§. 13. Of the Kinde of entertainment to be given to a Stranger.
THis phrase, to entertain strangers, is the interpretation of one Greek word; to which we have an English word answerable, which is Hospitality. This is taken from the Latin word, which is used by most of the Latin Interpreters. Thus word for word it might have been translated, forget not hospitality, The Greek word here used is by our English Translators turned hospitality: and a word of the same derivation and composition, translated given to hospitality, 1 Tim. 3. 2. and a lover of hospitality, Tit. 1. 8.
The Greek word here used is a compound word, (like to that which in the former verse was translated brotherly love.) It is compounded of a friend and a stranger, or a lover of a stranger: to shew that he that performeth the duty here intendeth, must therein shew himself a friend to the stranger and one that loveth him. Hereupon in the Law the duty is thus expressed, Love ye the stranger, and pressed by Gods pattern even in the very manner it self, Deu. 10. 18, 19. for he loves a chearfull giver, 2 Cor. 9. 7.
Thus, according to the notation of the word, it compriseth under it two things:
- 1. In regard of the matter; that all acts of courtesie and charity be extended to strangers: as to afford them lodging, meat, drink, counsell, protection, di∣rection, consolation, and what other succour strangers may stand in need of.
- 2. In regard of the manner, that the courtesie and charity that is shewed to a stranger, be so lovingly, kindly, and friendly performed, as the stranger may see he hath found a friend. Thus the two words compounded will appear fitly to be joyn∣ed together, a friend and a stranger.
I finde not this composition in any Greek Authors before the Apostles time, so as it is probable that they were the first Authors thereof. St Paul hath used it four times: as Rom. 12. 13. 1 Tim. 3. 2. Tit. 1. 8. and in this place. It is also used 1 Pet. 4. 9.
This friendly manner of doing good to strangers maketh it the more acceptable to God: who measures works of mercy according to the minde of him that doth them, Luk. 21. 3. 2 Cor. 8. 12.
Besides, such a manner of doing good doth much more work upon the heart of him to whom it is done. Abrahams servant was very much affected with that ready, chearfull courtesie which R•…•…becca shewed to him, Gen. 24. 20, 21, 22. How was Ruth taken with the friendly manner of Boaz his entertaining of her, Ruth 2. 8, &c.
As no works of mercy, so nor this must be done grudgingly or of necessity, 2 Cor. 9. 7.