A few numbers, but important truths.

I have been thinking a bit more about a previous post thought on bible references to food and hospitality.
So here in a nutshell:
The word “food/foods” is mentioned 316 times in the Bible (counting references in my NIV Concordance);
Specific types of food mentioned 94 times;
Variations on the word “feast” used about 140 times;
Food and feasting (including the what and how) are pretty important in the scheme of things.

The word “hospitality”can be found explicitly mentioned in the Bible 5 times:
(Verses quoted from the NIV.)

Romans 12:13 “Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.”
1 Peter 4:8-11  “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling…”
Acts 28:7 “There was an estate nearby that belonged to Pubilius, the chief official of the island.He welcomed us into his home and for three days entertained us hospitably.”
Romans 16:23 “Gaius, whose hospitality I and the whole church here enjoy, sends you his greetings.”
3 John :8 “We ought therefore to show hospitality so that we may work together for the truth.”

Of course one should read these verses in context, and it is interesting to note that most of these verses occur in passages that are to do with showing love for others and encouragement for those in the work of God’s kingdom.
In the big picture, references to the practice and idea of hospitality can be found throughout the Old Testament and New Testament.


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