In love of the brothers be tenderly affectionate to one another; in honor preferring one another;
Parallel Translations
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In love of the brothers be tenderly affectionate to one another; in honor preferring one another;
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Be kynde one to another with brotherly love. In gevynge honoure goo one before another.
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Be affectioned to loue one another with brotherly loue. In giuing honour, goe one before another,
Cross-references (28)
Passages linked to Romans 12:10 in the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge, ordered by reader-vote popularity; verse text shown in World English Bible.
- Philippians 2:3 doing nothing through rivalry or through conceit, but in humility, each counting others better than himself;
- John 13:34-35 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
- Hebrews 13:1 Let brotherly love continue.
- 1 John 4:11 Beloved, if God loved us in this way, we also ought to love one another.
- 1 Peter 3:8-9 Finally, all of you be like-minded, compassionate, loving as brothers, tenderhearted, courteous, not rendering evil for evil, or insult for insult; but instead blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing.
- 1 Peter 1:22 Seeing you have purified your souls in your obedience to the truth through the Spirit in sincere brotherly affection, love one another from the heart fervently,
- 1 Peter 2:17 Honor all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.
- Galatians 5:13 For you, brothers, were called for freedom. Only don’t use your freedom for gain to the flesh, but through love be servants to one another.
- Ephesians 4:1-3 I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beg you to walk worthily of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and humility, with patience, bearing with one another in love, being eager to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
- 1 Thessalonians 4:9 But concerning brotherly love, you have no need that one write to you. For you yourselves are taught by God to love one another,
- Psalms 133:1 See how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to live together in unity!
- Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith,
- 2 Peter 1:7 and in godliness brotherly affection; and in brotherly affection, love.
- 1 John 4:20–5:2 If a man says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who doesn’t love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen? This commandment we have from him, that he who loves God should also love his brother. Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God. Whoever loves the Father also loves the child who is born of him. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and keep his commandments.
- John 15:17 “I command these things to you, that you may love one another.
- 1 Peter 5:5 Likewise, you younger ones, be subject to the elder. Yes, all of you clothe yourselves with humility, to subject yourselves to one another; for “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”
- Acts 4:32 The multitude of those who believed were of one heart and soul. Not one of them claimed that anything of the things which he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common.
- Luke 14:10 But when you are invited, go and sit in the lowest place, so that when he who invited you comes, he may tell you, ‘Friend, move up higher.’ Then you will be honored in the presence of all who sit at the table with you.
- Romans 13:7 Therefore give everyone what you owe: if you owe taxes, pay taxes; if customs, then customs; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.
- 2 Thessalonians 1:3 We are bound to always give thanks to God for you, brothers, even as it is appropriate, because your faith grows exceedingly, and the love of each and every one of you toward one another abounds,
- Matthew 20:26 It shall not be so among you, but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant.
- John 17:21 that they may all be one; even as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be one in us; that the world may believe that you sent me.
- 1 John 2:9-11 He who says he is in the light and hates his brother is in the darkness even until now. He who loves his brother remains in the light, and there is no occasion for stumbling in him. But he who hates his brother is in the darkness, and walks in the darkness, and doesn’t know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes.
- Genesis 13:9 Isn’t the whole land before you? Please separate yourself from me. If you go to the left hand, then I will go to the right. Or if you go to the right hand, then I will go to the left.”
- Galatians 5:6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision amounts to anything, nor uncircumcision, but faith working through love.
- Colossians 1:4 having heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love which you have toward all the saints,
- 1 John 3:10-18 In this the children of God are revealed, and the children of the devil. Whoever doesn’t do righteousness is not of God, neither is he who doesn’t love his brother. For this is the message which you heard from the beginning, that we should love one another; unlike Cain, who was of the evil one, and killed his brother. Why did he kill him? Because his deeds were evil, and his brother’s righteous. Don’t be surprised, my brothers, if the world hates you. We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brothers. He who doesn’t love his brother remains in death. Whoever hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life remaining in him. By this we know love, because he laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. But whoever has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, then closes his heart of compassion against him, how does God’s love remain in him? My little children, let’s not love in word only, or with the tongue only, but in deed and truth.
- Job 1:4 His sons went and held a feast in the house of each one on his birthday; and they sent and called for their three sisters to eat and to drink with them.
Cross-references from openbible.info (CC BY 4.0)
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John Calvin 1540 · Public Domain 10. With brotherly love, etc. By no words could…
10. With brotherly love, etc. By no words could he satisfy himself in setting forth the ardor of that love, with which we ought to embrace one another: for he calls it brotherly, and its emotion στοργὴν, affection, which, among the Latins, is the mutual affection which exists between relatives; and truly such ought to be that which we should have towards the children of God. That this may be the case, he subjoins a precept very necessary for the preservation of benevolence, — that every one is to give honor to his brethren and not to himself; for there is no poison more effectual in alienating the minds of men than the thought, that one is despised. But if by honor you are disposed to understand every act of friendly kindness, I do not much object: I however approve more of the former interpretation. For as there is nothing more opposed to brotherly concord than contempt, arising from haughtiness, when each one, neglecting others, advances himself; so the best fomenter of love is humility, when every one honors others.
John Calvin's Commentaries (1540-1563) — public domain. Text from the Calvin Translation Society English edition (1840s-50s) via the Christian Classics Ethereal Library (ccel.org). Calvin's coverage is partial (roughly two-thirds of the Bible); uncommented books and verses are honest gaps, never fabricated. The 19th-century editor's footnotes and remarks are omitted so the notes are faithfully Calvin's own voice.
John Trapp 1656 · Public Domain 10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly…
10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;
Ver. 10. Be kindly affectioned] As natural brethren and more. Arctior eat copula cordis quam corporis. We are brethren in Adam according to the flesh, in and by Christ according to the Spirit.
John Trapp, A Commentary or Exposition upon All the Books of the Old and New Testament (1647–1656) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Matthew Poole 1685 · Public Domain Be kindly affectioned one to another; Christians ought to…
Be kindly affectioned one to another; Christians ought to have such affection one to another, as parents have to their children, and as all creatures have to their young: so much the word here used imports.
In honour preferring one another: this clause is expounded by Phi 2:3. It is exemplified in Abraham, Gen 13:9. Most desire preference and honour before others, which is contrary to the good counsel in this text. Some read it, prevent one another; do not tarry till others honour you, but do you go before them in this expression of brotherly love, and be examples to them.
Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible (1683–1685) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
John Gill 1763 · Public Domain Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love,....…
Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love,.... This is one branch of that love, before advised to, which should be unfeigned, and without guile and deceit. The objects of this grace are "brethren", not in such sense as all the descendants of Adam are, or men of the same country be, or as such who are born of the same parents in a natural sense are; to each of whom love is due under their respective characters and relations: but such who are so in a spiritual sense, who are born of God, are of his household, belong to his family, are the brethren of Christ, and one another; and are either members of the same church, incorporated together in the same church state, or at least members of Christ, and of the church universal. Now love to these should be kind, tender, and affectionate, reciprocal and mutual; such should love one another; there should be no love wanting on either side; and it ought to be universal, and reach to all the saints, though of different gifts, light, knowledge and experience, or whether high or low, rich or poor; and should show itself by bearing one another's burdens, bearing with, and forbearing each other, forgiving one another, and by edifying one another in their most holy faith, and praying with, and for one another.
In honour preferring one another; saints should think honourably of one another, and entertain an honourable esteem of each other; yea, should esteem each other better thou themselves; and not indulge evil surmises, and groundless jealousies of one another, which is contrary to that love that thinks no evil. They should speak honourably of each other in Christian company, and discourage that evil practice of whisperings, backbitings, and innuendos; they should treat each other with honour and respect in their common conversation, and especially when met together as a church of Christ. They should go before each other in giving honour, and showing respect, as the word signifies: they should set each other an example; and which also may be taken into the sense of the word, should prevent one another, not waiting until respect is shown on one side to return it again. Nor does this rule at all break in upon that order that should subsist, and be maintained in bodies civil and ecclesiastical, which requires superior honour to be given to persons according to their character, office, and station in which they are.
John Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible (1746–1763) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.
John Wesley 1765 · Public Domain In honour preferring one another - Which you will…
In honour preferring one another - Which you will do, if you habitually consider what is good in others, and what is evil in yourselves.
John Wesley, Explanatory Notes Upon the Whole Bible (1754–1765) — public domain. Text via the GEBible commentary corpus.
Adam Clarke 1810 · Public Domain Verse 10. Be kindly affectioned one to another with…
Verse 10. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love] It is difficult to give a simple translation of the original: τῃ φιλαδελφιᾳ εις αλληλους φιλοστοργοι. The word φιλαδελφια signifies that affectionate regard which every Christian should feel for another, as being members of the same mystical body: hence it is emphatically termed the love of the brethren. When William Penn, of deservedly famous memory, made a treaty with the Indians in North America, and purchased from them a large woody tract, which, after its own nature and his name, he called Pennsylvania, he built a city on it, and peopled it with Christians of his own denomination, and called the city from the word in the text, φιλαδελφια, PHILADELPHIA; an appellation which it then bore with strict propriety: and still it bears the name.
The word φιλοστοργος, which we translate kindly affectioned, from φιλος and στοργη, signifies that tender and indescribable affection which a mother bears to her child, and which almost all creatures manifest towards their young; and the word φιλος, or φιλεω, joined to it, signifies a delight in it. Feel the tenderest affection towards each other, and delight to feel it. "Love a brother Christian with the affection of a natural brother."
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In honour preferring one another] The meaning appears to be this: Consider all your brethren as more worthy than yourself; and let neither grief nor envy affect your mind at seeing another honoured and yourself neglected. This is a hard lesson, and very few persons learn it thoroughly. If we wish to see our brethren honoured, still it is with the secret condition in our own minds that we be honoured more than they. We have no objection to the elevation of others, providing we may be at the head. But who can bear even to be what he calls neglected? I once heard the following conversation between two persons, which the reader will pardon my relating in this place, as it appears to be rather in point, and is worthy of regard. "I know not," said one, "that I neglect to do any thing in my power to promote the interest of true religion in this place, and yet I seem to be held in very little repute, scarcely any person even noticing me." To which the other replied: "My good friend, set yourself down for nothing, and if any person takes you for something it will be all clear gain." I thought this a queer saying: but how full of meaning and common sense! Whether the object of this good counsel was profited by it I cannot tell; but I looked on it and received instruction.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible (1810–1826) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
Albert Barnes 1834 · Public Domain Be kindly affectioned - The word used here occurs…
Be kindly affectioned - The word used here occurs no where else in the New Testament. It properly denotes tender affection, such as what subsists between parents and children; and it means that Christians should have similar feelings toward each other, as belonging to the same family, and as united in the same principles and interests. The Syriac renders this, “Love your brethren, and love one another;” compare 1Pe 2:17.
With brotherly love - Or in love to the brethren. The word denotes the affection which subsists between brethren. The duty is one which is often presented in the New Testament, and which our Saviour intended should be regarded as a badge of discipleship; see the note at Joh 13:34-35, “By this shall all people know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another;” Joh 15:12, Joh 15:17; Eph 5:2; 1Th 4:9; 1Pe 1:22; 1Jo 2:7-8; 1Jo 3:11, 1Jo 3:23; 1Jo 4:20-21. The apostle Paul in this place manifests his unique manner of writing. He does not simply enjoin brotherly love, but he adds that it should be kindly affectioned. It should be with the tenderness which characterizes the most endearing natural relationship. This he expresses by a word which is made for the occasion (φιλοστοργοὶ philostorgoi), blending love with natural affection, and suffering it to be manifest in your contact with one another.
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In honour - In showing or manifesting respect or honor. Not in seeking honor, or striving after respect, but in showing it to one another.
