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In
his letter to the Hebrews 13:2 Paul instructs the faithful, “Do not neglect to
show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels
without knowing it.”
This
passage reflects the pagan belief that one ought to treat strangers as welcome
guests because the gods sometimes came in disguise. The Bible and the Quran both set forth the
idea of considering all strangers potentially divine by referring to the
example of the hospitality of Abraham.
Judaic and Islamic laws encourage behavior that governs right relations
within the tribes and between tribes and people of other lands. These laws are intended to promote peace and
ensure survival in an unpredictable and sometimes hostile environment.
The
Judaic code of hospitality was modeled perfectly in the life and teachings of
Jesus Christ and carried forward by those who believed in the Gospel. In
Genesis 18:1-13 the story is told that the Lord appeared to Abraham at the
entrance to his tent in the heat of the day. As soon as Abraham saw three men
standing nearby, he recognized them as the Lord God and graciously bowed before
them saying, “If I have found favor in your eyes, my Lord do not pass your
servant by. Let a little water be brought, and then you may all wash your feet
and rest under this tree. Let me get you something to eat, so you can be
refreshed and then go on your way—now that you have come to your servant.”
