Topical Bible: Love Feasts

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Topical Encyclopedia

Definition and Origin
Love Feasts, also known as "Agape Feasts," were communal meals shared by early Christians, reflecting the love and unity among believers. The term "agape" is derived from the Greek word for love, emphasizing selfless, sacrificial love that mirrors the love of Christ. These gatherings were an integral part of the early Christian community, serving both as a means of fellowship and as an expression of the believers' shared faith and commitment to one another.

Biblical References
The concept of Love Feasts is alluded to in the New Testament, though not extensively detailed. One of the primary 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, twice dead, uprooted" (Jude 1:12). This passage warns against those who partake in these feasts with impure motives, highlighting the importance of sincerity and genuine love in these gatherings.

Additionally, the Apostle Paul addresses issues related to communal meals in 1 Corinthians. While not explicitly named as Love Feasts, the context suggests a similar practice: "When you come together, it is not the Lord’s Supper you eat. For as you eat, each of you goes ahead without waiting for anybody else. One remains hungry, another gets drunk" (1 Corinthians 11:20-21). Paul admonishes the Corinthian church for their lack of consideration and unity during these meals, urging them to approach the Lord's Supper with reverence and mutual respect.

Historical Context
In the early church, Love Feasts were closely associated with the Eucharist or the Lord's Supper. These gatherings were often held in private homes, where believers would share a meal, pray, and partake in the breaking of bread. The Love Feast served as a tangible expression of the early Christians' commitment to living out the teachings of Jesus, particularly His command to love one another as He loved them (John 13:34).

Over time, the practice of Love Feasts evolved and became distinct from the Eucharist. By the end of the first century, concerns about abuses and misunderstandings led to a separation of the communal meal from the sacramental observance of the Lord's Supper. Despite this separation, the spirit of the Love Feast continued to influence Christian fellowship and communal worship.

Theological Significance
Love Feasts hold significant theological importance as they embody the principles of Christian love, unity, and community. They serve as a reminder of the early church's commitment to living out the Gospel in practical ways, fostering a sense of belonging and mutual care among believers. The practice underscores the belief that Christian love is not merely an abstract concept but a lived reality that manifests in tangible acts of kindness and hospitality.

The Love Feast also reflects the eschatological hope of the Christian faith, pointing to the future Messianic banquet where believers will gather in perfect unity and fellowship with Christ. This anticipation of the heavenly feast encourages Christians to live in harmony and love, as a foretaste of the eternal communion they will enjoy with their Savior.

Contemporary Practice
While the formal practice of Love Feasts has diminished in many Christian traditions, the underlying principles continue to influence modern expressions of Christian fellowship. Some denominations, such as the Moravian Church and the Methodist Church, have preserved the tradition of Love Feasts, incorporating them into their worship and community life. These gatherings often include shared meals, hymns, prayers, and testimonies, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose among participants.

In contemporary Christian communities, the spirit of the Love Feast is often reflected in communal meals, fellowship events, and acts of service, emphasizing the importance of love and unity in the body of Christ.

Smith's Bible Dictionary

Love Feasts

(Agape), (2 Peter 2:13; Jude 1:12) an entertainment in which the poorer members of the church partook, furnished from the contributions of Christians resorting to the eucharistic celebration, but whether before or after may be doubted. The true account of the matter is probably that given by Chrysostom, who says that after the early community of goods had ceased the richer members brought to the church contributions of food and drink, of which, after the conclusion of the services and the celebration of the Lord's Supper, all partook together, by this means helping to promote the principle of love among Christians. The intimate connection especially in early times, between the Eucharist itself and the love feasts has led some to speak of them as identical. The love feasts were forbidden to be held in churches by the Council of Laudicea, A.D. 320; but in some form or other they continued to a much later period.

Greek

26. agape -- love, goodwill
... Word Origin from agapao Definition love, goodwill NASB Word Usage beloved (1), love
(1), love (112), love feasts (1), love's (1). charity, love. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/26.htm - 7k

Library

If Anyone Shall Despise those who Out of Faith Make Love-Feasts ...
... Ecumenical Synods. Canon XI. If anyone shall despise those who out of
faith make love-feasts and invite the brethren? If anyone ...
/.../schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/canon xi if anyone shall.htm

It is not Permitted to Hold Love Feasts, as they are Called...
... Canon XXVIII. It is not permitted to hold love feasts, as they are called? ... Beds shall
not be set up in churches, nor shall love feasts be held there. Hefele. ...
/.../schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/canon xxviii it is not.htm

The Epistle of Judas
... The close connexion of sex and religion produced moral aberrations which 8 Judas
calls a pollution of the flesh; the primitive love-feasts (ver.12), where men ...
/.../moffat/the general epistles james peter and judas/the epistle of judas.htm

Sad Fasts Changed to Glad Feasts
... fifth, and the fast of the seventh, and the fast of the tenth, shall be to the house
of Judah joy and gladness, and cheerful feasts; therefore love the truth ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 38 1892/sad fasts changed to glad.htm

How to Conduct Ourselves at Feasts.
... The Instructor: Book II. Chapter IV."How to Conduct Ourselves at Feasts. ... And let
love, and intoxication, and senseless passions, be removed from our choir. ...
/.../clement/the instructor paedagogus/chapter iv how to conduct ourselves.htm

Church Discipline.
... in the idolatrous feasts of the heathen, the tendency to uncleanness, and a scandalous
profanation of the holy Supper or the love-feasts connected with it. ...
/.../history of the christian church volume i/section 63 church discipline.htm

'Love Buildeth Up'
... it may be solved in one way, but if from that of love, it will be ... was fully convinced
of these truths, he could partake of sacrificial feasts without danger to ...
/.../maclaren/romans corinthians to ii corinthians chap v/love buildeth up.htm

The Appeal to Parliament, 1742-1749.
... adventurous use of the Lot, had a curious method of discovering and purging out
the accursed thing, pledged each other in liquor at their love-feasts, and had ...
/.../hutton/history of the moravian church/chapter xii the appeal to.htm

The Family of a Saint
... This was a residue of pagan superstition among the Christians. These pious
agapae, or love-feasts, often turned into disgusting orgies. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bertrand/saint augustin/ii the family of a.htm

Let us Stand Aloof from Such Heretics.
... [1017] Literally, "die disputing.". [1018] Literally, "to love." Some think
there is a reference to the agap??, or love-feasts. [1019 ...
/.../the epistle of ignatius to the smyrnaeans/chapter vii let us stand aloof.htm