Introduction
House arrest - “When we got to Rome, Paul was allowed to live by himself, with a soldier to guard him.” (Acts 28:16 NIV11)
Two years - (Acts 28:30 NIV11)

QUESTION: "WHAT IS HOSPITALITY?"

Kindness to strangers; entertain as a stranger; entertain as a guest; to entertain; to lodge with; to place yourself under another.

1. Hospitality to Strangers
First meeting: Acts 28:17-20
Got them to come back
Second meeting: Acts 28:23-29
Got them thinking
Like God: Gen 2 & 3, Ps 23
Jesus: 4,000; 5,000; Last Supper
Who should we host? Luke 14:12–14; Hebrews 13:2
???? DISCUSSION: What hospitality can you offer to strangers?

2. Hospitality to your Friends
At one time or another Paul had many companions living with him:
Timothy
Went to Philippi - “I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you.” (Philippians 2:19 NIV11)
Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother,” (Philemon 1:1 NIV11)
“Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother,” (Colossians 1:1 NIV11-GK); “Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all God’s holy people in Christ Jesus at Philippi,” (Philippians 1:1 NIV11)
Epaphras
In Rome with Paul -
“Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured.” (Colossians 4:12 NIV11)
Paul established a 'prayer ministry' in lockdown
“Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends you greetings.” (Philemon 1:23 NIV11)
Praying for Colossians (started church there, “You learned it from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on our behalf,” (Colossians 1:7 NIV11)
Onesimus
Converted while with Paul in his house arrest: “I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, who became my son while I was in chains.” (Philemon 1:10 NIV11)
Visited the church in Colossae: “He is coming with Onesimus, our faithful and dear brother, who is one of you. They will tell you everything that is happening here.” (Colossians 4:9 NIV11)
Went back to Philemon: “I am sending him—who is my very heart—back to you. I would have liked to keep him with me so that he could take your place in helping me while I am in chains for the gospel.” (Philemon 1:12–13 NIV11)
Tychicus
With Paul:
“Tychicus, the dear brother and faithful servant in the Lord, will tell you everything, so that you also may know how I am and what I am doing.” (Ephesians 6:21 NIV11)
“Tychicus will tell you all the news about me. He is a dear brother, a faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord.” (Colossians 4:7 NIV11)
Sent to Ephesus and Colossae
Marcus (John Mark)
With Paul: “My fellow prisoner Aristarchus sends you his greetings, as does Mark, the cousin of Barnabas. (You have received instructions about him; if he comes to you, welcome him.)” (Colossians 4:10 NIV11)
Likely to go to Colossae: as above
Aristarchus
With Paul in prison: “My fellow prisoner Aristarchus sends you his greetings, as does Mark, the cousin of Barnabas. (You have received instructions about him; if he comes to you, welcome him.)” (Colossians 4:10 NIV11)
Demas
With Paul in prison: “Our dear friend Luke, the doctor, and Demas send greetings.” (Colossians 4:14 NIV11)
Fell: 2 Tim 4:10
Luke
With Paul in prison: “Our dear friend Luke, the doctor, and Demas send greetings.” (Colossians 4:14 NIV11)
Jesus (Justus)
With Paul in prison: “Jesus, who is called Justus, also sends greetings. These are the only Jews among my co-workers for the kingdom of God, and they have proved a comfort to me.” (Colossians 4:11 NIV11)
Epaphroditus
With Paul in prison:
“But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, co-worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs.” (Philippians 2:25 NIV11)
“I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent.” (Philippians 4:18 NIV11)
The way he expresses himself about these people, and they way they were a team together indicates that their enforced lockdown together strengthened their bonds rather than weakened them.
Their time with Paul prepared them for God work through them.

????QUESTION: What is this time preparing you for?

????QUIZ: What have we learned today?

Going back to Jesus as host at the last supper.....Jn 13.2ff - host

Further scriptures: Romans 12:13; 1 Timothy 3:2; 5:10; Titus 1:8; 1 Peter 4:9; 3 John 8.

Summary of References to Paul's housemates:
Timothy: Phil 1:1, 2:19; Philemon 1:1
Epaphras: Col 1:7, 4:12; Philemon 1:23
Onesimus: Philemon 1:10, 12-13; Col 4:9
Tychicus: Eph 6:21; Col 4:7
Marcus (John Mark): Col 4:10
Demas: Col 4:14; 2 Tim 4:10
Luke: Col 4:14
Jesus (Justus): Col 4:11
Epaphroditus: Phil 2:25, 4:18

Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community.

God bless, Malcolm