Romans 12:13
Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.
English Standard Version (ESV)
All verses
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
Romans 12:13
Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
The word "contribute" here implies more than just giving money; it suggests actively sharing in the needs of other believers, making their burdens your own. This isn't merely about charity, but about a deep, shared life where one person's necessity becomes another's responsibility to "pursue," meaning to actively seek out opportunities to help, not just waiting to be asked.
Paul has just laid out the principles of authentic Christian living, emphasizing selfless love and earnest devotion to God. Now, he shifts to practical expressions of this transformed life, calling believers to actively support fellow Christians, especially those in need, and to extend warm hospitality to others.
Ever wondered what it means to truly support fellow believers? Paul’s words here point to a deep, practical love that goes beyond just warm feelings.
Paul uses the word 'saints' for Christians, reminding us that they are set apart by God. The 'necessities' refer to genuine needs – things vital for survival and well-being like food, shelter, and clothing.
A Deeper Kind of Sharing
The Greek word translated 'contribute' or 'distributing' (koinōneō) means to share in, to have in common, or to communicate. It's not just about giving money; it’s about participating in the needs of others as if they were your own. Early Christians often lived this out practically, sharing resources so that no one in the community lacked basic necessities. This mutual support was a powerful witness to the world.
This generous sharing wasn't just for those who were poor; it was for any 'saint' in genuine need. While we are called to love all people, the New Testament emphasizes a special responsibility within the 'household of faith.'
Hospitality isn't just about being nice to visitors; Paul urges us to be proactive in welcoming others.
The phrase 'seek to show hospitality' is translated from a Greek verb (diōkō) that literally means 'to pursue' or 'to chase after.' This isn't a passive waiting for opportunities; it’s an active seeking out of ways to be hospitable.
More Than Just a Meal
In the ancient world, hospitality was crucial. Many early Christians faced persecution and displacement, making them vulnerable travelers. Offering them food, lodging, and a safe place was a tangible expression of Christ's love. It meant opening your home and your resources, not just when asked, but by looking for those who might need a welcoming space.
This 'pursuit' of hospitality extends to all people, but especially those within the Christian community, as they often had fewer external support systems. It’s about creating a space of belonging and care, demonstrating that the 'household of faith' truly functions as a family.
Understand the original words
hagios · Greek Noun
"Holy ones"; believers set apart by God for His purpose. This term emphasizes the status and collective identity of Christians as people belonging to God.
philoxenia · Greek Noun
Love for strangers. In a biblical context, it refers specifically to the active practice of showing kindness, provision, and welcome to fellow believers and others.
c. 49 AD
Claudius Expels Jews from Rome
Emperor Claudius issues an edict expelling Jews from Rome, likely due to disturbances related to 'Chrestus.' This would have scattered the nascent Christian communities in Rome, creating a need for support among believers in other locations.
c. 50-58 AD
Paul's Ministry in Corinth and Ephesus
Paul spends significant time in Corinth and Ephesus, centers of trade and travel. During this period, he actively collects aid for the struggling Jewish Christians in Jerusalem, a practice that likely extended to supporting other scattered and needy Christian communities.
c. 64 AD— this verse
Great Fire of Rome and Persecution Under Nero
The Great Fire of Rome leads Emperor Nero to blame and persecute Christians. This event would have caused widespread suffering, displacement, and poverty among Roman believers, increasing the urgency for mutual support.
c. 67-68 AD
Martyrdom of Peter and Paul
The apostle Peter and Paul are martyred in Rome during Nero's persecution. Their deaths underscore the dangerous environment Christians faced and the need for solidarity and care within the community.
This passage describes the early Christian community holding all things in common and sharing generously, directly reflecting the 'contribute to the needs of the saints' aspect of Romans 12:13.
Galatians 6:10This verse expands on the idea of contributing to needs, specifically stating to 'do good to all, especially to those who are of the family of faith,' which highlights the priority given to fellow believers in Romans 12:13.
Hebrews 13:2This verse directly echoes the call to hospitality in Romans 12:13, urging believers not to forget to show hospitality, reminding us of its importance and the potential blessings it brings.
1 Timothy 5:8This passage lays out the responsibility to care for one's own household, which provides a foundational principle for the broader command to care for the 'household of faith' mentioned in Romans 12:13.
1 Peter 4:9This verse reinforces the call to hospitality by stating 'show hospitality to one another without grumbling,' emphasizing the cheerful and willing spirit with which this act of love should be performed, aligning with the zealous nature of the commands in Romans 12.
ellicottRomans 12:13: "Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality."
(13) Distributing to the necessity of saints. —By “saints” is here meant simply “Christians.” So, in Ephesians 1:1 , we find the salutation addressed to the “saints which are at Ephesus.” (Comp. Acts 9:13 ; Acts 26:10 .) The reference is to the well-known poverty of the early Christian communities. Necessity.—Some of the Græco-Latin manuscripts and fathers here read, memories, or commemorations, by a slight change of…
vincentRomans 12:13: "Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality."
Distributing (κοινωνοῦντες)Rev., communicating to. The meaning is sharing in the necessities; taking part in them as one's own. So Romans 15:27; 1 Timothy 5:22; 2 John 1:11; Hebrews 2:14; 1 Peter 4:13. See on partners, Luke 5:10; see on fellowship, Acts 2:42; see on 1 John 1:3; see on 2 John 1:11.Given to hospitality (φιλοξενίαν διώκοντες)Lit., pursuing hospitality. For a similar use of the verb compare 1 Corinthi…
The word "contribute" here implies more than just giving money; it suggests actively sharing in the needs of other believers, making their burdens your own. This isn't merely about charity, but about a deep, shared life where one person's necessity becomes another's responsibility to "pursue," meaning to actively seek out opportunities to help, not just waiting to be asked.
Paul has just laid out the principles of authentic Christian living, emphasizing selfless love and earnest devotion to God. Now, he shifts to practical expressions of this transformed life, calling believers to actively support fellow Christians, especially those in need, and to extend warm hospitality to others.
Paul has just laid out the principles of authentic Christian living, emphasizing selfless love and earnest devotion to God. Now, he shifts to practical expressions of this transformed life, calling believers to actively support fellow Christians, especially those in need, and to extend warm hospitality to others.
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about Romans 12:13 is available in the Sola app.
"Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality." — The word "contribute" here implies more than just giving money; it suggests actively sharing in the needs of other believers, making their burdens your own. This isn't merely about charity, but about…