Hebrews 13:3

"Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for in doing so, some have entertained angels without knowing it."

Key Reflection

Hebrews 13:3 encourages believers not to neglect showing hospitality to strangers, a practice deeply rooted in ancient Jewish culture. The verse suggests that this act of kindness can be even more significant than we realize, as it implies that some who extended hospitality unwittingly entertained angels, highlighting the importance and potential divinity of such encounters in the eyes of early Christian communities.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 3. Remember them that are in bonds. All who are bound; whether prisoners of war; captives in dungeons; those detained in custody for trial; those who are imprisoned for righteousness' sake; or those held in slavery. The word used here will include all instances where bonds, shackles, chains were ever used. Perhaps there is an immediate allusion to their fellow-Christians who were suffering imprisonment on account of their religion, of whom there were doubtless many at that time; but the principle will apply to every case of those who are imprisoned or oppressed. The word remember implies more than that we are merely to think of them. Comp. Ex 20:8; Ec 12:1.

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