Hospitality towards “strangers” in the light of 3 John

Abstract

The canon of the New Testament includes an epistle, traditionally ascribed to John the Apostle, which is devoted to hospitality. The Presbyter’s teaching expressed in the shortest epistle of the New Testament is the subject of reflection in the present article. I begin with a few remarks concerning the Epistle itself (sender, addressee, date, place of origin) to focus later on praising Gaius’ hospitality (3 John 3–8) and referring briefly to Diotrephes’ scandalous inhospitality (3 John 9–11), who is explicitly judged and condemned by the Author of the Epistle.

The analysis of the Epistle leads to the conclusion that the postulated and recommended hospitality towards “strangers”, who as Christian missionaries spread the Gospel throughout the world, was an important element of supporting the missionary work of the early Church. Christians see hospitality principally as a specific form of God’s love, which is expressed through deeds, in particular rendered towards travellers. It is a sign of personal engagement in proclaiming the Gospel, especially when guests entertained are those who take care of the works of God. It is also a chance for others, who do not yet know Christ and His Gospel and travel from afar, to experience, through hospitality, Jesus’ kindness and goodness, which is shown in His disciples’ deeds. Hospitality also becomes a way to show mercy matching God Himself, who wishes to welcome all people without exception.