Christians. So the Jewish audience who had converted to the Christian faith were also to continue their love for their unbelieving Jewish brothers without turning from them. But the primary command in 13:1 is love for Christian brothers to continue. For it to continue implies that it already existed. All Christians have love and need not pray for more. They only need to put the love God has poured into their hearts into full motion and love as Christ loves.

The second evidence for true Christian faith is philoxenia, or hospitality (v. 2)—literally “the philoxenia must not be neglected.” The philoxenia was also a kind of fraternity—the Church comprised of both “the philadelphia” and “the philoxenias.” In the early Church hospitality was vital since persecution drove many Christians from their homes and jobs. There were also traveling preachers who needed lodging (cf. 3 John 5-8). Although overseers are required to be hospitable in order to hold the office of overseer/elder (Titus 1:8), hospitality is for all saints to practice (Rom. 12:13). Some have even “entertained angels without knowing it,” as was the case of Abraham and Lot (Gen. 18-19). God may send undesirables to His people for lodging, and they may very well be angelic! Bottom line: a faithful Christian is hospitable to all.

A third evidence for true faith is concern for “prisoners” (v. 3), specifically Christians jailed for preaching the gospel. This command was dangerous, for since many had been incarcerated in the first century for their faith, to bring aid to them was considered guilt by association. In other words, bringing a Christian prisoner food or water put both parties in danger. These prisoners, however, needed nourishment, essentials not typically provided for condemned criminals in the Roman Empire. But dangerous or not, ministry to a Christian prisoner is service to Christ Himself, for in helping them, we serve Him. In fact, any ministry of care toward others in need is considered service to Jesus Christ Himself (cf. Matt 25:36, 40).

Food For Thought
What if an angel visited your front door, asking for food, water, or money? This angel might not look like you think an angel should look. Maybe he is dirty and smelly. But whether he is an angel or just a man in need, our task as Christians is to love and care for such. Be alert!