“Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.”
Share with the Lord's people who are in need. Practice hospitality. — Koinōnia (fellowship, participation) in necessities (chreia) means concrete material sharing. Philoxenia (love of strangers, hospitality) was crucial for itinerant teachers and persecuted Christians. The practice is not sentimental but tactical—hospitality sustains the community.
Church Fathers on Romans 12:13
“Sharing with the necessity (χρείαις, al. μνείαις, memories) of the saints.” He does not say, Bestow upon, but “share with the necessity of the saints,” to show that they receive more than they give, that it is a matter of merchandise, because it is a community. Do you bring in money? They bring you in boldness toward God. “Given to (Gr. pursuing) hospitality.” He does not say doing it, but “given” to it, so to instruct us not to wait for those that shall ask it, and see…
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
COMMUNITY REFLECTIONS
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