That expression—which has been repeated for centuries—is: “Behold, how they love one another.”. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. That they all may be one; as Thou, Father, art in Me, and I in Thee, that they also may be one in Us: that the world may believe that Thou hast sent Me (Jn. They were joined to one another with holy love. They assemble together as a body. In more liberal churches, where sermons were preached against the war and in support of civil rights, pastors often found themselves at odds with their deacons, and at times fired from their jobs. The language and sentiments of so many American people were just too angry and intolerant for me. These Christians lived, what Jesus commanded, “Love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. Every morning and every hour they give thanks and praise to God for His loving-kindnesses toward them; and for their food and their drink they offer thanksgiving to Him. Some churches have applied this command literally, establishing moments in the church year for ‘foot-washing services’, usually on Maundy Thursday. "Look," they say, "how they love one another" (for they themselves hate one another); "and how they are ready to die for each other" (for they themselves are readier to kill each other). I wonder how many people look at us and say the same. And I pray that when people write our histories, they will say of us what has been said of those living in Tertullian’s second century era, “Behold, how they love one another.” May that be our deepest and most lasting legacy. Justin Martyr (ca. For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you.” (John 13:13-15). They do not worship strange gods, and they go their way in all modesty and cheerfulness. That type of love is so rarely seen, it would seem peculiar. In the latter part of the second century, the Christian leader Tertullian wrote a defense of Christian practice called the Apologia. **The full text of The Apology of Aristides contains even more treasures. And I pray that when people write our histories, they will say of us what has been said of those living in Tertullian’s second century era, “Behold, how they love one another.” May that be our deepest and most lasting legacy. Set to a simple tune the words “They will know we are Christians by our love, by our love; they will know that we are Christians by our love.” became a bright and shining light to our generation of young believers. Sometime in middle age he converted to Christianity and was ordained a presbyter (i.e., priest or elder) in Carthage. Once we commit to follow the Lord, we also commit to love others. These Christians’ love was so clearly demonstrated in actions, that the sincerity of their heart was undeniable. These Christians’ love was so clearly demonstrated in actions, that the sincerity of their heart was undeniable. The first great North African theologian was Tertullian(ca. “Behold, how they love another!” The origin of this phrase is generally attributed to Aristides the Athenian (or maybe as a reaction to Aristides’ description of Christians). . In reading translations of The Apology of Aristides we don’t find the precise phrase, “Behold, how they love one another.” Yet, that deduction certainly seems fitting from Aristides’ description of the early Church. Fresh in our memories were the riots that had ravaged many of our cities. It ought to still be said of followers of Christ, “Behold, how they love one another! For this reason the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. The older I … And when they see a stranger, they take him in to their homes and rejoice over him as a very brother; for they do not call them brethren after the flesh, but brethren after the spirit and in God. . Love was the fire of the martyrs. “See how they love one another!” they would remark. They do not worship strange gods, and they go their way in all modesty and cheerfulness. In his talk that day, Stott said, “If the love in our hearts is Christ’s love, we shall not shrink from sacrificial service, from a service which is costly in energy, dignity, money or time. See how they love each other, indeed, but … Jesus said: "By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." Jesus rises from the table, puts on the apron of a slave, gathers a basin of water, and then systematically begins washing the feet of his disciples. The drop-out told my friend that this was the kind of thing one might see in a bar but shouldn’t see in a church. In the following excerpt, he begins by talking about the church’s use of money. And they strive to be righteous as those who expect to behold their Messiah, and to receive from Him with great glory the promises made concerning them. As I have loved you, so you also must love one another. Well... We treat them nice because we want them to like us. Around 200AD, Tertullian wrote the following quote as an expression of the astonishment the pagans of the day had when they witnessed the love and caring among the Christians: "See how they love one another." John R. W. Stott, given at Intervarsity Christian Fellowship’s Urbana Missions Conference, 1970. for their sake the glorious things which are in the world flow forth to view. Falsehood is not found among them; and they love one another, and from widows they do not turn away their esteem; and they deliver the orphan from him who treats him harshly. Raised in a pagan family, he was educated in Latin grammar, rhetoric, and philosophy—the standard curriculum for boys who wished to become lawyers or civil servants in the Roman government. Below is an excerpt from, The Apology of Aristides, as translated by D. M. Kay, taken from the Syriac version. SERMON: It is one of my peculiarities, that I look to the past – the very distant past, to find clues to a meaningful life in the present. Falsehood is not found among them; and they love one another, and from widows they do not turn away their esteem; and they deliver the orphan from him who treats him harshly. This letter was entitled. Aristides wrote about how Christians conducted themselves, and how deeply they cared for others. 