Let's have another NT #Greek thread...
This time, two famous words, Αγαπη (#Agape) and Τελοσ (#Telos). Conventionally understood, they mean "unconditional love" and "perfect," respectively.
The Sermon on the Mount brings them together...
Did you know that?
This time, two famous words, Αγαπη (#Agape) and Τελοσ (#Telos). Conventionally understood, they mean "unconditional love" and "perfect," respectively.
The Sermon on the Mount brings them together...
Did you know that?
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the...
righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?...
Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect." - Mt. 5:43-48
Αγάπη (Agape) is the highest form of love, from the Divine to Humanity, it is completely prodigal and unconditional.
In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus notices people love their neighbors thusly.
Αγάπη (Agape) is the highest form of love, from the Divine to Humanity, it is completely prodigal and unconditional.
In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus notices people love their neighbors thusly.
He doesn't denounce that, rather, he uses it as an example. Loving one's neighbors, friends or family prodigally and unconditionally does not necessarily set someone apart.
For the Christ-follower, it is enacting that same phylum of love to one's enemies that is the standard.
For the Christ-follower, it is enacting that same phylum of love to one's enemies that is the standard.
This was no doubt shocking. What a tall order to live up to! No one is perfect like God and so therefore, how could any of us achieve this?
Now, let's bring in Τελοσ (Telos).
Conventionally, it is translated as "perfect." It ALSO means, "goal, end, purpose or mature."
Now, let's bring in Τελοσ (Telos).
Conventionally, it is translated as "perfect." It ALSO means, "goal, end, purpose or mature."
In context, v48 is NOT ABOUT MORALITY.
It is about mature love.
It is about a love that has reached its fullest Τελοσ (Telos), not by showing Αγαπη (Agape) to one's neighbors, friends, or family...
It is about mature love.
It is about a love that has reached its fullest Τελοσ (Telos), not by showing Αγαπη (Agape) to one's neighbors, friends, or family...
It is about growing into a mature love, which resembles God's Αγαπη (Agape), and shows prodigal, unconditional love to our hated and hostile enemies.
THIS is what it means to be made "perfect"(Τελοσ) in "love" (Αγαπη).
THIS is what it means to be made "perfect"(Τελοσ) in "love" (Αγαπη).
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