AGAPE: The Biblical Definition

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How the Greek verb “Agapao” and the corresponding noun “Agape” are commonly used in the New Testament: 

1. TO DESCRIBE. To describe the attitude of God toward His Son (Jn 17:26), to the whole human race (Jn 3:16; Rom 5:8), and to those who believe in Jesus (Jn 14:21). 

2. TO CONVEY. To convey His will to His children concerning their attitude toward one another (Jn 13:34) and toward all people (1 Thess 3:12; 1 Cor 16:14; 2 Ptr 1:7). Love is the fruit of the Spirit in believers (Gal 5:22). It has God as the primary object and expresses itself through obedience (Jn 14:15, 21, 23; 15:10; 1 Jn 2:5; 5:3; 2 Jn 6). 

3.TO EXPRESS. To express the essential nature of God (1 John 4:8). Jesus Christ is the perfect expression of God’s love (1 Jn 4:9-10; 2 Cor 5:14; Eph 2:4; 3:19; 5:2).

Source and Study: 
Vine, W. E. (1997). Vine’s Concise Dictionary of Bible Words. (pp. 225-226) Thomas Nelson. (Original work published 1940)

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