Early Christian Hospitality to Strangers
Early Christians taught that welcoming strangers was part of faithful living. Clement of Rome, Hermas, Clement of Alexandria, Cyprian, and Lactantius all connect hospitality with obedience, mercy, and love. Bible passages like Hebrews 13:2 and 3 John 5 give the clearest direct commands, while other writings show how the church practiced this care.
129 early-church witnesses · 208 source quotations · compared with Scripture
What did early Christians believe about hospitality to Strangers?
Early Christian writers taught that hospitality to strangers was a real Christian duty, not just a nice extra. Clement of Rome praised “continuous hospitality” and tied Abraham, Lot, and Rahab to faith joined with hospitality; Clement of Alexandria, Hermas, Justin, Tertullian, Cyprian, and Lactantius all treat welcoming strangers, pilgrims, and the needy as part of Christian life.
Bible passages like Hebrews 13:2, 3 John 5, Romans 12:13, 1 Peter 4:9, Leviticus 19:34, and Exodus 22:21 strongly support that reading. The evidence is broad and early, though some cards only repeat the same basic teaching or use “stranger” in a different context, so those were set aside or treated as support. A few passages also stress discernment, such as receiving true teachers while rejecting false ones.
Many more early Christian quotations, Bible passages, and source links are gathered below so you can study the evidence for yourself.
Key Takeaways
- Early Christians treated hospitality to strangers as a Christian duty.
- Hebrews 13:2, 3 John 5, Romans 12:13, and 1 Peter 4:9 give the clearest Bible support.
- Clement, Hermas, Cyprian, and Lactantius all praise welcoming strangers and the needy.
- Some texts also warn that true hospitality should use wisdom and not welcome false teaching.
Questions Answered by the Sources
Did early Christians teach that hospitality to strangers was a virtue and duty?
Several early Christian writers explicitly call hospitality a virtue or duty and describe Christians as receiving strangers, pilgrims, and the needy. Clement of Alexandria, Lactantius, Hermas, Cyprian, and others frame hospitality as part of mercy and godliness.
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Clement of Rome, First Epistle to the Corinthians Direct teaching
...nd moderation of your godliness in Christ? Who did not proclaim the magnificence of your continuous hospitality? And who did not rejoice over your perfect and well-grounded knowledge? For you did all things without favoritism, and walked in the commandments of God, being obedient to those who led you, and giving all appropriate honor to the elders among you. You instructed young men to be of a sober and serious mind; you taught your wives to do all things with a blameless, becoming, and pure conscience, loving their husbands as was their duty; and you taught them that, living by the rule of obedience, they should manage their household affairs properly, and be marked by discretion in every respect.
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Clement of Alexandria, The Stromata (Miscellanies) Direct teaching
And akin to love is hospitality, being a congenial art devoted to the treatment of strangers.
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Hermas, The Shepherd (Pastor) Direct teaching
...after orphans and the needy, rescuing the servants of God from necessities, being hospitable—for in hospitality good-doing finds a field—never opposing anyone, being quiet, having fewer needs than all men, reverencing the aged, practicing righteousness, watching the brotherhood, bearing insolence, being long-suffering, encouraging those who are sick in soul, not casting those who have fallen into sin out of the faith, but turning them back and restoring them to peace of mind, admonishing sinners, not oppressing debtors and the needy, and if there are any other actions like these. Do these seem good to you?" he says. And I said, "What, sir, is better than these?" "Walk in them, then," he says, "and do not restrain yourself from them, and you will live to God. Keep, therefore, this commandment. If you do good, and do not restrain yourself from it, you will live to God. All who act in this way will live to God. And again, if you refuse to do evil, and restrain yourself from it, you will live to God. And all will live to God who keep these commandments and walk in them."
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Lactantius, The Epitome of the Divine Institutes Direct teaching
...e suffers harm from someone more powerful than himself, let us rescue him. Let our house be open to strangers, or to those who need shelter. Let our defense not be lacking for orphans under guardianship, or our protection for the defenseless. To ransom captives is a great work of pity. So also is visiting and comforting the sick who are poor. If helpless people or strangers die, we should not allow them to lie unburied. These are the works, these are the duties, of pity. If anyone takes these up, he will offer to God a true and acceptable sacrifice. This offering is more fit to be given to God, who is not pleased by the blood of a sheep, but by the godliness of a human being. Because God is just, He deals with a person by His own law and by His own standard. He shows mercy to the one He sees is merciful. He is unyielding toward the one He sees is harsh to those who beg him. Therefore, so that we may be able to do all these things that are pleasing to God, money must be despised and moved to heavenly treasures, where no thief can break in, no rust can destroy, and no tyrant can take them away. There it may be kept for us under God's protection as our eternal wealth.
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Lactantius, The Epitome of the Divine Institutes Supporting witness
Let our house be open to strangers, or to those who are in need of shelter.
