The beginning of Hebrews 13 contains a series of brief admonitions about showing brotherly love (v. 1), being hospitable (v. 2), remembering brethren in prison (v. 3), holding marriage in honor (v. 4), being content (v. 5-6), and so on. One particular statement related to the instruction about hospitality has led to questions and speculations among brethren. Notice what the Hebrew writer said:
“Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it” (Hebrews 13:2).
What does it mean to entertain angels? Who has done this? Can we do this today? If so, how do we show hospitality to angels?
Before we address those questions, it is important to understand what the Bible teaches about hospitality. After all, the primary point of the verse has to do with that, not angels (the mention of angels is just to illustrate the point).
Biblically speaking, hospitality is about showing love to strangers. This is more than just showing kindness; it is about welcoming others, providing help to them, and meeting their needs. Though the word is not used, John described an example of this in his third epistle: “Beloved, you are acting faithfully in whatever you accomplish for the brethren, and especially when they are strangers” (3 John 5). This is related to what Paul wrote to the churches of Galatia: “So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith” (Galatians 6:10).
As we seek to do good according to our opportunities, we will be “contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality” (Romans 12:13). One of the qualifications for elders in the church is to be “hospitable” (1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:8). However, whether we ever serve as an elder or not, this is a characteristic that we should all strive to have (cf. 1 Peter 4:9).
Understanding what hospitality is, we can begin to consider the question about entertaining angels. This passage specifically addressed something that had happened in the past (“…some have entertained…”). When did this happen? There are two accounts of this in the book of Genesis:
- Angels appeared to Abraham (Genesis 18:1-8) – When three travelers came to Abraham, he received them and provided food for them. Two of them (which we learn in the next chapter were angels) left and proceeded to Sodom while the other (identified as the Lord) revealed His plan to punish the people of that city for their wickedness.
- Angels appeared to Lot in Sodom (Genesis 19:1-11) – After leaving Abraham, the two angels came to Sodom and Lot welcomed them into his home. When the men of the city surrounded his house that night and demanded that he hand over the “men” who had come to him, Lot refused. He not only provided shelter for them, but also protection. In the end, the angels rescued Lot from the city.
These events were the ones to which the Hebrew writer was referring. Just as Abraham and Lot showed hospitality to the angels who visited them, we are to show hospitality to others.
However, since this was something that was done in the past, is it possible that it could be done today? In other words, could we unknowingly show hospitality to angels who have appeared on earth in human form?
Many people read what is in the Bible, see how God supernaturally worked in the past, know that He still has the power to do so today, and so they believe that He must still be operating in the same way in every way. So when they read about angels appearing in human form and some men showing hospitality to them, they assume that some (maybe even they themselves) continue to entertain angels today. Yet that is just an assumption which is simply not supported by this (or any) passage.
The main point of this passage is not about angels; it is about hospitality. The reference to Abraham and Lot entertaining angels was simply an illustration of the main point. This was an admonition by the Hebrew writer that was designed to cause his readers to examine themselves – just as it is for us. After being reminded of this example, we can ask ourselves some questions:
- Are we open to showing hospitality to those who are in need?
- Do we recognize opportunities that are presented to us to show hospitality?
- How can we prepare ourselves to show hospitality to others?
If this passage was teaching that we might literally entertain angels today, the temptation would be there to overlook other opportunities to help those in need because we are focused on trying to find and help those angels who happen to be among us. The result would be the exact opposite of what this passage is teaching. We need to do for others what Abraham and Lot did for the angels. This will include:
- Looking for ones we can help
- Making preparations to be able to help
- Being welcoming to those who cross our path
- Being willing to open our home to others
- Being willing to make sacrifices for others
As we strive to please the Lord, let us remember the importance of showing hospitality and doing good to those who are around us.
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Recently I was interviewed by brother Osamagbe Lesley Egharevba on this topic. The interview is posted on his YouTube channel. You can watch it below:
