Well reported of for good works
Both by the members of the church, and by them that were without:
particularly if she have brought up children;
that is, "well", as the Arabic version adds; in the nurture and
admonition of the Lord; commanding them, as Abraham did, to keep
the way of the Lord, and to do justice and judgment; training
them up in the paths of religion and virtue, from which they will
not so easily depart when grown up.
If she have lodged strangers;
as Abraham and Lot did, who entertained angels unawares: this may
be understood of strangers in common, but especially of the
brethren, ministers, and others, who came from distant parts, and
travelled about to spread the Gospel of Christ. The F25 Jews
say many things (aynoka
dwbkb) , "in honour of hospitality" or entertaining of
strangers, especially of receiving into their houses the
disciples of the wise men, and giving them food and drink, and
the use of their goods; this was what gave persons a very great
character with them, and highly recommended them.
If she have washed the saints' feet;
which was usual in those hot countries, where they wore sandals
only, partly for refreshment, and partly for the removal of dust
and filth, contracted in walking; instances of this we have in
several places of Scripture, ( Genesis 18:4
) ( 19:2 )
. It was such a common piece of civility, that our Lord complains
of the neglect of it towards him, ( Luke 7:44 ) . It was what
he did to his own disciples, and in so doing set them an example
of what they should do to one another, ( John 13:14 ) and being a
mean and low office, and which very likely was done by the
servants of the house; the sense may be, if she has condescended
to do the meanest office for the saints.
If she have relieved the afflicted;
either in body, with her purse; or in mind, by visiting them, and
speaking comfortably to them: in general,
if she have diligently followed every good
work;
not only have done good works at certain times, but has followed
that which is good; has closely pursued it, and that with great
eagerness and diligence; has been constant and indefatigable in
the performance of it.