In Acts 28: 1 - 7, the Apostle Paul describes (after being shipwrecked on Malta), how the pagan islanders showed them unusual kindness and generous hospitality. Elsewhere (Romans 2: 14,15), Paul noted that even though the gentiles do not know the law (of Moses), they behave as if it were written on their hearts.
By “law written on their hearts,” was Paul merely referencing their generous hospitality, or did he observe them practicing Love Thy Neighbor in general (e.g., caring for all needy people in their communities)?
We now know that the Ancient Greek custom known as Xenia was an important part of their culture. Its pagan origins stem from Zeus, the patron saint of guests, who purportedly would disguise himself as a traveler and test hosts on their treatment of him. It was understood that a poor host would receive instant punishment from the god.
For comparison, we note Matthew 25: 35,36—
‘35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’
Per Jesus, those who failed to act accordingly could expect eternal punishment.
Questions:
1. Was the Greek Xenia truly analogous to the Christian commandment Love Thy Neighbor?
2. Can we assume that behind the pagan Xenia, God was at work influencing gentile behavior positively, so that their transition to Christianity under Paul’s guidance would be seamless?
All responses cheerfully welcome.
By “law written on their hearts,” was Paul merely referencing their generous hospitality, or did he observe them practicing Love Thy Neighbor in general (e.g., caring for all needy people in their communities)?
We now know that the Ancient Greek custom known as Xenia was an important part of their culture. Its pagan origins stem from Zeus, the patron saint of guests, who purportedly would disguise himself as a traveler and test hosts on their treatment of him. It was understood that a poor host would receive instant punishment from the god.
For comparison, we note Matthew 25: 35,36—
‘35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’
Per Jesus, those who failed to act accordingly could expect eternal punishment.
Questions:
1. Was the Greek Xenia truly analogous to the Christian commandment Love Thy Neighbor?
2. Can we assume that behind the pagan Xenia, God was at work influencing gentile behavior positively, so that their transition to Christianity under Paul’s guidance would be seamless?
All responses cheerfully welcome.