In the New Testament, the concept of receiving the apostles is closely linked to the broader theme of hospitality and the acceptance of God's messengers. The apostles, as the chosen emissaries of Jesus Christ, carried His message to the world, and the reception they received was of great significance both spiritually and practically.

Biblical Foundation

The primary scriptural basis for the rewards associated with receiving the apostles is found in the Gospel of Matthew. Jesus Himself addresses this in Matthew 10:40-42 : "He who receives you receives Me, and he who receives Me receives the One who sent Me. Whoever receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward, and whoever receives a righteous man because he is a righteous man will receive a righteous man’s reward. And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is My disciple, truly I tell you, he will never lose his reward."

This passage highlights the profound connection between receiving the apostles and receiving Christ Himself. The act of welcoming and supporting the apostles is equated with welcoming Christ and, by extension, God the Father. The rewards mentioned are not specified in material terms but are understood to be spiritual and eternal in nature.

Hospitality and Support

In the early Christian community, hospitality was a crucial aspect of supporting the apostles and other itinerant preachers. The Book of Acts provides numerous examples of individuals and households that received the apostles, offering them shelter, food, and resources. For instance, Lydia, a seller of purple goods in Philippi, is noted for her hospitality towards Paul and his companions (Acts 16:14-15). Her willingness to host them is indicative of her acceptance of their message and her commitment to the burgeoning Christian faith.

The Apostle John also emphasizes the importance of supporting those who spread the gospel. In 3 John 1:5-8 , he commends Gaius for his faithfulness in providing for traveling teachers and missionaries, stating, "Beloved, you are faithful in what you are doing for the brothers, and especially since they are strangers to you. They have testified to your love before the church. You will do well to send them on their way in a manner worthy of God."

Spiritual Implications

Receiving the apostles is not merely an act of hospitality but a demonstration of faith and alignment with the mission of the Church. It signifies a recognition of the authority and divine commission of the apostles as representatives of Christ. The rewards for such reception are often interpreted as spiritual blessings, including a deeper relationship with God, growth in faith, and participation in the mission of the Church.

The Apostle Paul, in his letters, frequently acknowledges the support he received from various churches and individuals, expressing gratitude and praying for God's blessings upon them. In Philippians 4:17 , Paul writes, "Not that I am seeking a gift, but I am looking for the fruit that may be credited to your account." This suggests that the rewards for supporting the apostles extend beyond the immediate and tangible, contributing to the spiritual account of the giver.

Eternal Perspective

The rewards for receiving the apostles are ultimately rooted in an eternal perspective. Jesus' teaching in Matthew 10 underscores the idea that acts of kindness and support for His messengers have lasting significance in the kingdom of God. The promise that "he will never lose his reward" (Matthew 10:42) assures believers that their actions in support of the gospel will be recognized and rewarded by God, both in this life and in the life to come.

In summary, the rewards for receiving the apostles are deeply intertwined with the principles of hospitality, faith, and participation in the mission of the Church. These rewards, while not always material, are assured by Christ and hold eternal significance for those who embrace and support His messengers.