Romans Chapter 12 Vs. 13

 

Marks of the True Christian

Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality. Rom 12:13

Distributing to the... Contribute to needy saints. Comes from a Greek word that means commonality, partnership or mutual sharing, which is often translated “fellowship,” and “communion”.

given to hospitality... Make a practice of hospitality. Means the pursuing the love of strangers and not merely entertaining one’s friends. In New Testament times, travel was dangerous and inns were evil, scarce and expensive. So the early believers often opened their homes to travelers, especially to fellow believers. Church leaders should be role models of the virtue.

Acts 9:39: “Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them.”

We see that Dorcas had certainly fulfilled the lesson in the Scripture above. She saw a need and took care of it. Many believe that this same Dorcas paid for a great deal of Paul’s necessities. We do know from this Scripture, that she was a very giving person. She was loved dearly by her sisters and brothers in Christ (as you can see from Acts 9:39). I will include several more Scriptures here that will demonstrate how important it is to God for us to be concerned about the needs of the saints, and in this we can also see how important it is to be hospitable, as well.

Gal. 6:10 “As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all [men], especially unto them who are of the household of faith.”

1Tim. 5:10 “Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints’ feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work.”

Returning to Christians’ responsibilities to other believers, Paul exhorted them, Share with God’s people who are in need (lit., “sharing [koinōnountes, ‘having in common’] the needs of the saints”). This characterized the Jerusalem church (Acts 2:44-45; 4:32, 4:34-37). This concern also motivated the church in Antioch (Acts 11:27-30) and the Apostle Paul (1Cor. 16:1-4; 2Cor. 8-9; Rom. 15:25-27) to give to the church in Jerusalem. In the same vein the apostle commanded, Practice hospitality (lit., “pursuing friendliness to strangers”). Both ministries, meeting needs and being hospitable, involve helping others.