2 Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be. The era of Civil Rights is past, it seems, and its accomplishments have been significant and profoundly important. And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Praising God, and having favour with all the people. .” [2]. This suggests the Emperor was so impressed with Aristides’ writing that he didn’t discard it but, instead, released the letter for public viewing. How they love one another." Whether it was Stott’s economy of language, his careful analysis of scripture, or simply his eloquent British accent, I remember to this day certain things he said that day – even the title of his talk, “The Foot-Washing Lord and Savior.” My memory of his talk has been refreshed by my discovery of it on the web, and so it forms something of a foundation for my sermon today from John 13. Given his training and distinguished career, he anticipated being put to work in the schooling of the sisters or, at the very least, as a chaplain to the dying. Love One Another John 13:34 A new commandment I give you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you are to love one another. We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is. That they all may be one; as Thou, Father, art in Me, and I in Thee, that they also may be one in Us: that the world may believe that Thou hast sent Me (Jn. The teacher that day was the Rev. . 34 A new commandment () I give to you, () that you love one another: () just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. Aristides’ letter and its content apparently became well-known outside of the Emperor’s household and staff; as it is mentioned in historical writings by Eusebius of Caesarea, Eusebius Sophronius Hieronymus (aka. The love he gave to them was love modeled after that first seen in our ‘foot-washing Lord and Savior’. As men who know God, they ask from Him petitions which are fitting for Him to grant and for them to receive. They do not worship strange gods, and they go their way in all modesty and cheerfulness. How does every member of a congregation count the interests of every member of the congregation as more important than their own? And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved” (Acts 2:44-47). And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Praising God, and having favour with all the people. He states that we can love one another earnestly because the seed from which our new life in Christ sprang is imperishable. I have noticed that a lot of time and effort is spent around here by people trying to make things grow. She is a California native and currently studies Philosophy and Religion at Hillsdale College in Michigan. That is, we only can tell the world that God sent Jesus Christ to mankind—the most important thing in … 17:21). Earlier in chapter 13 of John Jesus gives us his take on this command. I Peter 4:7-11. Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. What would that look like? I have often preached on love, and have often heard a question that goes something like this: “How shall I love someone that I don’t like?” The world abounds in people who are difficult to love, so what are we to do? See, they say, how they love one another, for they themselves are animated by mutual hatred. Jesus answered, “Where I am going, you cannot follow Me now, but you will follow later.”… See, they say, how they love one another, for themselves are animated by mutual hatred; how they are ready even to die for one another, for they themselves will sooner put to death. Falsehood is not found among them.” “They love one another in action, not just words.” Aristides noted that “they love one another; the widows’ needs are not ignored, and they rescue … They do not worship strange gods, and they go their way in all modesty and cheerfulness. And verily, they are those who found the truth when they went about and made search for it; and from what we considered, we learned that they alone come near to a knowledge of the truth. They still hold true today. I have noticed that a lot of time and effort is spent around here by people trying to make things grow. Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. McCain quietly and courageously answered, ‘This is not what our country is all about.” Yesterday, searching for the exact words that were used, I scanned a dozen or more articles before giving up. Tertullian is now called the “Father of Latin Theology,” but he was not the first theologian of the West. Love is the wisdom and power of God. It is enough for us to have shortly informed your Majesty concerning the conduct and the truth of the Christians. . When we realize the true character of some unsaved people, or the values they have, or the way they treat other people, why do we as Christians put up with them? Such, O King, is the commandment of the law of the Christians, and such is their manner of life. Further, as outsiders considered the expressions of love shown by these Christians, they consequently had to consider the source of that love—who is Jesus Christ. And further if they see that any one of them dies in his ungodliness or in his sins, for him they grieve bitterly, and sorrow as for one who goes to meet his doom. They do not worship strange gods, and they go their way in all modesty and cheerfulness. “Behold, how they love another!” The origin of this phrase is generally attributed to Aristides the Athenian (or maybe as a reaction to Aristides’ description of Christians). It was said of the early Christians, "Behold, how they love one another." Tertullian contrasts holy Christian love of