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Lactantius, The Divine Institutes Supporting witness
Therefore hospitality is a principal virtue, as the philosophers also say;
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Aristides, The Apology Supporting witness
And if they hear that one of their number is imprisoned or afflicted on account of the name of their Messiah, all of them anxiously minister to his necessity, and if it is possible to redeem him they set him free.
Which Bible verses did early Christians use about welcoming strangers?
The strongest scriptural witnesses in the supplied cards command love and care for the stranger and warn against mistreating him. Hebrews 13:2, Leviticus 19:34, Deuteronomy 10:19, Exodus 22:21, Romans 12:13, 1 Peter 4:9, and 3 John 1:5 are the clearest Bible passages.
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Cyprian, Epistles Direct teaching
...grow up? I ask that you carefully take care of the widows, the sick, and all the poor. Also, if any strangers should be needy, you may provide their expenses from my own portion, which I left with Rogatianus, our fellow presbyter. And so that all of that portion should not be used up, I have added to it by sending another share to him through Naricus the acolyte, so that those who are suffering may be helped more fully and more quickly. I bid you, beloved brothers, a heartfelt farewell always, and remember me. Greet your brotherhood in my name, and tell them to remember me.
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Apostolic Constitutions, Apostolic Constitutions Direct teaching
...him lead each one to the proper place. If a presbyter comes from another parish, let the presbyters receive him into communion. If a deacon comes, let the deacons receive him. If a bishop comes, let him sit with the bishop and have the same honor as he does. And you, O bishop, should ask him to speak words of instruction to the people, for the exhortation and warning of strangers is very welcome and extremely profitable. For, as the Scripture says, no prophet is accepted in his own country. You shall also permit him to offer the Eucharist. But if, out of reverence for you, and as a wise man who wants to preserve the honor that belongs to you, he does not offer it, then at least you shall urge him to give the blessing to the people. But if, after the congregation has sat down, some other person arrives who has good appearance and standing in the world, whether he is a stranger or one from your own country, then neither you, O bishop, if you are speaking the word of God, nor if you are listening to the one who sings or reads, should show partiality so far as to leave the ministry of the word in order to assign him a chief seat. Instead, remain calm, without interrupting your speak
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Hermas, The Shepherd (Pastor) Direct teaching
And from the tenth mountain, where were trees which overshadowed certain sheep, they who believed were the following: bishops given to hospitality, who always gladly received into their houses the servants of God, without dissimulation.
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Tertullian, To His Wife Direct teaching
If a pilgrim brother arrive, what hospitality for him in an alien home?
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Cyprian, Epistles Supporting witness
received many brethren who were departing to banishment and flight, into his house and hospitality;
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Apostolic Constitutions, Apostolic Constitutions Supporting witness
...ed. For it is ordained in the law: “You shall not be with a multitude for wickedness; you shall not receive a vain report; you shall not consent with a multitude to pervert judgment.” Exodus 23:2 You should also know the accused person well, especially what he is like in his conduct and way of life. Ask whether he has a good reputation in his life, whether he has been blameless, whether he has been zealous in holiness, whether he loves widows, strangers, the poor, and the brothers, whether he is not given to filthy lucre, whether he is not extravagant or wasteful, whether he is sober and free from luxury, or instead a drunkard or a glutton, and whether he is compassionate and charitable.
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Early Liturgies, Divine Liturgy of St. James Supporting witness
For Christians sailing, travelling, living among strangers, and for our brethren in captivity, in exile, in prison, and in bitter slavery, their peaceful return;
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Hermas, The Shepherd (Pastor) Supporting witness
From the tenth mountain, where there were trees shading certain sheep, these are the ones who believed: bishops who were hospitable, who always gladly welcomed the servants of God into their homes without pretending. And the bishops never failed, through their service, to care for widows and those who were in need, and they always lived in a holy way. Therefore, all these will be protected by the Lord forever. Those who do these things are honorable before God, and their place is already with the angels, if they remain serving God to the end.
Did early Christians point to Abraham, Lot, or Rahab as examples of hospitality?
Clement of Rome and Clement of Alexandria cite Abraham, Lot, and Rahab when discussing faith and hospitality. These examples are used as proof that hospitable treatment of others was honored by God.
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Clement of Rome, First Epistle to the Corinthians Direct teaching
Because of his hospitality and godliness, Lot was saved from Sodom when the entire surrounding area was punished with fire and brimstone, the Lord thus showing that He does not abandon those who hope in Him, but gives up those who turn away from Him to punishment and suffering. For Lot’s wife, who went with him, having a different mindset and not staying in agreement with him regarding the command given to them, became an example by turning into a pillar of salt to this day. This happened so that everyone would understand that those who are indecisive and distrust the power of God bring judgment on themselves and become a warning to all future generations.
