Ultimately this passage is about welcoming, praising, rejoicing, and hoping in God. Paul writes that we are called to unity—to truly welcome all. Throughout Jewish history, the scriptures speak to the reconciliation and unity of all peoples—Jew and Gentile. The common thread of all those Hebrew scripture quotes is the praise of God. Additionally, this passage is about hospitality. Christians like Paul traveled around to spread the gospel, so it became common practice for Christians to host people in their homes. The spread of the gospel relied on hospitality. Learning how to welcome people into one’s home was an

essential part of the Christian experience at this time.