Hospitality [ Ref. Smith's Bible Dictionary]

Hospitality was regarded by most nations of the ancient world as one of the chief virtues. The Jewish laws respecting strangers (Leviticus 19:33,34) and the poor, (Leviticus 23:14) seq. Deuteronomy 15:7 and concerning redemption (Leviticus 25:23) seq., etc. are framed in accordance with the spirit of hospitality. In the law compassion to strangers is constantly enforced by the words "for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt." (Leviticus 19:34) And before the law, Abraham’s entertainment of the angels, (Genesis 18:1) seq., and Lot’s, (Genesis 19:1) are in exact agreement with its precepts, and with modern usage. Comp. (Exodus 2:20; Judges 13:15; 19:17,20,21) In the New Testament hospitality is yet more markedly enjoined; and in the more civilized state of society which then prevailed, its exercise became more a social virtue than a necessity of patriarchal life. The good Samaritan stands for all ages as an example of Christian hospitality. The neglect of Christ is symbolized by inhospitality to our neighbors. (Matthew 25:43) The apostles urged the Church to "follow after hospitality," (Romans 12:13) cf. 1Tim 5:10 to remember Abraham’s example, (Hebrews 13:2) to "use hospitality one to another without grudging," (1 Peter 4:9) while a bishop must be a "lover of hospitality (Titus 1:8) cf. 1Tim 3:2 The practice of the early Christians was in accord with these precepts. They had all things in common, and their hospitality was a characteristic of their belief. In the patriarchal ages we may take Abraham’s example as the most fitting, as we have of it the fullest account. "The account," says Mr. Lane, "of Abraham’s entertaining the three angels related in the Bible, presents a perfect picture of the manner in which a modern Bedawee sheikh receives travelers arriving at his encampment." The Oriental respect for the covenant of bread and salt, or salt alone, certainly sprang from the high regard in which hospitality was held. 

Romans 12
10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor; 
11 not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; 
12 rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer, 
13 contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality (Philoxenia) . 

Titus 1
7 For the overseer must be above reproach as God's steward, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not addicted to wine, not pugnacious, not fond of sordid gain, 
8 but hospitable (Philoxenia) , loving what is good, sensible, just, devout, self-controlled, 

1 Timothy
3:2 An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, prudent, respectable, hospitable (Philoxenia) , able to teach, ...

1 Peter 4
9 Be hospitable (Philoxenia) to one another without complaint (Goggusmos)

[complaint  Greek: Goggusmos/gong-goos-mos)
a. a murmur, murmuring, muttering 

1. a secret debate 

2. a secret displeasure not openly avowed ]

Greek: filoxenia/Philoxenia/fil-ox-en-ee'-ah comes from (Philoxenos) 

Greek: filoxenia: def.
- love to strangers, hospitality 

Greek: Philoxenos: def.
- hospitable, generous to guests 

Greek: Philoxenos comes from Philos + Xenos

Greek: Philos: def.
- friend, to be friendly to one, wish him well 
- a friend 
- an associate 
- he who associates familiarly with one, a companion 
- one of the bridegroom's friends who on his behalf asked the hand of the bride and rendered him various services in closing the marriage and celebrating the nuptials 

Greek: Xenos: def.
- a foreigner, a stranger 
- alien (from a person or a thing) 
- without the knowledge of, without a share in new, unheard of one who receives and entertains another hospitably with whom he stays or lodges, a host 

1 Timothy 5
9 A widow is to be put on the list only if she is not less than sixty years old, having been the wife of one man, 
10 having a reputation for good works; and if she has brought up children, if she has shown hospitality (Xenodocheo) to strangers, if she has washed the saints' feet, if she has assisted those in distress, and if she has devoted herself to every good work. 

