Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Origin Love-feasts, also known as "agape feasts," were communal meals shared by early Christians, reflecting the love and unity within the body of Christ. The term "agape" is derived from the Greek word for love, emphasizing selfless, sacrificial love that is central to Christian teaching. These gatherings were intended to strengthen fellowship among believers and to provide for the needs of the poor within the community. Biblical References The concept of love-feasts is alluded to in the New Testament, though not extensively detailed. One of the clearest references is found in the Epistle of Jude: "These are the ones who are hidden reefs in your love feasts when they feast with you without fear, caring for themselves; clouds without water, carried along by winds; autumn trees without fruit, doubly dead, uprooted" (Jude 1:12). This passage warns against individuals who partake in these feasts with impure motives, highlighting the importance of sincerity and integrity in communal worship. Additionally, the Apostle Paul addresses issues related to communal meals in 1 Corinthians. While not explicitly named as love-feasts, the gatherings described in 1 Corinthians 11:20-22 reflect similar practices: "Now then, when you come together, it is not the Lord’s Supper you eat. For as you eat, each of you goes ahead without sharing his meal. While one remains hungry, another gets drunk. Don’t you have your own homes in which to eat and drink? Or do you despise the church of God and humiliate those who have nothing?" . Paul admonishes the Corinthian church for their lack of consideration and unity during these meals, urging them to remember the true purpose of their gatherings. Historical Context In the early church, love-feasts were closely associated with the Lord's Supper, though they were distinct from the Eucharistic celebration. These meals were opportunities for believers to express their love for one another and to demonstrate the unity of the church. They often included the sharing of food and resources, ensuring that all members, especially the needy, were cared for. The practice of love-feasts can be traced back to the communal meals of the early Jerusalem church, as described in Acts 2:46: "With one accord they continued to meet daily in the temple courts and to break bread from house to house, sharing their meals with gladness and sincerity of heart" . This spirit of generosity and fellowship was foundational to the early Christian community. Theological Significance Love-feasts embody the Christian principle of agape love, which is central to the teachings of Jesus Christ. They serve as a tangible expression of the commandment to "love one another" (John 13:34) and reflect the unity and equality of all believers in Christ. The practice underscores the importance of community, hospitality, and the sharing of resources, aligning with the broader biblical themes of justice and compassion. Decline and Legacy Over time, the practice of love-feasts declined, partly due to abuses and misunderstandings, as well as the formalization of the Eucharistic celebration. However, the spirit of the love-feast continues to influence Christian fellowship and communal practices. In some Christian traditions, love-feasts have been revived as a means of fostering community and expressing Christian love, often taking the form of shared meals or fellowship gatherings. The legacy of love-feasts is evident in the ongoing emphasis on hospitality, charity, and unity within the church, serving as a reminder of the early Christian commitment to living out the love of Christ in tangible ways. Greek 26. agape -- love, goodwill ... Noun, Feminine Transliteration: agape Phonetic Spelling: (ag-ah'-pay) Short Definition: love Definition: love, benevolence, good will, esteem; plur: love-feasts ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/26.htm - 7k Library If Anyone Shall Despise those who Out of Faith Make Love-Feasts ... It is not Permitted to Hold Love Feasts, as they are Called... The Epistle of Judas The Seven Ecumenical Councils The Battle of the Books, 1749-1755. The American Experiments, 1734-1762. The Family of a Saint From the Conference of 1773 to the Commencement of the War in 1776 Let us Stand Aloof from Such Heretics. The Appeal to Parliament, 1742-1749. Thesaurus Love-feasts (1 Occurrence)Love-feasts. Love-feast, Love-feasts. Love-fruits . Multi-Version Concordance Love-feasts (1 Occurrence). Jude 1:12 These men--sunken rocks! ... /l/love-feasts.htm - 6k Feet (2931 Occurrences) Washing (56 Occurrences) Jude (4 Occurrences) Qualm (1 Occurrence) Unseen (18 Occurrences) Unrestrained (3 Occurrences) Uprooted (29 Occurrences) Late (24 Occurrences) Love-feast Resources What is a love feast? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Brethren Church / Church of the Brethren? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about eating food/meat that has been sacrificed to idols? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Love-feasts (1 Occurrence)Jude 1:12 Subtopics Related Terms |
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