The Gifts of the Holy Spirit: - Vital Christianity
The Gifts of the Holy Spirit: - Vital Christianity
The Gifts of the Holy Spirit: - Vital Christianity
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found hospices, by this time run by religious orders, <strong>the</strong> only reputable guest houses <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> era. Soon after <strong>the</strong> Crusades most <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se institutions began to specialize in <strong>the</strong><br />
care <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> poor, sick, aged, and crippled. During <strong>the</strong> 15th century, secular interests<br />
took over most entertaining <strong>of</strong> travelers, so <strong>the</strong> hospital restricted its function to care<br />
and treatment <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> sick and handicapped. But originally it meant a haven for guests.” 32<br />
Prerequisite<br />
“Without grumbling” (I Pet. 4:9). When <strong>the</strong> demands for hospitality become frequent and<br />
demanding we must not give in to <strong>the</strong> temptation to be resentful and complaining. <strong>The</strong>re is always<br />
<strong>the</strong> problem <strong>of</strong> guests overstaying or abusing <strong>the</strong>ir host’s welcome. Hospitality must be looked<br />
upon as an opportunity to show love to people in need no matter how <strong>the</strong>y respond.<br />
False teachers were not to receive hospitality. Such lodging was really a form <strong>of</strong> support.<br />
Providing hospitality to genuine teachers helped spread <strong>the</strong> truth, but helping false teachers spread<br />
error and falsehood. Truth was not to be sacrificed for showing love through hospitality (II Jn.<br />
10-11).<br />
Diotraphes was rebuked for not practicing hospitality and excommunicating those who did.<br />
(III Jn. 10)<br />
<strong>The</strong> Didache (<strong>The</strong> Teaching <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Twelve), which was written between A. D. 80 and 120,<br />
states that any traveling preacher who stayed more than two days or who asked for money for<br />
himself is a false teacher or prophet. Anyone who wished to settle down in a community was<br />
required to earn his living with a craft. Not to do so was to be considered “trafficking on Christ”<br />
or using religion for selfish gain.<br />
Its Importance<br />
“For <strong>the</strong> Early Church to begin to get <strong>the</strong> Gospel out to <strong>the</strong> ends <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> world required<br />
travel. In addition, business pursuits took many believers to all parts <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Roman<br />
Empire. Though <strong>the</strong> empire was known for its good roads, finding suitable places to<br />
stay was difficult. . . . Since robbers and o<strong>the</strong>r dangers lurked along <strong>the</strong> way, since<br />
ancient inns were <strong>of</strong>ten nothing but bro<strong>the</strong>ls, and since most itinerant preachers were<br />
poor, Christians were exhorted to open <strong>the</strong>ir homes and welcome as guest those<br />
bearing <strong>the</strong> Good News. Thus, hospitality fur<strong>the</strong>red <strong>the</strong> Gospel.” 33<br />
When Jesus sent out <strong>the</strong> twelve apostles and later <strong>the</strong> seventy, He expected <strong>the</strong>m to be given<br />
hospitality (Mt. 10:11). In fact, He considered refusal to provide lodging for His messengers <strong>the</strong><br />
same as rejection <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir message (Mt. 10:14-15). Jesus said that to accept His messengers was