Day 14

Written by Ps. Carol Hanes

The Apostle’s Hospitality

Read

Acts 28:30-31

Reflect

The Apostle Paul fascinates me. I love what the Scriptures tell us about him, and I love to read between the lines of what the narrative hints at. We know that Paul, formerly Saul of Tarsus, the Pharisee, enjoyed a high-status lifestyle in his early years. He was the son of a Pharisee (Acts 23:6) which meant he was born into a prestigious and comfortable lifestyle. He was educated in Jerusalem under one of Judaism's most revered teachers, Gamaliel (Acts 22:3). But after his conversion, Paul lived a mostly humble lifestyle and was often impoverished. (2 Cor. 11:22-27)

Wherever Paul traveled in ministry, he worked with his hands to provide for his personal needs and his ministry companions. (Acts 20:34) Only occasionally did he receive support from the churches he ministered to. (Phil. 4:10-20) Possibly the Philippian church provided for Paul and his rented house mentioned in these two verses. We know very little about Paul's home except that it was rented and he had full use. 

I like to imagine that his home was simple yet large enough for a few people to gather. Houses in New Testament times were relatively small by today's standards. Whatever the size, it was enough to do the job. "He welcomed all who visited him." It's not really about the size of the house but the size of the welcome. 

We began our church in an eight-square rented house in Cranebrook. We had no furniture, to start with and asked our guests to BYOC (bring your own chair). We had limited dishes, so soon as one person finished their cuppa, we washed it and served someone else. 

There is something inspiring, and God honouring about offering the little we have to Jesus and know that it is enough when it's given in love. 

Respond 

How can I best use what I have to serve the Lord?

Am I too conscious of what I don’t have? How can I get past this?

What can I do to increase the “welcome” factor of my home?