"Hospitality and Angels"

October 09, 2025 | By Chuck

       Dictionary.com defines hospitality as the friendly reception and treatment of guests and strangers.  We have all shown hospitality to guests in our home.  You are being hospitable when you host friends and family for dinner in your home.  Some of you already have plans to host family and friends for Thanksgiving or Christmas.  I think we are pretty good at showing hospitality to our family and friends and those we know.  How are we at showing hospitality to strangers? 

Hospitality is not just something we do for those we know.  The above cited definition of hospitality mentions strangers or those we do not know.  The Hebrew writer teaches the significance of showing hospitality to strangers.  “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares” (Heb. 13:2).  This is a polarizing verse that challenges all of us.  Some may wonder, is this literal?  Is it possible that we today could encounter an angel? 

            Contextually there is no reason to believe this verse is anything but literal.  The biblical lesson in the verse is be kind and friendly to everyone, especially strangers because some have had encounters with angels.  We know it is biblical to be kind and hospitable to others.  We also know that in the Old Testament angels took human form and had encounters with man. (Gen. 18:1-19:1) Angels are “ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation” (Heb. 1:14).  Considering this information makes it clear that Hebrews 13:2 is literal.  Therefore, it is possible that any of us could encounter an angel, so we must make sure to be hospitable even to strangers.