Preferring one another - The word “preferring” means going before, leading, setting an example. Thus, in showing mutual respect and honor, they were to strive to excel; not to see which could obtain most honor, but which could confer most, or manifest most respect; compare 1Pe 1:5; Eph 5:21. Thus, they were to be studious to show to each other all the respect which was due in the various relations of life; children to show proper respect to parents, parents to children, servants to their masters, etc.; and all to strive by mutual kindness to promote the happiness of the Christian community. How different this from the spirit of the world; the spirit which seeks, not to confer honor, but to obtain it; which aims, not to diffuse respect, but to attract all others to give honor to us. If this single direction were to be obeyed in society, it would put an end at once to no small part of the envy, and ambition, and heartburning, and dissatisfaction of the world. It would produce contentment, harmony, love, and order in the community; and stay the progress of crime, and annihilate the evils of strife, and discord, and malice. And especially, it would give order and beauty to the church. It would humble the ambition of those who, like Diotrephes, love to have the pre-eminence 3Jo 1:9, and make every man willing to occupy the place for which God has designed him, and rejoice that his brethren may be exalted to higher posts of responsibility and honor.
Albert Barnes' Notes on the Bible (1834–1885) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown 1871 · Public Domain Be, &c.--better, "In brotherly love be affectionate one to…
Be, &c.--better, "In brotherly love be affectionate one to another; in [giving, or showing] honor, outdoing each other." The word rendered "prefer" means rather "to go before," "take the lead," that is, "show an example." How opposite is this to the reigning morality of the heathen world! and though Christianity has so changed the spirit of society, that a certain beautiful disinterestedness and self-sacrifice shines in the character of not a few who are but partially, if at all under the transforming power of the Gospel, it is only those whom "the love of Christ constrains to live not unto themselves," who are capable of thoroughly acting in the spirit of this precept.
Jamieson, Fausset & Brown — Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (1871) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.
The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges 1878 · Public Domain 10. Be kindly, &c.] Lit. In point of your…
10. Be kindly, &c.] Lit. In point of your brotherly love [be] affectionate to one another. The word rendered “kindly-affectioned” has special reference to family affection; and probably our Translators had this in view, and used “kindly” in its strict sense; “of the kind,” “of the stock, or family.”—For “brotherly-love” cp. 1Th_4:9; Heb_13:1; 1Pe_1:22; 1Pe_3:8; 2Pe_1:7.—See Isaac Taylor’s Saturday Evening for an admirable Essay on “The Family Affection of Christianity.” We quote a line or two of the summary; “Christian affection has the permanence it derives from an indissoluble bond; the vigour given it by a participation in sufferings and reproaches; and the depth it receives from the prospect of an unbounded futurity.”
in honour] Lit. in point of the honour; the honour due from each to all.—Cp. Php_2:3; 1Pe_2:17; 1Pe_5:5.—Spiritual religion is, in its proper nature, the noblest school of courtesy; habituating the man to the refining power of the Divine presence, and constantly rebuking the self-regard which is the essence of discourtesy.
The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges (gen. ed. J. J. S. Perowne; Cambridge University Press, 1878–1918) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers 1878 · Public Domain (10) With brotherly love.—Better translated as in the margin,…
(10) With brotherly love.—Better translated as in the margin, In love of the brethren (fellow Christians) be kindly affectioned. The word for “kindly affectioned” is specially used of the family relation, and is, therefore, appropriately applied to the brotherhood of the Christian family.
Preferring one another.—Rather, perhaps, anticipating one another. The Christian is to take the initiative, and show honour or respect to others without waiting for them to show it to him.
A Bible Commentary for English Readers, edited by Charles John Ellicott (1878–1897) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Pulpit Commentary 1880 · Public Domain In brotherly love (filadelfia) be kindly affectioned (filostorgoi) one…
In brotherly love (filadelfia) be kindly affectioned (filostorgoi) one to another (filadelfia , expressing the love of Christians for each other, is a special form or manifestation of general aaph . In it there should be ever the warmth of family affection, storgh); in honour preferring one another; literally, according to the proper sense of prohgoumenoi , taking the lead of each other in honour i.e., in showing honour, rather than equivalent to allhlouv hgoumenoi uperecontav eautwn in Php_2:3.
