Thank you to Ian for this week’s MWB
Romans 16 v.23 – Gaius, whose hospitality I and the whole church enjoy, send you his greetings.
It is thought that this is the Gaius mentioned in 1 Cor.1 v.14 – “I am thankful that I did not baptise any of you except Crispus and Gaius.” and that Paul was staying in his house when he wrote the letter to the Romans. It is also thought that the phrase – whose hospitality I and the whole church enjoy, indicates that one of the churches might have met in his home. A new convert who opened his heart and his home to the Lord and to the church. There is a tradition that Gaius later became bishop of Thessalonica.
The ministry of Hospitality is so important in the church. There are many forms of hospitality required in the modern church – from open house to a cup of coffee on a Sunday morning – all part of the up-building fellowship and welcome in the church. How many of us can testify to having been helped by a conversation in somebody’s home or when out for a coffee with a fellow believer? We should thank the Lord for all those who serve like Gaius and, like him, we should serve the Lord in the ministry of Hospitality.