Topical Encyclopedia The term "Love-Feast" refers to a communal meal shared among early Christians, symbolizing fellowship, unity, and mutual love within the body of Christ. This practice is rooted in the agape love that characterizes Christian relationships, as described in the New Testament. The Love-Feast is distinct from the Lord's Supper, although the two were often closely associated in the early church.Biblical Context and Practice The Love-Feast is not explicitly named in the New Testament, but its practice is inferred from several passages. In Jude 1:12 , the apostle Jude warns against false teachers, describing them as "blemishes at your love feasts, eating with you without the slightest qualm—shepherds who feed only themselves." This indicates that the Love-Feast was a well-established practice by the time of Jude's writing, serving as an occasion for believers to gather in fellowship and express their love for one another. The Love-Feast likely had its origins in the communal meals shared by Jesus and His disciples, such as the feeding of the five thousand (Matthew 14:13-21) and the Last Supper (Matthew 26:26-29). These meals emphasized sharing, gratitude, and the breaking of bread as a sign of unity and remembrance of Christ's sacrifice. Early Church Practice In the early church, the Love-Feast was a regular part of Christian worship and community life. It provided an opportunity for believers to come together, share a meal, and support one another, particularly the poor and needy among them. The Love-Feast was a tangible expression of the early Christians' commitment to living out the commandment to "love one another" (John 13:34). The Apostle Paul addresses issues related to communal meals in 1 Corinthians 11:20-22 , where he criticizes the Corinthian church for their conduct during the Lord's Supper, which was likely connected to the Love-Feast. Paul admonishes them for divisions and selfish behavior, urging them to wait for one another and to eat at home if they are hungry, so that their gatherings would not result in judgment. Theological Significance The Love-Feast holds significant theological importance as it embodies the principles of agape love, fellowship, and equality within the Christian community. It serves as a reminder of the believers' shared identity in Christ and their responsibility to care for one another. The Love-Feast also reflects the eschatological hope of the Messianic Banquet, where all believers will partake in the eternal feast with Christ in His kingdom (Revelation 19:9). Historical Development and Decline Over time, the practice of the Love-Feast evolved and eventually declined in prominence. By the fourth century, the Love-Feast began to be distinguished more clearly from the Eucharist, and its practice varied among different Christian communities. Factors contributing to its decline included concerns over abuses, such as those mentioned by Paul, and the increasing formalization of Christian liturgy. Despite its decline, the Love-Feast has experienced periodic revivals throughout church history, particularly among groups seeking to emphasize community and fellowship. Today, some Christian denominations, such as the Moravians and certain Methodist and Anabaptist traditions, continue to observe the Love-Feast as a meaningful expression of Christian love and unity. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia LOVE-FEASTluv'-fest. Greek 26. agape -- love, goodwill ... charity, love. From agapao; love, ie Affection or benevolence; specially (plural) a love-feast -- (feast of) charity(-ably), dear, love. see GREEK agapao. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/26.htm - 7k Library His Religious Experience. Tries to be a Methodist. Hopes to Become ... Let Nothing be done Without the Bishop. Subject Index That by Men who are Fasting Sacrifices are to be Offered to God. If Anyone Shall Despise those who Out of Faith Make Love-Feasts ... Neither they of the Priesthood, nor Clergymen, nor Laymen... The American Experiments, 1734-1762. The British Collapse, 1760-1801. Christian Worship, Life at Herrnhut. Thesaurus LovefeastLovefeast. Lovedst, Lovefeast. Love-feast . Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia ... luv'-fest. See AGAPE. Lovedst, Lovefeast. Love-feast . Reference Bible. /l/lovefeast.htm - 6k Love-feast Agape Feet (2931 Occurrences) Washing (56 Occurrences) Love-feasts (1 Occurrence) Lovedst (4 Occurrences) Drunkenness (10 Occurrences) Worship (332 Occurrences) Resources What is a love feast? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about love? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean that the greatest of these is love? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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