The Pulpit Commentary (1880–1919), ed. H.D.M. Spence-Jones & Joseph S. Exell — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Biblical Illustrator 1887 · Public Domain Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love.
Rom_12:10
Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love.
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Duties of Christians to each other
1. All men ought to love each other as men because brethren by Adam. The world is one common family, split up by sin, but to be united again by Christian love.
2. All Christians ought to love each other, because begotten by one Spirit. Grace has done little for those who indulge in the same feelings as unregenerate worldlings.
3. All Christian Churches ought to love each other because under the rule of the same King. Alas, how little do we see of this! Paul lays down three rules for the guidance of Christians towards each other.
I. Be kindly affectioned. The worlds morality says, Take care of self. Paul teaches the reverse. Scoffers say that many moral men are better than professors. Not better than true professors. And besides, the world must remember that it is indebted to Christianity for its high-toned morality. Christianity has developed the spirit of disinterestedness and self-sacrifice in the world. The affection of the text is not the sympathy, assistance and respect which prevail among moral men, but an affection begotten of love to God.
II. In brotherly love. What more beautiful than a harmonious family--defending each others characters, and caring for each others wants. This--only purer, brighter, more fervent--should be seen in the Church. Each Christian should defend his brother, help the weak, and regard all with unbounded charity. Brotherly love avoids saying or doing anything that would offend the modesty or honour of a brother.
III. In honour preferring one another. In love and honour outdoing each other. Taking the lead, showing the example in giving honour. How often we strive to outdo each other in getting honour! If there must be contention, let it be an honest strife who shall be most humble and useful. We should in honour prefer one another because--
1. We know ourselves best. We know our evil hearts, and looking into them, we can easily believe that others are better and more deserving.
2. It would curb uncharitable thought, and uncharitable speech.
3. It would tend to the cultivation of the grace of humility.
Lessons:
1. Cherish no evil towards a brother. No Church can prosper which is not united by the love of God.
2. Resentment is almost sure to beget resentment.
3. He that would be the most honoured must be the most humble. (J. E. Hargreaves.)
Kindly affection and brotherly love
The words in the original are more strong and specific than in our translation. The being kindly affectioned is expressed by a term which means the love of kindred, or by some called instinctive; and which is far more intense than the general good liking that obtains between man and man in society, or than ordinary friendship. And, to stamp upon it a still greater peculiarity and force, brotherly love is added to it--an affection the distinction of which from that of charity is clearly brought out by Peter (1:7), And to brotherly kindness add charity--the same with brotherly love in the original; and as distinct from general love or charity in the moral, as the magnetic attraction is from the general attraction of gravity in the material world. This more special affinity which binds together the members of the same family; and even of wider communities, as when it establishes a sort of felt brotherhood, an esprit de corps, between citizens of the same town, or inhabitants of the same country, or members of the same profession, and so originates the several ties of consanguinity or neighbourhood or patriotism--is nowhere exemplified in greater force than among the disciples of a common Christianity, if theirs be indeed the genuine faith of the gospel. It is in fact one of the tests or badges of a real discipleship (1Jn_3:14). It gives rise to that more special benevolence which we owe to the household of faith (Gal_6:10), as distinguished from the common beneficence which we owe unto all men, and which stood so visibly forth in the first ages among the fellow-worshippers of Jesus as to have made it common with observers to say, Behold how these Christians love each other. (T. Chalmers, D.D.)
Kindly affection and brotherly love
I. Wherein are we to express our affection to one another?
1. In desiring one anothers good (1Ti_2:1).
2. In rejoicing in one anothers prosperity (Rom_12:15).
3. In pitying one anothers misery (Rom_12:15; Isa_63:9).
4. In forgiving one anothers injuries (Mat_6:14-15).
5. In helping one anothers necessities (1Jn_3:17-18).
II. Why so kindly affectioned.
1. We are commanded to do it (Joh_13:34).
2. No other command can be performed without this (Rom_13:10).
3. Neither can we love God without it (1Jn_3:17).
4. This is true religion (Jam_1:27).
5. Because we are all brethren--
(1) In Adam as to the flesh (Act_22:1).
