Romans 12:13

Distributing (Greek: koinōneō), “to share,” “to take part in,” “to act as a partner.” Compare the use of this word in Romans 15:27; Philippians 4:15; 1 Timothy 5:22; Hebrews 13:16; 1 Peter 4:13. Paul’s meaning is that Christians should share in the needs of their fellow believers. They should treat the wants of their brethren as if they were their own and be willing to share with the unfortunate. This is far more than mere almsgiving; it is a concrete application of the principle of love (Romans 12:9). That Paul practiced what he preached is apparent from his constant efforts to raise funds for the relief of poverty-stricken converts (see Romans 15:25, 26; 1 Corinthians 16:1; 2 Corinthians 8:1-7; 9:2-5; Galatians 2:10).

Saints. See on chapter 1:7. Those who are “of the household of faith” are to have special care (Galatians 6:10).

Given to (Greek: diōkō), literally, “to pursue,” “to follow after.” Compare the use of the word in 1 Corinthians 14:1; 1 Thessalonians 5:15; Hebrews 12:14; 1 Peter 3:11. The term seems to imply that Christians are not only to furnish hospitality but also to be eager to practice it.

Hospitality (Greek: philoxenia), literally, “love of strangers,” hence, “entertainment of strangers.” Hospitality was early regarded as one of the important Christian virtues (see 1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:8; Hebrews 13:2; 1 Peter 4:9). This was necessarily so in view of the large number of traveling and persecuted believers. Many Christians were driven from their homes and cities and compelled to seek shelter with those who held the same faith as themselves (see Acts 8:1; 26:11). The hospitality which believers practiced toward one another contributed much to the bond that held together the widely scattered members of the early Christian church.