Transforming Hospitality in the Theology of Paul: Lessons for Today's Church

Abstract

Hospitality is central to ministry, but the stress churches give to welcome can sometimes dilute the call to discipleship. In this article, I explore Paul's approach to hospitality, which includes transformation alongside welcome. Following a general discussion of Christian hospitality, I trace Paul's approach to hospitality in three areas: the hospitality of God, hospitality within the church, and hospitality toward outsiders. In my final section, I unpack some contemporary implications of Paul's approach.