Topical Encyclopedia FamilyThe concept of family is foundational in the Bible, beginning with the creation narrative in Genesis. God established the family unit with Adam and Eve, instructing them to "be fruitful and multiply" (Genesis 1:28). The family is seen as the primary social unit, ordained by God for companionship, procreation, and the nurturing of children. The Old Testament places significant emphasis on family lineage and heritage. The genealogies in Genesis and Chronicles underscore the importance of family ties and the transmission of faith and covenant promises through generations. The family is also the context for the transmission of God's laws and teachings, as seen in Deuteronomy 6:6-7: "These words I am commanding you today are to be upon your hearts. And you shall teach them diligently to your children" . In the New Testament, the family continues to hold a place of importance. Jesus affirms the sanctity of marriage and family, referencing the Genesis account: "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh" (Matthew 19:5). The Apostle Paul provides instructions for family relationships, emphasizing love, respect, and mutual submission (Ephesians 5:22-33). The family is also a metaphor for the Church, the body of Christ. Believers are described as members of God's household (Ephesians 2:19), and God is referred to as Father, highlighting the familial relationship between God and His people. Friends Friendship is another significant theme in the Bible, with numerous examples and teachings on the value and characteristics of true friendship. The relationship between David and Jonathan is a notable example of deep, covenantal friendship. Their bond is described as one of loyalty and selflessness, with Jonathan going so far as to protect David from his own father, King Saul (1 Samuel 18:1-4). Proverbs offers wisdom on friendship, highlighting the importance of choosing friends wisely: "The righteous choose their friends carefully, but the way of the wicked leads them astray" (Proverbs 12:26). True friends are described as those who love at all times and provide support in adversity (Proverbs 17:17). In the New Testament, Jesus exemplifies the ultimate friend, laying down His life for others. He tells His disciples, "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends" (John 15:13). Jesus' relationship with His disciples models friendship based on love, sacrifice, and shared mission. The early Church also reflects the importance of friendship and community. Believers are encouraged to "encourage one another and build one another up" (1 Thessalonians 5:11), demonstrating the role of friendship in spiritual growth and mutual edification. In summary, both family and friends are integral to the biblical narrative, serving as contexts for love, instruction, and the living out of God's commandments. They are seen as gifts from God, meant to reflect His love and foster a community that honors Him. Topical Bible Verses Genesis 1:28And God blessed them, and God said to them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth. Topicalbible.org Psalm 127:3 1 Corinthians 10:31 Ephesians 5:22-33 Greek 2398. idios -- one's own, distinct ... to one, private, personal; one's own people, one's own family, home, property ... word Definition one's own, distinct NASB Word Usage due (1), friends (1), himself ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2398.htm - 8k Library Carey's Family and Friends Last Years Letter vi. Associates and Friends. "Thou Canst Make Me Clean" Anxieties and Troubles, Friends and Foes Of the [Temple And] Cities that were Built by Herod and Erected ... Preface A Warning against Hypocrisy Life of Jerome. St. Catherine of Siena as Seen in Her Letters Resources Are family devotions important? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Jesus Family Tomb? Has the lost tomb of Jesus Christ been discovered? | GotQuestions.org Should there be hierarchy in the family? | GotQuestions.org Family: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Family of Saints: Be Duly Regulated Family of Saints: Deceivers and Liars should be Removed From Family of Saints: Live in Mutual Forbearance Family of Saints: Live in Unity Family of Saints: Punishment of Irreligious Family of Saints: Rejoice Together Before God Family of Saints: should be Taught God's Word Family of Saints: Warned Against Departing from God Family of Saints: Worship God Together Family: Good: Jailor of Philippi Family: Good: Lazarus of Bethany Family: Infelicity in David and Michal Family: Infelicity in Elkanah, on Account of Bigamic Feuds Family: Infelicity in Moses and Zipporah Family: Infelicity In of Abraham, on Account of Hagar Family: Infelicity In of Isaac, on Account of the Disagreement Between Jacob and Esau Family: Infelicity In of Jacob, the Bigamic Jealousy Between Leah and Rachel Family: Persian, Domestic Customs Related Terms |
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