Lexical Summary philanthrópia: Love for mankind, kindness, benevolence Original Word: φιλανθρωπία Strong's Exhaustive Concordance kindness, love towards man. From the same as philanthropos; fondness of mankind, i.e. Benevolence ("philanthropy") -- kindness, love towards man. see GREEK philanthropos HELPS Word-studies 5363 philanthrōpía (from 5384 /phílos, "a friend" and 444 /ánthrōpos, "of mankind, people") – properly, a "friend (benefactor) of humanity"; a person who warmly loves others, treating them with the respect (benevolence) that befits each one being created in the image of God. 5363 /philanthrōpía ("a benefactor") actively shares kindness (what is needed) with others. [5363 (philanthrōpía) is the root of the English term, "philanthropy."] NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom philos and anthrópos Definition love for mankind, kindness NASB Translation kindness (1), love for mankind (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5363: φιλανθρωπίαφιλανθρωπία, φιλανθρωπίας, ἡ (φιλάνθρωπος), from Xenophon, and Plato down, love of mankind, benevolence (Vulg.humanitas) (R. V. kindness): Acts 28:2; Titus 3:4. (Cf. Field, Otium Norv. Pars 3:ad the passages cited.) Topical Lexicon Definition and Scope Philā́nthrōpia in Scripture describes an active, welcoming goodwill that seeks another’s welfare with no demand for return. It is more than general kindness; it is an eager, practical benevolence that flows from a heart turned outward in sacrificial concern. Occurrences in Scripture 1. Acts 28:2 records the inhabitants of Malta extending “extraordinary kindness” to Paul and the shipwrecked crew. Divine Philanthropy Revealed in Salvation (Titus 3:4) In Titus 3, God’s saving initiative is framed as the appearing of His benevolent love. The passage roots our salvation not in human merit but in the overflowing generosity of God. His philanthropy culminates in regeneration “through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit” (Titus 3:5). The divine character thus defines true benevolence: self-giving, undeserved, and effectual. Human Philanthropy Illustrated in Acts (Acts 28:2) Luke highlights Maltese hospitality to demonstrate that common grace can reflect divine kindness even among those without prior gospel knowledge. Their actions—building a fire, offering shelter, meeting urgent needs—model tangible expressions of concern. Paul’s subsequent healing ministry (Acts 28:8-9) returns benevolence with benevolence, showing how philanthropic acts can open doors for gospel witness. Old Testament Foundations Though the Greek term is New Testament, the concept pervades the Hebrew Scriptures. Commandments concerning the foreigner, the widow, and the orphan (Deuteronomy 10:18-19) reveal God’s benevolent heart. Proverbs 19:17 affirms, “Kindness to the poor is a loan to the LORD,” prefiguring the philanthropic spirit later captured in the term used by Paul and Luke. Christ as the Embodiment of Philanthropy Jesus’ ministry consistently displays practical love: feeding multitudes (Matthew 15:32), touching lepers (Mark 1:41), weeping at a tomb (John 11:35), and ultimately giving His life as a ransom (Mark 10:45). Each act translates divine benevolence into flesh-and-blood reality, fulfilling the vision expressed in Titus 3:4. Practical Outworking in the Early Church Believers responded to God’s philanthropy by sharing possessions (Acts 4:34-35), supporting widows (Acts 6:1-6), and organizing famine relief (Acts 11:29-30). Such deeds were not adjunct to evangelism but integral, displaying the gospel’s transforming power and attracting outsiders (Acts 2:47). Historical Christian Witness The philanthropic impulse birthed hospitals, orphanages, and schools throughout Christian history. Fourth-century historian Eusebius lauded the church in Caesarea for remaining during plague to nurse the sick when others fled. Medieval monastic houses offered hospitality to travelers; Reformers established poorhouses; modern missions pioneered medical and educational work. Each movement traced its lineage to the benevolence unveiled in Titus 3:4. Application for Ministry Today 1. Motivation: Service springs from gratitude for God’s redeeming kindness, not mere humanitarianism (2 Corinthians 5:14-15). Summary Philā́nthrōpia encapsulates both God’s saving benevolence and the believer’s Spirit-empowered response. Rooted in divine character, illustrated in Christ, modeled by early disciples, and echoed through church history, it remains an essential hallmark of authentic Christian life and mission. Forms and Transliterations φιλανθρωπια φιλανθρωπία φιλανθρωπιαν φιλανθρωπίαν philanthropia philanthropía philanthrōpia philanthrōpía philanthropian philanthropían philanthrōpian philanthrōpíanLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Acts 28:2 N-AFSGRK: τὴν τυχοῦσαν φιλανθρωπίαν ἡμῖν ἅψαντες NAS: us extraordinary kindness; for because KJV: no little kindness: for they kindled INT: common kindness to us having kindled Titus 3:4 N-NFS Strong's Greek 5363 |
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