Saturday 15 November 2008
"They began their journey for the sake of Christ, accepting no support from non-believers. Therefore we ought to support such people, so that we may become co-workers with the truth." (v.7-8)
Background
This letter was written to secure hospitality and financialsupport for a group of travelling missionaries.
Missionaries traditionally depended on the kindness of others fortheir daily needs. This was in accordance with the instructionswhich Jesus gave to his disciples when he sent them out on theirmission: "Take no gold, or silver, or copper in your belts, no bagfor your journey, or two tunics, or sandals, or a staff; forlabourers deserve their food" (Matthew 10:9-10).
The ministry of hospitality was widely practiced in the earlyChurch. One of the qualities required of bishops was that theywould be "hospitable" (
Those who received hospitality and those who gave it became"co-workers". Both those who left their homes to share their gospel(good news of Jesus) and those who lived the gospel by openingtheir homes to strangers were co-workers in mission.
This is also true today. Christians engage in mission both at homeand overseas. Wherever and however they serve, they are co-workersfor the gospel "doing faithfully whatever (they) do for thefriends, even though they are strangers".
To Ponder
How often do you practice the ministry ofhospitality?
There are many worthy causes in the world todayseeking financial support. It is impossible to respond to them all.How do you decide who to help?
Whom do you see as your "co-workers with thetruth"?