Service and Hospitality: The Didascalia: Hospitality in the Early Church

The Didascalia Apostolorum (3rd century) provides detailed instructions for hospitality in the early church. It instructs bishops: "When the poor come, if there is no room for them, make room with all your heart, O bishop, even if you have to sit on the ground yourself." The document reveals a church where hospitality was a defining mark of Christian identity.

The Didascalia also instructs: "If a brother or sister comes from another town, let the deacon inquire whether they are of the Church. Then provide food and lodging. If they are widows, let the widows receive them; if married, let the married host them." This organized hospitality ensured that no Christian traveled alone or went without shelter.

Practical application: The next time your church has a visitor, introduce yourself and offer practical help: directions, a place to sit, an invitation to lunch after the service. The early church teaches that hospitality is not the pastor's job alone but the responsibility of every member. Consider keeping a spare room or couch available for those who need temporary housing.