the brethren with the sexual depravities of Roman culture, and then he goes on to describe Christian love feasts. In 1966, Peter Scholtes, published the hymn, They’ll know we are Christians by our Love. Box 187, As an Open and Affirming congregation, we welcome people of all ages, races, lifestyles, and sexual orientation. - posted by MaryJane, on: 2011/1/16 9:01 One of the most profound comments made regarding the early church came from the lips of a man named Aristides, sen t by the Emperor Hadrian to spy out those strange creatures known as "Christians." And I pray that when people write our histories, they will say of us what has been said of those living in Tertullian’s second century era, “Behold, how they love one another.” May that be our deepest and most lasting legacy. Aristides was an early second-. “For, “ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Purchase online – sites available in 5 countries, James Callen – Follower of Jesus Christ, Bible teacher, and award-winning Christian author, Love one another in Christ: Christian example from the early Church. We are not doing a very good job of teaching the importance of love. I think you’ll be surprised at what he says: “There is no buying and selling of any sort in the things of God. . century Greek Christian and philosopher who presented a letter of defense to the reigning Caesar (Emperor), Hadrian. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” In so doing, Stott was drawing upon a very ancient understanding of what it means to be the church. Now turn with me in the New Testament to The Acts of the Apostles. Falsehood is not found among them; and they love one another, and from widows they do not turn away their esteem; and they deliver the orphan from him who treats him harshly. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. He explains "they ask from Him petitions which are proper for Him to give and for them to receive: and thus they accomplish the course of their lives." This letter was entitled, The Apology of Aristides, and delivered to Emperor Hadrian circa 124-133 AD. They confess their faith in the triune God at stand with their fellow Christians even at the cost of their own lives. . Pray. That is, we only can tell the world that God sent Jesus Christ to mankind—the most important thing in … He learned in those few moment, and in that day of carefully clipping the nails of the ill and dying, the meaning of humble service. 35 By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another. It ought to still be said of followers of Christ, “Behold, how they love one another! In Aristides’ writings describing early second-century Christians, he gives firsthand observation and testimony about how Christians had continued to demonstrate great devotedness and selflessness towards others. Love was the power of early Christian witness to the Resurrected Christ. Children of God Love One Another 1 See how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we would be called children of God; and such we are. , and delivered to Emperor Hadrian circa 124-133 AD. Love One Another Tip #1. They were free from anxiety because they knew that tomorrow was in God’s hands. Is (God) calling us to work with penitence and without paternalism in a rundown inner city area or ghetto? Love One Another Tip #1. Though we have our treasure-chest, it is not made up of purchase-money, as of a religion that has its price. Aristides was an early second-century Greek Christian and philosopher who presented a letter of defense to the reigning Caesar (Emperor), Hadrian. "Behold how they love one another..." 3 How do we love one another? Or are we meant to offer our lives in Christ’s service in a developing country abroad – as a doctor, nurse, teacher, agriculturalist or social worker – when it would be more lucrative and more respectable to pursue our profession at home?” Then Stott really pushed his audience, arguing that they needed to learn to love those whom most in America’s church scorned – the counter-culture, free-sex, drug-addicted, dropping-out-of-society ‘hippies.’. In this and many ways our ‘Christian’ land is polarized, and our religion doesn’t seem to be much help in moderating the discussions. After reading what Aristides wrote, most would likely marvel at the example of these Christians. Addressing the 13,000 evangelical and fundamentalist young people, he challenged his listeners to consider their calling to serve, asking, “Is (God) calling us to spend time with somebody who is lonely or emotionally unstable or mentally sick, when we would rather relax with our friends? Thursday, March 28, 2019 Earlier this week, the world learned that Pope Francis is uncomfortable letting lay people kiss his papal ring. This can be found in Tertullian's "Apology," Chapter 39.7 (circa 200 A.D). Just as Stott that day challenged his listeners to love sacrificially so I ask you to love sacrificially and humbly. They do not worship idols (made) in the image of man; and whatsoever they would not that others should do unto them, they do not to others; and of the food which is consecrated to idols they do not eat, for they are pure. From a world-view, these Christians must’ve been seemed “peculiar.” Not in a negative sense, but in the genuineness and graciousness of their love. They honour father and mother, and show kindness to those near to them; and whenever they are judges, they judge uprightly. 