Greek: xenodoceo/Xenodocheo/xen-od-okh-eh'-o def. 

to receive and entertain hospitably, to be hospitable 

comes from: Greek: Xenos + Dechomai/dekh'-om-ahee

def.
a. to take with the hand 

1. to take hold of, take up 

b. to take up, receive 

1. used of a place receiving one 

2. to receive or grant access to, a visitor, not to refuse social intercourse or friendship 

i. to receive hospitality 

ii. to receive into one's family to bring up or educate 

3. of the thing offered in speaking, teaching, instructing 

i. to receive favorably, give ear to, embrace, make one's own, approve, not to reject 

4. to receive. i.e. to take upon one's self, sustain, bear, endure 

c. to receive, get 

1. to learn 

Heb 13:2
Do not neglect to show hospitality (Philoxenia) to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it.

[Ref. John Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible:  http://www.gospelcom.net/eword/comments/hebrews/gill/hebrews13.htm]

for thereby some have entertained angels unawares;
as Abraham, (* Genesis 18:1-8) , he knew them not to be angels at first; they appeared as men, and he treated them as such; but they were angels, yea, one of them was Jehovah himself; and hereby he received many favors, (Genesis 18:10,17,23,33) , and Lot, (** Genesis 19:1-3) who knew not that they were angels he took into his house; but they were, and he was delivered by them from the burning of Sodom; yea, some have unawares, this way, entertained Christ himself, (# Luke 24:15-31) and indeed, entertaining of his members is entertaining him, (## Matthew 25:38,40) . It is an observation of a Jewish writer (R. Abraham Seba in Tzeror Hammor, fol. 18, 4.) upon the first of these instances; 

``from hence we learn (says he) how great is the strength (or virtue) of the reception of travelers (or hospitality), as the Rabbis of blessed memory say, greater is (Myxrwa tonkh) , "hospitality", than the reception of the face of the Shechinah.'' 

And this is said to be one of the six things which a man enjoys the fruit of in this world, and for which there remains a reward in the world to come. 

Abraham:

*Genesis 
18:1
Now the LORD appeared to him by the oaks of Mamre, while he was sitting at the tent door in the heat of the day. 
18:2
When he lifted up his eyes and looked, behold, three men were standing opposite him; and when he saw them, he ran from the tent door to meet them and bowed himself to the earth, 
18:3
and said, "My lord, if now I have found favor in your sight, please do not pass your servant by. 
18:4
"Please let a little water be brought and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree; 
18:5
and I will bring a piece of bread, that you may refresh yourselves; after that you may go on, since you have visited your servant." And they said, "So do , as you have said." 
18:6
So Abraham hurried into the tent to Sarah, and said, "Quickly, prepare three measures of fine flour, knead it and make bread cakes." 
18:7
Abraham also ran to the herd, and took a tender and choice calf and gave it to the servant, and he hurried to prepare it. 
18:8
He took curds and milk and the calf which he had prepared , and placed it before them; and he was standing by them under the tree as they ate. 

Lot:

**Genesis
19:1
Now the two angels came to Sodom in the evening as Lot was sitting in the gate of Sodom. When Lot saw them, he rose to meet them and bowed down with his face to the ground. 
19:2
And he said, "Now behold, my lords, please turn aside into your servant's house, and spend the night , and wash your feet; then you may rise early and go on your way." They said however, "No, but we shall spend the night in the square." 
19:3
Yet he urged them strongly, so they turned aside to him and entered his house; and he prepared a feast for them, and baked unleavened bread, and they ate. 

Disciples unknowingly walking with Jesus:

