Romans Chapter 12 · Verse 13
Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.
Original Language Analysis
ταῖς
G3588
ταῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 8
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
χρείαις
to the necessity
G5532
χρείαις
to the necessity
Strong's:
G5532
Word #:
2 of 8
employment, i.e., an affair; also (by implication) occasion, demand, requirement or destitution
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 8
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἁγίων
of saints
G40
ἁγίων
of saints
Strong's:
G40
Word #:
4 of 8
sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)
κοινωνοῦντες
Distributing
G2841
κοινωνοῦντες
Distributing
Strong's:
G2841
Word #:
5 of 8
to share with others (objectively or subjectively)
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 8
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Hebrews 13:16But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.2 Corinthians 9:12For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God;Hebrews 6:10For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.1 John 3:17But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?1 Peter 4:9Use hospitality one to another without grudging.Galatians 6:10As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.Hebrews 13:2Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.1 Timothy 3:2A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;Acts 4:35And laid them down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.Matthew 25:35For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:
Historical Context
The early church developed networks of hospitality across the Roman Empire, enabling missionaries, teachers, and refugees to travel safely. Believers fleeing persecution (like Aquila and Priscilla, Acts 18:2) relied on Christian hospitality. Wealthy patrons who owned larger homes opened them for worship gatherings and guest lodging, while poorer believers contributed food and service. Paul's collection for the Jerusalem church (Romans 15:25-27) exemplified 'distributing to the necessity of saints' on a large scale. Hospitality was both mercy ministry and missional strategy.
Questions for Reflection
- Who in your church or Christian community has financial, material, or practical needs you could 'share in' this week?
- How intentionally are you 'pursuing' hospitality—opening your home, table, and resources to fellow believers and strangers?
- What fears or excuses (not enough space, time, or money) prevent you from practicing New Testament-level hospitality?
Analysis & Commentary
Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality. Paul continues practical exhortations with two commands on generosity. Distributing to the necessity of saints (ταῖς χρείαις τῶν ἁγίων κοινωνοῦντες, tais chreiais tōn hagiōn koinōnountes) literally means 'sharing in the needs of the saints'—koinōnia (fellowship, communion) involves material support, not just emotional solidarity. The early church practiced radical economic sharing (Acts 2:44-45, 4:32-35), ensuring no believer lacked necessities. Hagioi (saints) is Paul's standard term for believers, emphasizing their set-apart status. Christians care for their own, especially the poor, persecuted, or displaced.
Second, given to hospitality (τὴν φιλοξενίαν διώκοντες, tēn philoxenian diōkontes)—the verb diōkō means 'pursue, chase after'! Hospitality isn't passive availability but active pursuit of strangers (philoxenia, 'love of strangers'). In the ancient world, inns were expensive and dangerous; traveling Christians depended on fellow believers' homes for food and lodging (3 John 5-8). Hebrews 13:2 famously adds, 'Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.' Hospitality is essential evangelism and discipleship infrastructure.