Angels Unaware
Words of Faith 5-7-26
Dr. Jeffrey D. Hoy © 2026
Jeff.Hoy@faithfellowshipweb.com
Faith Fellowship Church - Melbourne, FL
www.faithfellowshipweb.com
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Hebrews 13
[2] Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.

This particular bit of advice may have seemed strange, even radical, to many Jewish people. Judaism developed as a closely knit society that understood loving one's neighbor to mean loving one's fellow Jew. Strangers were just that, strange and different. There were rules forbidding contact with strangers. But the Gospel and the New Covenant changed all that.

Paul declared to the believers at Ephesus that the phragmos or barriers that divide us are broken down in Christ. "This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus" (Ephesians 3:6).

We are called to welcome and entertain strangers. The word here is philoxenos, which means to show fondness or hospitality to someone different, unrelated, or even a complete stranger. It should not surprise us since Jesus said, "If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? (Matthew 5:46)

The problem with modern life is that we live in an increasingly suspicious and genuinely dangerous society. We often feel the need to guard our homes and privacy from the many intrusions that seem to batter us. The door‑to‑door salesman has been replaced by the annoyance of the telemarketer. It is difficult not to be rude when trying to simply have a few minutes of peace. But then we suddenly find ourselves driving in locked cars to a home behind locked doors with calls screened by caller ID and an answering device. And into this prison of our own making, the Writer speaks words that exhort us to entertain strangers.

We know that as people of Biblical faith, our expression of love is not to be confined to the family of Christ. We are to express hospitality to strangers, but it can be difficult. It should not surprise us that the Writer suggests we make the Christian home a place of ministry open to those who are lonely, young, aged, different, or in some need, and that, in doing so, we may well find we have entertained angels without knowing it. We even know that. The question is HOW. How do we do that? How do we let down our electronic and emotional guard enough to let a stranger in?

One popular suggestion is to "Commit Random Acts of Kindness." I always smile when I see that phrase because I like the obvious contrast to a violent society. But I also smile because I really believe that there is a better plan. As people of faith, we do not need to be random about anything. The counsel of the Bible would advise us to "Commit Spirit-Led Acts of Kindness."

We need not be random about anything. We should not invite or pick up a stranger at random. Rather, we are called to a stranger at the leading of the Holy Spirit. If we are really listening, God will whisper in our ear just when we are to give hospitality to a stranger. We will know clearly when to invite a college student or serviceperson to dinner. We will know when to invite someone from work to join us for lunch. We will know when to invite new neighbors for a cookout, or drop by with some baked goods.

If we listen, we will know when to ask a confused person if they need help. We need not be random; we just need to listen. People sometimes ask me, "Do you pick up hitchhikers?" I respond: If God tells me to. I do not want to have a rule such as "Always pick up a hitchhiker" or "Never pick up a hitchhiker" because either one may put me in danger— danger of either missing an angel or of getting hurt. If we are unsure, pray. He will give us the peace and the words.

What about you? Is there someone that God would like to have over to your house for a meal? Is there a child or teen who needs a few hours away from their family? An older person who needs a visit or encouraging call? Is there someone in the office who could use a friend? Someone in the neighborhood who would benefit from a cup of coffee? Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.

Lord, show me how to open my home and my life to those You desire to love and draw to the Gospel of Jesus. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

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© Jeffrey D. Hoy 2025
Dr. Jeffrey D. Hoy - Faith Fellowship Church (EFCA)
2820 Business Center Blvd.
Melbourne, Florida 32940 (321)-259-7200
Jeff.Hoy@faithfellowshipweb.com
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Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture is quoted from the New International Version (R) of The Holy Bible. Copyright (c) 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House. All rights reserved. Words of Faith (c) 1997, 2025 Jeffrey D. Hoy.