15 After breakfast Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love Me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” Peter replied, “you know I love You.” “Then feed My lambs,” Jesus told him. 16 Jesus repeated the question: “Simon son of John, do you love Me?” “Yes, Lord,” Peter said, “You know I love You.” “Then take care of My sheep,” Jesus said. 17 A third time He asked him, “Simon son of John, do you love Me?” Peter was hurt that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, “Lord, You know everything. You know that I love You.” Jesus said, “Then feed My sheep."
If you've sat through any good Bible teaching, the use of the word "love" in this passage was explained to have several different meanings. Just as we don't love our spouse with the same love we have for our best friend or pizza or a sports team. The Ancient Greek words for love in this text are: agápe, éros, philía, and storgē.
Agape is used in ancient texts to denote feelings for one's children and the feelings for a spouse. Eros means mostly of the sexual passion. It's where we get our word erotic. Philia means "affectionate regard, friendship," usually "between equals". It's where we get Philadelphia, the city of brotherly love. Storge is used almost exclusively as a descriptor of relationships within the family. It is also known to express mere acceptance or putting up with situations.
The words used in the above passage are agape and philia.
15 After breakfast Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you agape Me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” Peter replied, “you know I philia You.” “Then feed My lambs,” Jesus told him. 16 Jesus repeated the question: “Simon son of John, do you agape Me?” “Yes, Lord,” Peter said, “You know I philia You.” “Then take care of My sheep,” Jesus said. 17 A third time He asked him, “Simon son of John, do you philia Me?” Peter was hurt that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, “Lord, You know everything. You know that I philia You.” Jesus said, “Then feed My sheep."
Peter still didn't have that deep passionate love for Jesus. Peter knew it, Jesus knew it. Jesus used Peter mightily anyway and in future writings in the New Testament, Peter felt that agape love Jesus was looking for.
What about you? Do you agape Jesus? Or is yours just a philia or worse, storge? Do you say you love Jesus with all your heart, kindly affection or just put up with the whole religion thing? Jesus agapes you!
Blessings, Cecilia
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