Study of Romans 12 – Verse 13

    In Romans 12:10, God, through the apostle Paul, commands us to be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, He then lovingly provides us with nine instructions (found in verses 10 through 13) that will enable us to accomplish that command.

    We’ve looked at the first seven in previous posts, now let’s look at the last two instructions:

“…distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.” (Romans 12:13 NKJV)

“…distributing to the needs of the saints…”

Distributing (Strong’s #G2841 ‘koinoneo’) means contributing, having a share in, partake in providing, and imparting.

Needs (Strong’s #G5532 ‘chreia’) means necessity, lack, and requirements. This can mean a lack of physical essentials: food, clothing, and also spiritual needs: study, encouragement, prayer, etc.

Saints (Strong’s #G40 ‘hagios’) means those who are holy, set apart, sacred; i.e. members of the church – Christians (1 Corinthians 1:2, Romans 1:7)

    We need to be familiar enough with our brethren – and trusted enough by them – that we can see (or be told of) a need they may have and we will do our very best to quietly and tactfully fill it. Our hearts need to be tuned toward our brethren – giving preference to them – so that we can offer them essential help, both material and spiritual, which means that we do not make a habit of rushing out of the building as soon as the “amen” is said, nor do we limit our speaking and interactions to only the times when we’re both inside the church building; it means we call, we sincerely care, and we stay connected so we can be there for them when they need us. 

    Simply put, when it comes to your time and attention, have a heart to give what is right to your brethren, not what is left. 

“…given to hospitality.”

Given to (Strong’s #G1377 ‘dioko’) means to practice, pursue, chase, press toward (as to a goal) with urgent determination. In this verse in particular, it means to insist – Lydia is the perfect example of this in Acts 16:15

Hospitality (Strong’s #G5381 ‘philoxenia’) literally means a friend to strangers (consider Hebrews 13:2). It is welcoming and providing shelter, food, and protection for strangers, which was a cultural obligation in the Greco Roman world.

    The word, hospitality, is only used here in Romans 12:13 and in the above referenced Hebrews 13:2, but it is seen throughout the New Testament in various ways; by instruction: Matthew 10:42, 25:34-46, Luke 10: 30-37, 14:12-14, etc. and by example: Luke 10:38-42, Acts 2:44-46, 4:32-37, 16:15, 40, 17:5-9, etc.

    If you feel that your brethren are strangers to you, invite them over for coffee, a meal, or a visit; learn hospitality by showing it toward your brethren and you’ll prepare yourself to also eagerly show it toward visitors at church services, and others in your community.

    Are you ready to open your heart and your home to your brethren in need? Are you eager to provide whatever is needed by your brethren? There may be times when the need requires a monetary solution, but more often than not it will simply require time together, encouraging words, earnest prayers together, and thoughtful study together; it will require kindly affection with brotherly love – are you ready?

You can do it! So can I!!