Hebrews 13:2Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

He did not say, “Be hospitable,” as though they were not so, but, “Do not forget hospitality,” because this could happen through afflictions. Then he adds what could especially encourage them: “for through it some,” he says, “unknowingly entertained angels.” Do you see what honor and what benefit? What does “unknowingly” mean? They received angels as guests without themselves knowing it. For this reason Abraham was counted worthy of a great reward, because he received angels without knowing that they were angels (Gen 18:2-8, 10, 18-19). Had he known, it would not have been at all remarkable. Some think that the Apostle also means Lot here and says this of him (Gen 19:2-3).

Do not forget hospitality. Having spoken of hospitality, he says, do not forget it. For after enduring the plundering of their possessions, they perhaps became sparing. Or he is safeguarding them for the future. For through it some, unknowingly, entertained angels. So great is hospitality, the receiving of all without distinction and the refusal to condemn the brethren, that Abraham and Lot were given the occasion to receive angels (Gen 18; Gen 19). For through it some, unknowingly, entertained angels. “Unknowingly” means that they did not know the strangers were angels, yet they received them with honor. This is what makes them great. For if they had known, they would have done nothing great.

The patriarch Abraham approached them as men, but found angels and the Master of angels. So also blessed Lot received angels as men, but received a blessing as from angels.

"Do not forget hospitality." Practice hospitality as far as possible. By saying "let it continue" and "do not forget," he showed that they had possessed both up to this time. "For by this some, without knowing it, entertained angels." Those who entertained angels did not know them. Who were those who entertained them in ignorance? Abraham and Lot, as the book of Genesis relates (Gen 18; Gen 19). So great is the power of hospitality, and so great a fruit it bore.

In explaining precisely how our gratitude to God should be expressed (Heb 12:27-28), the Apostle lists various Christian virtues for which his readers had little zeal. Let mutual brotherly love, which had begun to cool among the readers, not disappear, but continue as before. Let it be expressed in hospitality and help for those who suffer.