100–ca. They observe the precepts of their Messiah with much care, living justly and soberly as the Lord their God commanded them. Falsehood is not found among them; and they love one another, and from widows they do not turn away their esteem; and they deliver the orphan from him who treats him harshly. There was little support in the Baptist church I attended for the important work that Martin Luther King Jr. was doing to end segregation, and only scorn for those who were burning their draft cards in an effort to bring to an end a horribly unjust war. Aristides was an early second-century Greek Christian and philosopher who presented a letter of defense to the reigning Caesar (Emperor), Hadrian. [1] “The Foot-Washing Lord and Savior” An Exposition of John 13 by the Rev. In the New Testament, the world always refers to the love of Christians for one another. "Behold! Falsehood is not found among them; and they love one another… And he who has, gives to him who has not, without boasting. C. Acts teaches us about the worldwide mission of … - (2) The demand which this glorification would make on the mutual fidelity and affection of the disciples. As you already know, I served in the parish for more than 35 years – 25 of them in neighboring Lebanon – before receiving this call, and I learned a long time ago that the Meriden Congregational United Church of Christ had a significant voice that was being heard in the Upper Valley, the New Hampshire Conference, and even the wider United Church of Christ – a voice of compassion, of voice at once deeply spiritual and rooted in the present reality, a voice urging justice and peace in our world. Just as the second century author of the book of Revelation looked to the promises and hopes of earlier Jewish Apocalyptic writers to provide encouragement and hope for his/her readers, readers enmeshed in very difficult circumstances, so I look to the writings of first and second century followers of Christ to find meaning for the present and future of our church. In 1966, Peter Scholtes, published the hymn, “Behold, how they love another!” The origin of this phrase is generally attributed to Aristides the Athenian (or maybe as a reaction to Aristides’ description of Christians). Aristides did write, “and they love one another,” about the early Christians. Indeed, we find ourselves living in a society that is growing increasingly fractured. One recent evening I watch a televised moment in John McCain’s campaign for re-election to the U. S. Senate, in which a visibly angry white male shouted “shoot, bury, and shut up” about them. Their piety is as much an inward reality as it is an outward act. As our sign says, “All Are Welcome.”, A spiritually progressive, open and affirming, congregation of the United Church of Christ, Updated UCC website offers much more than just a new look, Video series, coming seminars show how focus on generosity can invigorate congregations, ‘Crazy big’ Christmas gift brightens Nebraska city, helps kids. And when they see a stranger, they take him in to their own homes and rejoice over him as a … And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved” (Acts 2:44-47). Though some protest, he moves from disciple to disciple washing their feet – the argumentative Simon Peter gets his feet washed; the sometimes sarcastic and skeptical Thomas gets his feet washed; even Judas whom Jesus knows to be plotting his act of betrayal, gets his feet washed. Some years ago, a distinguished colleague of mine, well-schooled in the discipline of biblical studies and a skilled preacher of the Gospel, took a sabbatical in which he visited Mother Theresa’s home of the indigent in Calcutta, India. Just as Stott that day challenged his listeners to love sacrificially so I ask you to love sacrificially and humbly. And he, who has, gives to him who has not, without boasting. 160–220). See, they say about us, how they are ready even to die for one another, for they themselves would sooner kill." “May the words of my mouth, and the meditations of our hearts, be acceptable in Thy sight, O Lord, our Strength and our Redeemer. On his first day there, as the volunteers lined up for their assignments, he was surprised when he was handed a pair of nail clippers and assigned the task of clipping the nails of those who were too ill to clip their own. I don’t pretend that what I say will alter the course of this church’s history one bit, but I am delighted that I have been given the opportunity to speak in your midst and to your future. As Simon Peter wrote, “see that you love one another with a pure heart fervently” (1 Peter 1:22). One of the most loving things that we can do for each other as a church family is to pray for one another. Stephen P. White. “And all that believed were together, and had all things common; And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. In chapters 15 and 16, Aristides describes the commandments of God and claims Christians "walk in all humility and kindness, and falsehood is not found among them, and they love one another." Still, as believers, we would be negligent to only read about the early Church and marvel at their love without also making a self-examination. And verily, this is a new people, and there is something divine (lit: “a divine admixture”) in the midst of them. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one anoth. When we gathered on that day in December 1970, we were momentarily stepping out of a country at war with itself , to consider our calling to be Christian young people. Tag Archives: Aristides behold how they love one another “The Growing Christian Life” (I Peter 1:22 sermon) Posted on 2019/06/24 by Shawn Thomas. We began to look at the Book of Acts about a month ago, and we come now this evening to the closing section of chapter 2, and beginning at verse 42 and reading to the end of the chapter. Further, as outsiders considered the expressions of love shown by these Christians, they consequently had to consider the source of that love—who is Jesus Christ. And when we do so, may the world say of us what one ancient non-believer said of the early Church: “Behold, how they love one another.” Taryn Murphy is a summer intern with the Creative Services department at Focus on the Family.

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