(2) In Christ as to the Spirit (1Co_15:58; Php_1:14).
Conclusion: Be kindly affectioned to all persons. Objections:
1. They are wicked.
(1) Thou canst not say that they are more wicked than thyself (1Ti_1:15).
(2) They may be saved, and thou lost (Mat_7:1).
(3) Thou art to hate their sins, yet love them (Psa_99:8).
2. They wronged me.
(1) Thou knowest not but their iniquity was thy good, as in Josephs brethren.
(2) Thou hast injured God (Mat_6:14-15).
(3) Their sins cannot absolve thee from thy duty.
3. But they are still my enemies. Then thou hast a special command to love them (Mat_5:44; Mat_5:46). (Bp. Beveridge.)
Kindness, words of: their influence
Good words do more than hard speeches, as the sunbeams, without any noise, will make the traveller cast off his cloak, which all the blustering winds could not do, but only make him bind it closer to him. (Abp. Leighton.)
Brotherly love
All men are objects of Gods compassion; and we are required to approve ourselves His children by manifesting a like spirit of love towards all men (Lev_19:18; Luk_10:25-37). But as a man, while cherishing affection for every man, is required also to have special affection or his country, near kindred, and very specially his parents, wife, and children; so a Christian is required to cultivate a peculiar affection towards his fellow-Christians.
I. The ground or reason of this special brotherly affection. Their common special relationship to God and through Him to each other. They are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. The model for this love is the example furnished by Him who is the Firstborn among many brethren (Joh_15:12-13; 1Jn_3:16; Eph_4:32; Eph_5:1-2). The special reasons are--
1. The worlds hatred (Joh_15:18-19; Mar_10:28-30). It was doubtless in anticipation of the manifestation of this affection.
2. The more effectual advancement of Christs kingdom in the world (Joh_13:31-35; Joh_17:11-21).
3. That the mutual oversight and care necessary to promote each others spiritual perfection might be ensured (Php_2:4; 1Th_5:14; Heb_10:24; Col_3:16; Gal_5:13).
II. Its special characteristics.
1. Kindly or family affection. The word φιλόστοργος expresses properly the strong natural affection between parents and children. Love here is within a sacred enclosure, being more conscious of a common interest, and more profoundly affected by the joy or grief, the success or failure of any one within the circle. On this account it is more jealous of the character and reputation of its objects, because of the consciousness that anything disreputable on the part of one brings discredit, on the whole. It is also more sensitive, because of its greater intensity, being painfully alive to things which outside that sacred circle would hardly be considered worthy of notice.
2. Emulousness to take the lead in showing respect to the brethren. In honour preferring one another (Php_2:3). The apostles meaning is not that, in respect to honour, we are to strive to excel or to anticipate each other; although of course there is a sphere for legitimate rivalry. And as every one may lawfully covet earnestly the best gifts, so every one ought to endeavour so to excel in all goodness. But it is more agreeable to the context to render, In yielding, or giving honour to each other, taking the lead, i.e., Let every one of you so love the brethren as to set an example of true Christian courtesy. (W. Tyson.)
Brotherly love
I. It is possible to be in some measure kindly affectioned one to the other, without having that love of which the apostle speaks. There is a natural affection in mans heart--the love of parents and children, brothers and sisters. This affection may often be seen strongly in those who are strangers to true religion.
II. How greatly is this affection exalted when grafted with a higher principle of Christian love. The grace of God does not destroy natural affection, but increases and purifies.
1. It springs from higher and purer motives--from love to God and a sincere endeavour to obey the command of Christ, that we should love one another.
