Topical Bible: Christian Minister: Beloved

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The term "beloved" holds significant theological and relational weight within the Christian tradition, appearing frequently in the Bible to denote deep affection and spiritual kinship. In the New Testament, the Greek word "agapētos" is often translated as "beloved," reflecting a profound, unconditional love that is rooted in God's nature and extended to His people.

Biblical Usage

1. Divine Affection: The term "beloved" is used to express God's love for His Son, Jesus Christ. At Jesus' baptism, a voice from heaven declares, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased" (Matthew 3:17). This divine endorsement underscores the unique relationship between the Father and the Son, highlighting Jesus' divine identity and mission.

2. Apostolic Address: The apostles frequently use "beloved" to address fellow believers, emphasizing the familial bond within the body of Christ. For instance, the Apostle Paul writes, "Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord" (1 Corinthians 15:58). This term of endearment serves to remind Christians of their shared identity in Christ and their mutual love and responsibility toward one another.

3. Moral and Spiritual Exhortation: The term is often employed in contexts of moral and spiritual exhortation. In his epistles, the Apostle Peter urges, "Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial that has come upon you, as though something strange were happening to you" (1 Peter 4:12). Here, "beloved" serves to comfort and encourage believers facing persecution, reminding them of their cherished status before God.

4. Expression of Personal Affection: The Apostle John, known for his emphasis on love, frequently uses "beloved" in his writings. In 3 John 1:2, he writes, "Beloved, I pray that in every way you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers" . This reflects not only John's personal affection for his readers but also his pastoral concern for their well-being.

Theological Significance

The use of "beloved" in Scripture underscores the centrality of love in the Christian faith. It reflects the love of God for His creation, the love of Christ for His Church, and the love that believers are called to have for one another. This term encapsulates the essence of the Gospel, which is rooted in the sacrificial love of Christ, who laid down His life for His "beloved" (John 15:13).

Practical Implications

For the Christian minister, the concept of "beloved" serves as a model for pastoral care and community life. Ministers are called to love their congregations with the same depth and sincerity that is reflected in the biblical use of "beloved." This involves nurturing a community where each member is valued, supported, and encouraged in their spiritual journey.

In summary, "beloved" is a term rich with meaning, encapsulating the love that defines the Christian faith and community. It serves as a reminder of the divine love bestowed upon believers and the love they are called to extend to others.

Nave's Topical Index

Acts 20:37,38
And they all wept sore, and fell on Paul's neck, and kissed him,
Nave's Topical Index

Acts 21:5,6
And when we had accomplished those days, we departed and went our way; and they all brought us on our way, with wives and children, till we were out of the city: and we kneeled down on the shore, and prayed.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The True Christian Life
... three texts give us a complete picture of a true Christian life. ... "My beloved is mine ...
A minister once preaching to his congregation said, "Let every one say Jesus ...
//christianbookshelf.org/chapman/and judas iscariot/the true christian life.htm

Colossians 4:14 "Luke, the Beloved Physician. "
... CHAPTER II Colossians 4:14 "LUKE, THE BELOVED PHYSICIAN.". ... value of a medical man's
services as Christian ministers ... I think the minister of religion can help the ...
/.../chapter ii colossians 4 14 luke.htm

"Having Begun in the Spirit"
... deep abasement with one cry: "We have grieved God's Spirit; we have tried to be
Christian churches with ... Are you living, beloved brother-minister"I ask ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/murray/absolute surrender/having begun in the spirit.htm

The Minister's Farewell
... I have seen the young believer, just saved from sin, happy in his early Christian
career, and walking humbly with his ... The minister once beloved was hated ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 6 1860/the ministers farewell.htm

A Selection from the Notices of Mr. Robertson's Sermons, and of ...
... life, of public opinion, and of what we may call social casuistry"turning the light
of Christian ethics upon ... As a minister, he was beloved and esteemed ...
/.../robertson/sermons preached at brighton/a selection from the notices.htm

John the Beloved
... present lessons of untold value to the Christian church ... spirit of criticism, were
all in the beloved disciple ... among you, let him be your minister; and whosoever ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 53 john the beloved.htm

Pastoral and Personal
... notices we can construct his itinerary with Paul and see how beloved and how ... is put
in such a way that it is applicable to every Christian minister and church. ...
/.../sell/bible studies in the life of paul/study x pastoral and personal.htm

A Faithful Undershepherd
... zeal" all are essential in the good work; but without the love of Christ in the
heart, the work of the Christian minister is a ... "Dearly beloved, I beseech you ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 51 a faithful undershepherd.htm

The Angels of the Seven Churches.
... we have an account of a glorious vision presented to the beloved disciple ... perilous
errand when they engaged to visit a distinguished Christian minister who had ...
//christianbookshelf.org/killen/the ancient church/chapter iv the angels of.htm

False Professors Solemnly Warned
... to have kept an eye upon those Christian colonies which he ... that the apostle was,
as every true minister should be ... Beloved, I have a message to deliver to-night ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/false professors solemnly warned.htm