Show hospitality to one anotherHospitality in the early Christian church was a vital practice, reflecting the love and unity among believers. In the ancient Near Eastern culture, hospitality was not just a social nicety but a moral obligation. The early church often met in homes, and traveling missionaries and believers relied on the hospitality of fellow Christians. This practice is rooted in the Old Testament, where figures like Abraham (
Genesis 18:1-8) exemplified hospitality. The New Testament continues this theme, with Jesus Himself often being a guest in homes (
Luke 10:38-42). Hospitality is a tangible expression of love and service, aligning with Jesus' command to love one another (
John 13:34-35).
without complaining
The call to offer hospitality without complaining addresses the human tendency to grumble when inconvenienced. In a time when resources were limited and hosting could be burdensome, the temptation to complain was real. This instruction echoes the broader biblical theme of serving with a joyful heart, as seen inPhilippians 2:14, which urges believers to do everything without grumbling. The attitude of the heart is crucial; God desires cheerful givers (2 Corinthians 9:7). This reflects the selfless love of Christ, who served others without complaint, even unto death. The absence of complaining in service is a mark of spiritual maturity and reflects a Christ-like character.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
PeterThe author of the epistle, one of Jesus' twelve apostles, known for his leadership in the early church and his close relationship with Jesus.
2.
Early Christian CommunitiesThe recipients of Peter's letter, likely scattered across Asia Minor, facing persecution and challenges in living out their faith.
3.
Hospitality in the Early ChurchA vital practice for the early Christians, often involving opening homes for worship, fellowship, and support of traveling believers.
Teaching Points
Understanding HospitalityHospitality in the biblical sense goes beyond mere social niceties; it involves a genuine love and care for others, especially fellow believers and strangers. The Greek word "philoxenos" used here combines "philos" (love) and "xenos" (stranger), indicating a love for strangers.
Attitude MattersPeter emphasizes showing hospitality "without complaining." This suggests that the heart's attitude is as important as the action itself. Grumbling negates the spirit of generosity and love that should accompany hospitality.
Hospitality as a WitnessIn a world often characterized by self-interest, Christian hospitality serves as a powerful witness to the love of Christ. It reflects the welcoming nature of God’s kingdom and can open doors for evangelism and deeper fellowship.
Practical HospitalityIn today's context, hospitality can be expressed in various ways, such as inviting someone for a meal, offering a listening ear, or providing practical help. It is about creating a welcoming environment where others feel valued and loved.
Overcoming BarriersFear, inconvenience, and prejudice can hinder hospitality. Christians are called to overcome these barriers, trusting in God's provision and strength to love others as He loves us.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of 1 Peter 4:9?
2.How can we practice "hospitality to one another without complaining" daily?
3.Why is showing hospitality important in the context of 1 Peter 4:9?
4.How does 1 Peter 4:9 connect with Romans 12:13 on hospitality?
5.What challenges might arise when offering hospitality without grumbling?
6.How can we encourage others to embrace hospitality as instructed in 1 Peter 4:9?
7.How does 1 Peter 4:9 challenge our understanding of hospitality in modern society?
8.What historical context influenced the writing of 1 Peter 4:9?
9.How does 1 Peter 4:9 relate to the overall theme of Christian love?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Peter 4?
11.What is the Bible's view on hospitality?
12.Who were the Hospitaller Knights of St. John?
13.How does your home reflect your faith and values?
14.What defines Islamophobia?What Does 1 Peter 4:9 Mean
Immediate Context• Peter is writing to believers who are “aliens and strangers” in a hostile culture (1 Peter 1:1), urging them to live for God’s glory as “the end of all things is near” (4:7).
• Verses 7-11 list practical ways to do that: prayerful sobriety, fervent love, hospitality, and faithful use of gifts. Verse 9 is a clear, literal command: “Show hospitality to one another without complaining.”
Show Hospitality• “Show hospitality” is not optional; it is an ongoing lifestyle.Romans 12:13 commands, “Share with the saints who are in need. Practice hospitality.”
• Throughout Scripture, hospitality displays God’s character:
– Abraham welcomed three visitors (Genesis 18:1-8).