#Luke 24
24:15
While they were talking and discussing, Jesus Himself approached and began traveling with them. 
24:16
But their eyes were prevented from recognizing Him. 
24:17
And He said to them, "What are these words that you are exchanging with one another as you are walking ?" And they stood still, looking sad. 
24:18
One of them, named Cleopas, answered and said to Him, "Are You the only one visiting Jerusalem and unaware of the things which have happened here in these days ?" 
24:19
And He said to them, "What things ?" And they said to Him, "The things about Jesus the Nazarene, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word in the sight of God and all the people, 
24:20
and how the chief priests and our rulers delivered Him to the sentence of death, and crucified Him. 
24:21
"But we were hoping that it was He who was going to redeem Israel. Indeed, besides all this, it is the third day since these things happened. 
24:22
"But also some women among us amazed us. When they were at the tomb early in the morning, 
24:23
and did not find His body, they came, saying that they had also seen a vision of angels who said that He was alive. 
24:24
"Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just exactly as the women also had said; but Him they did not see." 
24:25
And He said to them, "O foolish men and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken ! 
24:26
"Was it not necessary for the Christ to suffer these things and to enter into His glory ?" 
24:27
Then beginning with Moses and with all the prophets, He explained to them the things concerning Himself in all the Scriptures. 
24:28
And they approached the village where they were going, and He acted as though He were going farther. 
24:29
But they urged Him, saying, "Stay with us, for it is getting toward evening, and the day is now nearly over." So He went in to stay with them. 
24:30
When He had reclined at the table with them, He took the bread and blessed it, and breaking it, He began giving it to them. 
24:31
Then their eyes were opened and they recognized Him; and He vanished from their sight. 

Parable:

##Matthew 25
25:38
'And when did we see You a stranger, and invite You in, or naked, and clothe You? 
25:40
"The King will answer and say to them, 'Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.' 

Non-Jewish or Non-Christian example:

Acts Malta 
28:2
The natives showed us extraordinary kindness; for because of the rain that had set in and because of the cold, they kindled a fire and received us all. 
28:7
Now in the neighborhood of that place were lands belonging to the leading man of the island, named Publius, who welcomed us and entertained us courteously three days. 

Express Law:

Deuteronomy 
10:19
You, too, must show love to foreigners, for you yourselves were once foreigners in the land of Egypt. 

For further study: Hospitality:

General scriptures concerning 
Exodus 22:21; 23:9; Leviticus 19:10,33,34; 24:22; Deuteronomy 10:18,19; 26:12,13; 27:19; Proverbs 9:1-5; 23:6-8; Isaiah 58:6,7; Matthew 22:2-10; 25:34-46; Luke 14:12-14; Romans 12:13; 16:1,2; 1 Timothy 3:2; 5:10; Titus 1:7,8; Hebrews 13:2; 1 Peter 4:9,11; 3 John 1:5-8 

INSTANCES OF Hospitality
Pharaoh to Abraham 
Genesis 12:16 
Melchizedek to Abraham 
Genesis 14:18 
Abraham to the angels 
Genesis 18:1-8 
Lot to the angel 
Genesis 19:1-11 
Abimelech to Abraham 
Genesis 20:14,15 
Sons of Heth to Abraham 
Genesis 23:6,11 
Laban to Abraham’s servant 
Genesis 24:31 
To Jacob 
Genesis 29:13,14 
Isaac to Abimelech 
Genesis 26:30 
Joseph to his brothers 
Genesis 43:31-34 
Pharaoh to Jacob 
Genesis 45:16-20; 47:7-12 
Jethro to Moses 
Exodus 2:20 
Rahab to the spies 
Joshua 2:1-16 
Man of Gibeah to the Levite 
Judges 19:16-21 
Pharaoh to Hadad 
1 Kings 11:17,22 
David to Mephibosheth 
2 Samuel 9:7-13 
The widow of Zarephath to Elijah 
1 Kings 17:10-24 
The Shunammite woman to Elisha 
2 Kings 4:8 
Elisha to the Syrian spies 
2 Kings 6:22 
Job to strangers 
Job 31:32 
Martha to Jesus 
Luke 10:38; John 12:1,2 
Pharisees to Jesus 
Luke 11:37,38 
Zacchaeus to Jesus 
Luke 19:1-10 
Simon the tanner to Peter 
Acts 10:6,23 
Lydia to Paul and Silas 
Acts 16:15 
Publius to Paul 
Acts 28:2 
Phoebe to Paul 
Romans 16:2 
Onesiphorus to Paul 
2 Timothy 1:16 
Gaius 
3 John 1:5-8 

REWARDED 
INSTANCES OF Hospitality
Rahab’s 
Joshua 6:17,22-25 
Widow of Zarephath’s 
1 Kings 17:10-24