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Acts 28: 30-31 – Evangelistic Hospitality
Evangelistic Hospitality
The last thing inspiration teaches us is that, even in prison, Paul taught the gospel by practicing hospitality.
“Paul stayed two whole years in his own rented house. And he welcomed all who visited him, proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance.” (CSB’17 Acts 28:30-31)
Using our homes, or in Paul’s case his “house arrest” home for “evangelistic hospitality” is welcoming people into God’s home through the gospel, and welcoming God into our “home”.
“Jesus answered, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.” (CSB’17 John 14:23)
Did you ever wonder how Paul could afford his own rented house as a prisoner? Other scriptures show he was not independently wealthy (Philippians 4:12). From a historical point of view, prisoners often had to rely on friends and family to provide for them. This included and their food. Food was not provided by “the state.” Do we really think Rome paid for Paul’s rented house? The point for us is hospitality is it’s most hospitable when shared by both receiving and giving, to friends and strangers. Hospitality literally means, “love of strangers”.
What a lovely picture Luke paints for us of Paul, closing out Acts. This is the gospel in ACTion.
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