– The Shunammite woman built a room for Elisha (2 Kings 4:8-10).
– Jesus frequently received and offered meals (Luke 7:36-50; 19:5-7).
• Hospitality uses ordinary resources—meals, spare beds, time—to meet real needs, turning houses into ministry centers (Acts 16:14-15, 40).
To One Another• The phrase focuses first on fellow believers.Galatians 6:10 says, “As we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, especially to those who belong to the household of faith.”
• Practicing hospitality knits the church family together:
– Early Christians “broke bread from house to house” (Acts 2:42-47).
– It embodies the “one another” commands—love, care, serve, encourage (John 13:34-35;Romans 12:10).
• Welcoming believers trains us to welcome strangers as well (Hebrews 13:2).
Without Complaining• The command drills down to attitude. God cares not only that we open the door, but how.Philippians 2:14: “Do everything without complaining or arguing.”
• Grumbling undermines the blessing:
– Israel’s wilderness complaints provoked God’s displeasure (1 Corinthians 10:10-11).
– Giving must be “not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7).
• Practical safeguards:
– Plan simple, repeatable meals to ease stress.
– Share hosting duties among believers (1 Peter 4:10—use gifts to serve).
– Remember you are serving Christ Himself (Matthew 25:35-40).
summary1 Peter 4:9 literally commands believers to practice ongoing, open-handed hospitality toward one another—and to do it cheerfully. By opening our homes and resources without grumbling, we mirror God’s welcoming heart, strengthen the church, and shine His love to a watching world.
(9)
Use hospitality.--It is a great pity that again (as in
1Peter 3:8, and elsewhere) the participial clauses are broken up in our version into separate injunctions. Here it is, properly,
being hospitable. This is the first form of charity--receiving Christians who came from other towns (comp.
3John 1:5-6). See how such hospitality covers (to the surprise of the bestowers) a multitude of sins in
Matthew 25:35-38.
Without grudging.--That is,without murmuring. How frequently Christian hospitality is marred by grumbling at the expense and the trouble which it costs!
Verse 9. -
Use hospitality one to another; literally,
being hospitable (comp.
Romans 12:13;
1 Timothy 3:2;
Hebrews 13:2 3John 5). Hospitality must have been a necessary, and often a costly, duty in the early ages of the Church. There was no public provision for the poor. Christians traveling from place to place would find no suitable shelter except in the houses of Christians. They would be obliged to avoid the public houses of entertainment, where they would be exposed often to danger, always to temptation; only the private houses of Christians would be safe for them. Hence the use of the "letters of commendation," mentioned by St. Paul (
2 Corinthians 3:1). Those who brought such letters were to be received in Christian homes. The well-known 'Teaching of the Twelve Apostles' speaks of this right of hospitality, and gives cautions against its abuse. Tim apostle is not speaking of ordinary social gatherings; they have their place and their utility in the Christian life, but they do not, as a rule, afford scope for the higher self-denials of Christian charity (comp.
Luke 14:12, 13). Without grudging. Such hospitality would be always costly, often inconvenient, sometimes attended with danger, as in the case of the first British martyr; but it was to be without murmuring. Murmuring would take from the hospitality all its beauty; it should be offered as a gift of love, and Christian love can never murmur (comp.
2 Corinthians 9:7).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
Show hospitalityφιλόξενοι(philoxenoi)Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 5382:Hospitable, loving strangers. From philos and xenos; fond of guests, i.e. Hospitable.toεἰς(eis)Preposition
Strong's 1519:A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.one anotherἀλλήλους(allēlous)Personal / Reciprocal Pronoun - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 240:One another, each other. Genitive plural from allos reduplicated; one another.withoutἄνευ(aneu)Preposition
Strong's 427:Without, without the cooperation (or knowledge) of. A primary particle; without.complaining.γογγυσμοῦ(gongysmou)Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 1112:Murmuring, grumbling. From gogguzo; a grumbling.
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NT Letters: 1 Peter 4:9 Be hospitable to one another without grumbling (1 Pet. 1P iP i Pet) 
