Topical Encyclopedia
The term "New Commandment" refers to the instruction given by Jesus Christ to His disciples during the Last Supper, as recorded in the Gospel of John. This commandment is a central tenet of Christian ethics and emphasizes the importance of love among believers.
Biblical ContextThe New Commandment is found in
John 13:34-35 , where Jesus says, "A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you also must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another." This directive was given in the context of Jesus' final teachings to His disciples before His crucifixion, highlighting its significance as a foundational principle for the Christian community.
The Nature of the CommandmentThe commandment is described as "new" not because the concept of love was previously unknown, but because it introduced a new standard and depth of love. Jesus' love for His disciples, characterized by selflessness, sacrifice, and service, set a new benchmark for how believers are to love one another. This love is to be reflective of the love that Jesus Himself demonstrated, particularly through His sacrificial death on the cross.
Theological SignificanceThe New Commandment underscores the transformative power of love in the life of a believer. It is not merely an emotional or superficial affection but a deliberate and active choice to seek the well-being of others. This love serves as a distinguishing mark of true discipleship, as Jesus indicated that the world would recognize His followers by their love for one another.
Relation to the Old TestamentWhile the New Commandment is distinct in its Christ-centered focus, it is rooted in the Old Testament teachings.
Leviticus 19:18 instructs, "Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against any of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD." Jesus' commandment builds upon this foundation, elevating the standard of love to mirror His own example.
Practical ImplicationsThe New Commandment calls Christians to a life of love that transcends cultural, social, and personal barriers. It challenges believers to embody the love of Christ in their interactions with others, fostering unity and community within the body of Christ. This love is to be evident in acts of kindness, forgiveness, and service, reflecting the heart of the Gospel.
ConclusionThe New Commandment remains a vital and enduring aspect of Christian doctrine, calling believers to a higher standard of love that mirrors the sacrificial love of Jesus Christ. Through this commandment, Christians are invited to participate in the divine nature, manifesting the love of God in a broken and divided world.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
New CommandmentNEW COMMANDMENT
SeeBROTHERLY LOVE.
Library
TheNew Commandment
... CHAPTER X THENEW COMMANDMENT. Dear Mother, God in His infinite goodness has
given me a clear insight into the deep mysteries of Charity....
theNew Commandment
... THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF SOEUR TH??R??SE OF LISIEUX, ENTITLED BY HERSELF: "THE STORY OF
THE SPRINGTIME OF A LITTLE WHITE FLOWER" CHAPTER X - THENEW COMMANDMENT....
CM * theNew Commandment.
... 564. CM * TheNew Commandment. 1 Beneath the shadow of the cross, As earthly hopes
remove, Hisnew commandment Jesus gives, His blessed word of love....
TheNew Commandment. (John, xiii. , 33-35. )
... Section 269. TheNew Commandment.... [724] Anew commandment give I unto you, that ye
love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another....
Love in the Old Covenant.
... Second Chapter. LOVE. XXIX. Love in the Old Covenant. "Anew commandment
I give unto you, that ye love one another."" John 13:34....
"This is hisCommandment, That," &C.
... that. But now I give anew commandment instead of all the former, which
if you obey, then the sentence of death is relaxed. You...
John Chapter xiii. 34, 35
... 34, 35. Chapter XIII.34, 35. 1. The Lord Jesus declares that He is giving His
disciples anew commandment, that they should love one another....
TheCommandment, Old yetNew
... I. JOHN THECOMMANDMENT, OLD YETNEW. 'I write nonew commandment unto you,
but an oldcommandment which ye had from the beginning.......
1 John ii. 7
... this is what he would have them lay to heart anew, and this he introduces with a
new personal address: "Brethren, I write nonew commandment unto you, but an...
The Beauty and Excellency of this World Consists, not Only in the...
... This is that paradox which John delivers, "I write nonew commandment unto you,
but an oldcommandment, which you had from the beginning; again, anew...
Resources
What is the New Age movement? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the New Apostolic Church, and what do they believe? | GotQuestions.orgOld Testament vs. New Testament - What are the differences? | GotQuestions.orgNew: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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