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Clement of Rome, First Epistle to the Corinthians Direct teaching
Due to her faith and hospitality, Rahab the harlot was saved. When spies were sent by Joshua, the son of Nun, to Jericho, the king of the land found out they were there to spy on their land and sent men to capture them so that they could be put to death. But hospitable Rahab took them in and hid them on her roof under some stalks of flax. When the men sent by the king arrived and said, "Men came to you to spy on our land; bring them out, as the king commands," she replied, "The two men you seek came to me, but quickly left and are gone," thus not revealing the spies to them. Then she said to the men, "I know for sure that the Lord your God has given you this city, for fear and dread of you have fallen on its inhabitants. When you take it, keep me and my father's household safe." And they said to her, "It shall be as you have spoken to us. As soon as you know we are near, you shall gather all your family under your roof, and they shall be preserved, but all found outside your house shall perish." They also gave her a sign, telling her to hang a scarlet thread from her house. In this way, they showed that redemption would flow through the blood of the Lord to all who believe and hope
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Clement of Alexandria, The Stromata (Miscellanies) Direct teaching
Then, even more clearly, let us fix our eyes on those who gave perfect service to His magnificent glory. Let us consider Enoch, who was found righteous because of his obedience and was taken up; and Noah, who was saved because he believed; and Abraham, who because of his faith and hospitality was called the friend of God and was the father of Isaac. Because of hospitality and piety, Lot was saved from Sodom. Because of faith and hospitality, Rahab the prostitute was saved. Because of patience and faith, they walked about in goat skins, sheep skins, and garments of camel's hair, proclaiming the kingdom of Christ. We name His prophets Elijah, Elisha, Ezekiel, and John.
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Novatian, Treatise Concerning the Trinity Supporting witness
...cry of Sodom. In this place, if they insist that the Father was seen at that time and received with hospitality together with two angels, the heretics have believed the Father to be visible. But if it was an angel, although one of the three angels is called Lord, why, although it is not usual, is an angel called God? Unless because, in order that the Father's proper invisibility may be preserved, and that the proper inferiority may be left to the angel, it was only God the Son, who also is God, who was seen by Abraham and believed to have been received with hospitality. For He anticipated sacramentally what He was later to become. He was made a guest of Abraham, being about to be among the sons of Abraham. And the feet of his children, by way of proving what He was, He washed, returning to the children the claim of hospitality which formerly the Father had put out to interest to Him. From this also, so that there might be no doubt that it was He who was the guest of Abraham at the destruction of the people of Sodom, it is declared: "Then the Lord rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrha fire and brimstone from the Lord out of heaven." For the prophet also said in the person of God: "
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Victorinus, Commentary on the Apocalypse Supporting witness
.... In this place, if the heretics insist that the Father was seen at that time and was received with hospitality together with two angels, then they have believed the Father to be visible. But if it was an angel, although one of the three angels is called Lord, why is an angel called God, even though that is not usual? Unless it was because, in order to preserve the Father's proper invisibility and to remove from an angel the lower status proper to him, it was only God the Son, who also is God, who was seen by Abraham and was believed to have been received with hospitality. For He symbolically anticipated what He was later to become. He was made a guest of Abraham, since He was going to be among the sons of Abraham. And He washed the feet of his children as a way of showing what He was, returning among the children the hospitality that the Father had formerly entrusted to Him. From this also, so that there might be no doubt that it was He who was the guest of Abraham at the destruction of the people of Sodom, it is declared: "Then the Lord rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah fire and brimstone from the Lord out of heaven." For the prophet also spoke in the person of God: "I have
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Clement of Rome, First Epistle to the Corinthians Supporting witness
...ved God, and it was credited to him as righteousness." Because of his faith and hospitality, he was given a son in his old age; and in his obedience, he offered his son as a sacrifice to God on one of the mountains that God showed him.
How did early Christians treat traveling believers and guests?
The sources show practical hospitality: receiving visiting clergy, caring for strangers in need, and welcoming pilgrims or brethren who arrive from elsewhere. The Apostolic Constitutions, Cyprian, Tertullian, and Aristides present this as normal Christian conduct.
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Didache, The Teaching of the Twelve Apostles Direct teaching
But let every one that comes in the name of the Lord be received, and afterward you shall prove and know him;
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2 John 1:10 Direct teaching
If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:
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3 John 1:5 Supporting witness
Beloved, thou doest faithfully whatsoever thou doest to the brethren, and to strangers;
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Hebrews 13:2 Supporting witness
Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.
Common Questions
Did early Christians think welcoming strangers mattered?
Yes. They tied hospitality to faith, mercy, and obedience, and they praised Christians who welcomed strangers into their homes.
Which Bible verse is the clearest on hospitality to strangers?
Hebrews 13:2 is the clearest: it says not to neglect hospitality to strangers.
Did early Christians welcome all strangers without discernment?
No. They also warned to test people and reject false teaching, so hospitality was not the same as blind trust.
Source Index for Hospitality to Strangers
The guided sections above show the strongest quotations. This compact index highlights 159 ranked source links from 208 compiled sources for deeper study.
Source index 159 ranked links shown
Early Christian Writings 80 shown of 129
Primary-source quotations from early Christian writers and church documents.
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Unknown, Unknown Work
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Ignatius, The Epistle of Ignatius to the Ephesians (Long Version)
Bible Passages 79 included
Related Bible passages saved for comparison with the early Christian quotations.