Hebrews 13:2
Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.
Cross-reference
Hebrews 13:16 commands doing good and sharing, reinforcing the same practical charity that includes hospitality to strangers.
Job 31:32 directly states that Job opened his door to the traveler—a strong OT example of the hospitality to strangers commended here.
1 Peter 4:9 commands hospitality without grumbling, a direct parallel to this call to show hospitality.
Romans 16:23 mentions Gaius, a host to Paul and the church — an example of the hospitality encouraged here.
Romans 12:13 gives a parallel command to practice hospitality, reinforcing the same call to welcome others.
Acts 16:15 shows Lydia inviting Paul and Silas to stay — a concrete example of the hospitality to strangers commanded here.
Matthew 25:43 rebukes those who did not invite strangers in—the negative counterpart, reinforcing the importance of this hospitality.
In Matthew 25:40, serving the least is serving Christ, paralleling the idea that hospitality to strangers may serve angels.
Matthew 25:35 has Jesus identify with the stranger and commend those who invite strangers in—the same teaching about hospitality to strangers.
Isaiah 58:7 includes providing shelter for the wanderer as true fasting—a prophetic call to hospitality that parallels this NT instruction.
Genesis 18:2-10 recounts Abraham unknowingly hosting angels — the very example behind the 'entertained angels' warning here.
Judges 13:15-20 describes Manoah offering food to an angel he didn't recognize — another 'entertaining angels unaware' example.
Genesis 19:1-3 shows Lot unknowingly hosting angels, another instance of the hospitality that could entertain angels.
Deuteronomy 10:19 directly commands love for the foreigner, echoing Leviticus 19:34 and providing the OT mandate for this NT exhortation.
Deuteronomy 10:18 shows God's own care for the foreigner, providing food and clothing—the divine example underlying the command to hospitality.
Leviticus 19:34 commands loving the foreigner as yourself, grounding it in Israel's own experience as foreigners—the same OT basis for hospitality to strangers here.
Genesis 18:6 shows Abraham preparing a meal for three visitors, a classic example of entertaining angels unaware.
Galatians 4:14 mentions Paul being welcomed as an angel, directly echoing the idea that hospitality may entertain divine messengers.
Genesis 19:2 has Lot inviting two angels into his home, another direct example of hospitality to divine messengers.
Genesis 19:3 continues Lot's urgent invitation, emphasizing the kind of hospitality Hebrews commends.
Acts 28:2 describes the Maltese building a fire for shipwrecked strangers, a striking kindness to unknown visitors.
Acts 10:23 shows Peter lodging Cornelius's messengers, demonstrating hospitality to Gentiles as strangers.
2 Kings 4:10 shows the Shunammite woman preparing a room for Elisha, a generous example of hosting a traveling prophet.
In 1 Kings 17:11, the widow of Zarephath offers water to Elijah, a stranger, showing hospitality that brings God's provision.
Judges 19:15 depicts a town offering no hospitality, contrasting with Hebrews' command and illustrating its importance.
Luke 14:13 instructs inviting the poor and disabled, extending hospitality to those who cannot repay, similar to welcoming strangers.
Deuteronomy 14:29 includes the foreigner among tithe recipients, showing God's concern for strangers.
Acts 21:17 notes believers warmly receiving Paul, a traveling missionary, exemplifying Christian hospitality.
Leviticus 25:35 commands helping a poor fellow Israelite or stranger, a broader call to care that includes hospitality.
2 Kings 4:8 describes the Shunammite woman's hospitality to Elisha, another example of welcoming a stranger (prophet) that brings reward.
1 Timothy 3:2 requires hospitality for church overseers, showing its importance in leadership.
1 Timothy 5:10 lists hospitality as a qualification for widows supported by the church, underscoring its value.
Titus 1:8 also lists hospitality as a requirement for church leaders, echoing the same emphasis.
1 Kings 17:10-16 recounts the widow's hospitality to Elijah, a stranger—an example of blessing that follows entertaining a stranger, though not an angel.
Exodus 2:20 has Jethro inviting the stranger Moses to eat, reflecting the call to welcome strangers.
Genesis 24:44 shows Rebekah offering water to a stranger (Abraham's servant), an act of hospitality to an unknown traveler.