2. It aims at higher ends--the glory of God, and the spiritual good of those we love.
3. It gives more entire confidence one with another.
4. It is more certain, more steady.
5. It spreads wide. While it seeks first the happiness of those most near and dear, it embraces also all who are of the household of faith.
III. The ways in which this affection wilt show itself.
1. In the honourable preference of one another; in lowliness of mind, esteeming others better than ourselves.
2. In a constant kindness, obligingness, and courteousness; teaching us to avoid everything which is grating and painful to the feelings of others.
3. In bearing and forbearing much, and in readily forgiving.
4. In giving faithful counsel, and, if need be, faithful reproof to others.
5. In praying for others.
IV. Scriptural examples, to practise it.
1. Joseph.
2. Jonathan for David. (E. Blencowe, M.A.)
In honour preferring one another.
I. The honour done to others.
1. An acknowledgment of what is excellent in others.
(1) Authority (1Pe_2:17).
(2) Superiority.
(3) Virtue (Pro_12:26).
2. Expressed by outward signs (Gen_42:6; Act_26:25).
II. How are we to prefer one before another?
1. By having modest thoughts of ourselves (Pro_26:12).
2. By having a just esteem of others excellencies (1Pe_2:17).
3. By accounting all others better than ourselves (Php_2:3; Isa_65:5).
III. Why should we do so? It will--
1. Preserve peace.
2. Avoid confusion.
3. Manifest ourselves Christians. (Bp. Beveridge.)
The Biblical Illustrator, edited by Joseph S. Exell (c. 1880s–1900s) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
B. W. Johnson 1891 · Public Domain 10. With brotherly love. The brotherhood of the saints…
10. With brotherly love. The brotherhood of the saints was not a name only, but a real tie of tenderness and love; and each, in the spirit of true brotherhood, was to seek the honor of his Christian brother.
B. W. Johnson's The People's New Testament with Notes (1889–1891) — public domain. Electronic text from the Christian Classics Ethereal Library (CCEL) ThML edition.
William B. Godbey 1900 · Public Domain 10. “In brotherly love be kindly affectionate toward one…
10. “In brotherly love be kindly affectionate toward one another, in honor preferring one another.” This is a positive commandment of God that we are not only to be kind toward one another in brotherly love, but delight to honor one another, oblivious to our own honor. Timee, “honor,” also means financial remuneration. Hence, we see that forgetting all about our honor and recompense we are to simply look after others, trusting God so far as ourselves are concerned.
William B. Godbey, Commentary on the New Testament (1896–1900) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
J. W. McGarvey 1914 · Public Domain In love of the brethren be tenderly affectioned one…
In love of the brethren be tenderly affectioned one to another; in honor preferring one another ["tenderly affectioned" is a word compounded of philos, loving, and stergos, which is from stergeoo, to feel natural affection, as an animal for its offspring, a parent for its child, a near relative for his close kin. Its use here indicates that the church tie should rival that of the family. Christians should love each other "as natural brethren, and more. More close are the ties of the heart than of the body. We are brethren in Adam according to the flesh, in and by Christ according to the Spirit" (Trapp). "Preferring" means going before; hence guiding, setting an example. In matters of giving reverence, respect, and causing people to be held high in public estimation, Christians are to strive to outdo each other. The idea is that each should be more eager to confer honors than to obtain them. "Nothing," says Chrysostom, "tends so much to make friends as endeavoring to overcome one's neighbor in doing him honor." "The Talmudists," according to Bengel, "say, Whoever knows that his neighbor has been accustomed to salute him, should anticipate his salutation"];
J. W. McGarvey (with Philip Y. Pendleton), Commentaries on the New Testament (The Fourfold Gospel, 1914; Acts; and the epistles) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
Tyndale Open Study Notes 2022 · CC BY-SA 4.0 12:10 genuine affection: Literally brotherly love. Christians are to…
12:10 genuine affection: Literally brotherly love. Christians are to love each other with the mutual love and commitment that are found within a healthy family.
Tyndale Open Study Notes — © Tyndale Open Resources, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Text via the HelloAO Bible API.