The Origin of Christian Hospitality
Dean Howson. Acts 16:15 And when she was baptized, and her household, she sought us, saying, If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord… We have here the first example of that Christian hospitality which was so emphatically enjoined and so lovingly practised in the apostolic Church (Hebrews 13:2; 1 Timothy 5:10). The frequent mention of the "hosts" who gave shelter to the apostles (Romans 16:23, etc.) reminds us that they led a life of hardship and poverty, and were the followers of Him for whom there was "no room in the inn." The Lord had said to His apostles that when they entered into a city, they were to seek out "those who were worthy," and with them to abide. The search at Philippi was not difficult. Lydia invited them, and admitted of no refusal, and their "peace was on that house." Thus the gospel obtained a home in Europe. (Dean Howson.) Parallel Verses KJV: And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought us, saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there. And she constrained us. WEB: When she and her household were baptized, she begged us, saying, "If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and stay." So she persuaded us.