In light of the coming end of the
age, Peter exhorts his readers to pursue three areas: (1) vigilant and sober
praying (v. 7); (2) continued earnest loving of each other (v. 8); and showing
hospitality to others without complaint (v. 9). Peter assumes that his readers
are already practicing these Christian virtues but urges them to raise them to
a higher level. He reasons (vv. 10, 11) that these are spiritual gifts for
which all must give an account to Jesus when He comes to judge (1 Cor. 3:10–15;
Matt. 25:35). These gifts are indispensable in building the kingdom for the glory
of Christ (vv. 16, 17; 1 Pet. 4:11).
Hospitality is a major
consideration in the Scriptures because of its importance in advancing the
mission of the kingdom. Thus, it is an identifying mark of a true believer. Hospitality
is simply welcoming strangers in order to do them good, helping them with needs and
encouraging them in their journey (compare Gaius with Diotrephes, 3 John 5–8
with 9, 10; Gen. 18:1–5).
Under the Old Covenant, God’s
people were expected to demonstrate the same care for the stranger that the
Lord showed (Psa. 146:9). Hospitality reminded them that they were once
strangers in Egypt (Ex. 23:9; Lev. 19:33, 34). Very severe judgment was
pronounced against Ammon and Moab because they refused to accommodate Israel in
their journey (Deut. 23:3, 4). It was so important to God that he required
hospitality, among other things, as a condition for their remaining in the land
(Jer. 7:5–7).
In the New Covenant era,
hospitality serves both a practical and symbolic function. Christian
hospitality made it possible for apostles, missionaries, and evangelists to move
about safely and conveniently among the churches. Commercial accommodations
were rare and dangerous morally and physically (Rom. 12:13; Heb. 13:2; Phile.
21, 22; 1 Tim. 3:2; Titus 1:8).
Hospitality is an extension of
brotherly love and serves to identify with and welcome other believers as
Christ welcomed us (Rom. 15:7; cf. 14:1–3). Eating with others is a way to show
love and compassion (Acts 2:42–47). We celebrate the Lord’s Table as a
reminder of His cordial welcome of us. Thus, we also are to encourage and help
others in their spiritual walk, especially when it is difficult with trials and
hardships (1 Tim. 5:10). Paul severely rebuked Peter for showing bias against
Gentile believers at Antioch (Galatians 2:11–14). However, vigilance and
discernment must also be used. True saints are welcomed, but false teachers and
enemies of the gospel are to be renounced (2 John 9–11; Rom. 16:17, 18).
When He sent out the disciples,
Jesus designated hospitality as a clear signal of willingness to receive the
gospel message (Matt. 10:9–15). He, too, was received by sinners because they
were open to hear His message. On the other hand, the Pharisees severely
criticized Him for eating with sinners because they refused that message (Matt.
9:11).
Are you eager and willing to
welcome others into your home? Do you cherish opportunities to help those who
give their lives to advancing His kingdom?
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ReplyDeleteI enjoyed this message. I was getting confused about the forgiveness thing. If we do not repent it is almost impossible to clear our consciences of unforgiveness, and so I just STAND FORGIVING in most cases where people are not forgiving to get the release from the guiltiness and torment that accompanies disobedience to the Word.
Mark 11:25 And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.