The Greek Meaning of Agape

The Meaning of Agape

In biblical contexts, *agape* denotes a selfless, sacrificial love that prioritizes the well-being of others over personal desire.

Scholars often contrast *agape* with *phileo* (familial or affectionate love) and *eros* (romantic or passionate love), emphasizing that *agape* is deliberate and unconditional. This distinction is foundational to understanding New Testament teachings, as seen in John 3:16, where God’s love for humanity is expressed through the sacrificial gift of Jesus Christ: 'For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.'

The *agape* described in John 3:16 exemplifies divine love as both universal in scope and active in expression, setting a theological framework for Christian ethics and relationships.

Agape in 1 Corinthians 13

In 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, Paul provides the New Testament’s most vivid portrait of *agape* as a transformative, self-sacrificial love.

The passage reads: 'Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.' Here, Paul enumerates *agape*'s defining traits—patience, humility, selflessness, and perseverance—contrasting it with prideful or vengeful impulses.

Paul elevates *agape* as the 'greater way' (1 Cor 12:31) because it transcends even spiritual gifts like prophecy or tongues, which lack lasting value without love.

This emphasis underscores *agape*'s centrality to Christian ethics, a theme that continues in the next section's exploration of its communal implications.

Agape in the Life of Jesus

Building on Paul’s emphasis, Jesus’ ministry concretely embodied *agape* through parables and actions that redefine love’s boundaries.

In the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37), Jesus challenges ethnic and social barriers by depicting a despised Samaritan who selflessly aids an injured stranger. The story’s climax—'Go and do likewise'—commands disciples to extend *agape* beyond personal preference or cultural norms. This parable, coupled with Jesus’ own sacrificial death (John 15:13), illustrates love as active, costly, and transformative.

John 13:1-17 further exemplifies *agape* in Jesus’ act of washing His disciples’ feet—a gesture of humility and service. By modeling this, Jesus declares, 'Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet,' framing *agape* as a communal ethic rooted in self-giving. These examples collectively reveal God’s character as one who pursues, serves, and sacrifices for humanity, setting the standard for Christian love.

Putting 'Agape' into Practice

Cultivating agape love requires intentional action rooted in Christ’s example, as believers are called to embody its selflessness in daily life.

1 John 3:18 commands, 'Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and truth,' guiding practical expressions of agape through tangible service, forgiveness, and prayer. Obstacles often include self-centeredness, pride, or neglecting to act on love’s demands. In relationships, this might mean choosing reconciliation over resentment or serving others without expectation of reward. Within communities, agape thrives when believers prioritize collective well-being over personal gain, even when it requires sacrifice or discomfort. Personal disciplines like prayer and Scripture meditation can also strengthen the resolve to love others as God has loved us.

Going Deeper

Scholars emphasize that agape's theological depth extends beyond individual practice to shape Christian understanding of God's nature and communal ethics.

For further study, consider commentaries on 1 Corinthians 13 by N.T. Wright or Gordon D. Fee, and historical Christian teachings on love from Augustine's 'City of God' or Dietrich Bonhoeffer's 'Life Together'. These resources explore agape's implications in early Christian thought and community life.