Lydia, on the other hand, was an early Christian of Philippi whom the Bible commends for her hospitality.
(Acts 16:14, 15, 40) Lydia—who was possibly single or widowed—had a generous spirit that enabled her
to enjoy rewarding association with traveling overseers, such as Paul, Silas, and Luke. Having such a
spirit brings similar blessings today
The Course of Hospitality
12
Read Romans 12:13. Our love for our brothers will move us to “share with the holy ones according
to their needs” and according to our ability. Even if we have few of this world’s goods, we can share what
we have. Writing of Christians in Macedonia, Paul stated: “During a great test under affliction their
abundance of joy and their deep poverty made the riches of their generosity abound. For according to
their actual ability, yes, I testify, beyond their actual ability this was, while they of their own accord kept
begging us with much entreaty for the privilege of kindly giving and for a share in the ministry destined for
the holy ones [in Judea].” (2 Cor. 8:2-4) Although poor themselves, Christians in Macedonia were very
generous. They considered it a privilege to share with their needy brothers in Judea.
13
The phrase “follow the course of hospitality” translates a Greek expression that implies showing
initiative. The New Jerusalem Bible renders the expression “look for opportunities to be hospitable.”
Hospitality is sometimes expressed by inviting someone for a meal, and when this is done in love, it is
commendable. But if we show initiative, we will discover many other ways of being hospitable. For one
thing, if our means or our strength do not allow us to invite others for a meal, sharing a cup of coffee, tea,
or some other beverage is also a way of showing hospitality.
14
Hospitality involves our outlook. The Greek word translated “hospitality” is made up of two root
words meaning “love” and “stranger.” What are our feelings toward strangers, or foreigners? Christians
who strive to learn another language so as to preach the good news among foreigners who have moved
into the territory of their congregation can truly be counted among those who are following the course of
hospitality. Of course, many of us are not in a position to learn another language. Still, all of us can have a
meaningful share in helping foreigners by making good use of our booklet Good News for People of All
Nations, which contains a Bible message in many languages. Have you had good results from using this
booklet in the ministry?
2. A Christian mentioned favorably by the apostle John in a letter to Gaius, about 98 C.E. Demetrius may
have delivered the letter to Gaius. John’s recommendation of Demetrius may have been to encourage
hospitality on the part of Gaius, as it seems to have been a custom of the congregations to assist in
providing food and lodging for the faithful brothers who traveled in behalf of the good news.—3Jo 1, 12.
6
Early Christians were cheerful givers. For instance, Gaius was doing “a faithful work” in being hospitable
to those traveling in the interests of the Kingdom, even as Jehovah’s Witnesses extend hospitality to
traveling overseers now sent out by the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society. (3 John 5-8) It costs
something to have these brothers travel to congregations and to extend hospitality to them, but how
beneficial this is spiritually!—Romans 1:11, 12.
Perhaps at least partly because of Lydia’s hospitality, Paul wrote to the Philippians: “I thank my God
always upon every remembrance of you in every supplication of mine for all of you, as I offer my
supplication with joy, because of the contribution you have made to the good news from the first day until
this moment.”—Php 1:3-5.
Lydia, on the other hand, was an early Christian of Philippi whom the Bible commends for her hospitality.
(Acts 16:14, 15, 40) Lydia—who was possibly single or widowed—had a generous spirit that enabled her
to enjoy rewarding association with traveling overseers, such as Paul, Silas, and Luke. Having such a
spirit brings similar blessings today.
17
Lydia truly followed the course of hospitality. Paul too showed the right spirit. Lydia considered that it
would be a great privilege to entertain these servants of Jehovah. And Paul was not overly anxious; he
never acted as though Lydia was under obligation to take him in. Paul never showed any “I-have-it-
coming,” “You-owe-it-to-me” attitude. He made not one reference to food and shelter. Lydia herself made
the suggestion. How alert she was! She knew Paul needed to eat and that he needed a place to sleep for
the night. And Paul, not wishing to be a burden on anyone, no matter how substantial his means,
accepted only after she strongly urged him. Luke’s comment—“And she just made us come”—shows
what a considerate, warmhearted person Lydia was. Be like her.
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We should also be like Paul. He never made anyone feel that he was obligated to the apostle. So
never count hospitality as something due you. Never think that brothers owe it to you. For example, if a
brother uses his automobile to bring you to a meeting, never think that he is henceforth obligated to do it
every week. The proper, unselfish attitude should be: ‘Why, I will walk to meeting rather than be a burden
on anyone. If a brother shows me kindness by taking me to meeting in his car, I will thank Jehovah for his
gracious kindness; and if he does not do it again, I will not be resentful.’ By our maintaining this unselfish
attitude, the brothers who give will feel that what they share is “a bountiful gift and not as something
extorted.”—2 Cor. 9:5, NW.
EXHORT “ON THE BASIS OF LOVE”
(Philem. 1-25)
Philemon is commended for being an example in “love and faith.” His being a source of refreshment to
fellow Christians has given Paul “much joy and comfort.”—Philem. 4, 5, 7.
Setting an example for all overseers, Paul handles the sensitive matter about Onesimus by giving, not
an order, but exhortation “on the basis of love.” He tells Philemon: “Trusting in your compliance, I am
writing you, knowing you will even do more than the things I say.”—Philem. 8, 9, 21.
2. Philemon made his home available for Christian meetings. It is a privilege to have a meeting for field
service in our home.—Rom. 16:5; Col. 4:15.
