the gr. philadelphia (Ro. 12.10; 1 Thes. 4.9; He. 13.1; 1 P. 1.22; 2 P. 1.7) means, not love similar to that of the brother, figuratively, but the love of those who are united in the Christian brotherhood (edelfotes, 1 Pet. 2.17; 5.9; see the adjective philadelphia, 1 P. 3.8). Outside of Christian writings (eg, 1 Mac. 12:10, 17) the word philadelphia it is used only with reference to men of common descent. In the OT “brother”, as well as “neighbor”, meant “fellow Israelite” (Lev. 19.17s; cf. Acts 13.26). Jesus expanded the basis of love between men (Mt. 5.43-48; Lc. 10.27-37), but at the same time, by saying that his followers were “his” (Mr. 3.33ff; Mt. 28.10; Jn. 20.17 ) and that they were brothers to one another (Mt. 23.8; Lc. 22.32), and by imposing the Johannine commandment that they love one another (Jn. 13.34; 15.12, 17), he established special love for with other Christians as described by the word philadelphia (cf. Rom. 8.29).
This is seen in the community life of the church (cf. homothymadon, “unanimous”, “agreement”, Hch. 1.14; 2.46; 4.24; 5.12; 15.25). It is the work of Christ’s love (Eph. 5.1s), which naturally develops among Christians (1 Thess. 4.9s), but must increase (1 Thess. 4.10) and deepen (Rom. 12.10) in order to that it be lasting (Heb. 13.1), genuine (anypokritos, 1 Pet. 1.22; see Ro. 12.9), and sincere (ektenēs, 1 Pet. 1.22; see 4.8). It is seen in a common way of thinking (to car front, Ro. 12.16; 15.5; 2 Cor. 13.11; Phil. 4.2; see Ga. 5.10; Phil. 2.2, 5; 3.15) and to live (tō auto stoijein Phil. 3.16), especially in hospitality (Heb. 13.1s; 1 Pet. 4.8s) and help to needy Christians (Rom. 12.9–13). It is a demonstration, both for the Christians themselves (1 Jn. 3.14), and for the world (Jn. 13.35), of the genuineness of their faith (1 Jn. 2.9–11; 3.10; 4.7, 11, 20; 5.1).
By definition philadelphia it is something that cannot exist outside the “family of faith”, but it is associated with the idea of honoring (1 Pet. 2.17) and doing good to all (Gá. 6.10). The opposite is not exclusivism or the difference towards those who are outside (today exo, Mr. 4.11; 1 Cor. 5.12f; Col. 4.5; 1 Thes. 4.12), but the love of Christ that constrains, divides and has not yet been consummated (2 Cor. 5.14; cf. Lk. 12.50–53). (* Love; * Family; * Neighbor )
Bibliography. V. Warnach, Love, fundamental concepts of theology, t
A. Nygren, Agape and Eros2, 1953, p. 153–155; TDNT 1, pp. 144–146; NIDNTT 1, pp. 254–260; 2, p. 547–550.
PE
Douglas, J. (2000). New Biblical Dictionary: First Edition. Miami: United Bible Societies.
Source: New Bible Dictionary