What Does it mean, 'Some Have
Entertained Angels Unawares?'

Number one: The word angel here is the Greek word [aggelos], meaning messenger. It was not divinely inspired to be "translated" as angel, that word is merely the transliterated and anglicized form of a Greek word. The correctly "translated" word is messenger. It is also the exact same word that is correctly translated as a messenger throughout scripture. For example:

Luke 7:24

• "And when the messengers of John were departed, he began to speak unto the people concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness for to see? A reed shaken with the wind?"

That word that is "translated" messengers is the exact same word that you will find in other places anglicized and redefined (not translated) as angels in the New Testament. Here it is clearly speaking about human messengers, not angelic beings from heaven. Because messengers is what the word actually means in any language.

Number two: The word translated "entertain strangers" is the Greek word [philoxenox], meaning to be friendly to those who you don't know. It's taken from the root words [philos] meaning friend, and [xenos] which here means someone with whom you are not acquainted. This is the only place where this is translated entertain strangers, its normal translation is hospitality. This verse declares that we should always be hospitable or friendly to those who we do not know because thereby some have entertained (or hosted) messengers. All believers, and particularly Pastors are God's Messengers [aggelos], and some have been a guest of another believer who was unaware that they were the elect of God. The hospitality that Christians show should be to all men so that the love of God will be illustrated in their good conduct. In fact, the Greek word [xenos] in certain contexts can mean any of three things. It can mean a stranger (an alien or pilgrim), or by implication it can mean a guest (being a visitor in your household), or by extension it can mean to be a host (to entertain or be a host to a stranger to your household).

We can use the understanding of this word as a goad for us, that in all we do, we show forth the [agape] love or charity that Christ has shown to us. Because we do not know in which of these roles we may be at any time. Whether as a guest or stranger, or as a host to such ourselves, in any role we find ourselves we should show God's love by being neighborly and benevolent. This is what is so often difficult for many Christians to do in our day. It's not coincidental that when we read of what is required of Christians, this Christ-like virtue is given a lofty position.

Romans 12:13

• "Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality".

    I am confident that the belief in some Christian circles that these messengers in Hebrews chapter 13 refer to angels that came down from heaven is incorrect. Once the Holy Canon was completed, there were no more miraculous physical visitations and revelations through supernatural angels of God coming to earth. No revelations through miracles, dreams, visions, tongues, or any other supernatural manifestation. An angel speaking to you, or indeed to anyone else today, would be a revelation, and indeed an addition (Revelation 22:18-19) to the word of God. No matter what he uttered, or how little he uttered, it would be a divine revelation from God. That's why they're called [aggelos] (Messengers).It is specifically because they conveyed the word of God to men. There are no more divine revelations by angels or other physical supernatural or miraculous events in our day. The message of God today comes from the scriptures "alone," revealed to us through the Holy Spirit of Truth that is dwelling within those who are regenerated. Sola Scriptura! They are witnesses (messengers) with the testimony of Christ preaching the completed and revealed word from God. We can expect no revelation by an angel visitation, a supernatural miracle, a dream, or a vision. Not until our Lord returns to earth on the clouds of glory.

1st Thessalonians 4:16

• "For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:"

1st Peter 4:8-10

• "And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.
• Use hospitality one to another without grudging.
• As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God."

Matthew 25:40

• "And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me."

Bring it to mind and never forget that Christian charity is vividly illustrated in our hospitality toward strangers, as they may be messengers called and chosen to do the work of an evangelist. This Godly hospitality as seen in the prophets of God.

Hebrews 13:1-2

• "Let brotherly love continue.
• Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares".