Exploring the Command to ‘Love your neighbour as yourself’ - Undertake acts of service / generosity (Part 1)
General Introduction
In this series we are building what we will refer to as the ‘One Page New Testament’ - #onepagenewtestament. Our approach is creating a pictorial summary of the main messages for disciples of Jesus in a systematically derived, structured form. We aim to keep the descriptive text to a minimum and share with you the different Themes that are being created. We will consider the scriptures on their own merit, Theme by Theme, without introducing much in the way of theology. Within each Theme, we will let the scriptures speak for themselves - hopefully in a way that demonstrates the validity of the analysis.
Introduction to this Faith Article
This article is the twenty fifth in a series that is unpacking some of the analysis work currently being undertaken to draw out the main teachings from the New Testament from a personal discipleship perspective. The previous articles can be found in the reference at Note [1] and they focused primarily upon the New Testament’s teaching on what we have called ‘Kingdom Fundamental 1 [KF1]’ - ‘Love God’, and ‘Kingdom Fundamental 2 [KF2]’ - ‘Follow Jesus’.
This is the sixth article which looks at the third main area, Kingdom Fundamental 3 [KF3] - ‘Love your neighbour as yourself’ and some of the sub-components of this. We have outlined that our work has considered there to be three Kingdom Practices at Level 2 as follows:
Make disciples [KP7]
Forgive (don’t judge) others [KP8]
Undertake acts of service / generosity - [KP9].
This article looks at [KP9] defined above and the first of two Kingdom Actions that we have developed which sit below it:
Be servant hearted towards other people - [KP37]
Give generously (for the work of the kingdom and those in need) - [KP38].
The Themes we will consider here are illustrated in light blue (encouragements) and pink (warnings) in Figure 1.
If readers take away nothing else from these articles other than the sense, logic, and directive actions in the Figures - for disciples to put into practice in the strength God gives - we will hopefully have achieved our initial objective.
Figure 1 - Investigating the Kingdom Fundamental to ‘Love your neighbour as yourself’
Kingdom Practice 9 [KP9] - ‘Undertake Acts of Service / Generosity’
We have not drawn out any specific verses that reflect this Practice specifically. These are covered in the subsections that follow.
Kingdom Action 37 [KA37] - ‘Be servant hearted towards other people’
There are 12 Greek words, from the references at [2] and [3], that support this Theme at this level. Example scriptures include:
Matthew 12:12 - How much more valuable is a person than a sheep! Therefore it is lawful to do good (2573) on the Sabbath [4].
Matthew 20:26-27 - Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant (1249), and whoever wants to be first must be your slave (1401).
Luke 22:26 - But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules (2233) like the one who serves (1247).
Romans 7:6 - But now, by dying to what once bound us, we have been released from the law so that we serve (1398) in the new way of the Spirit, and not in the old way of the written code.
Ephesians 4:12 - To equip his people for works of service (1248), so that the body of Christ may be built up.
Colossians 3:23 - Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart (5590), as working for the Lord, not for human masters.
Philippians 2:3 - Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value (2233) others above yourselves.
1 Thessalonians 1:3 - Remembering without ceasing your work of faith (2041 & 4102) and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ before our God and Father (LSB).
James 2:20 - But are you willing to recognize, you foolish fellow, that faith without works is useless (692) (LSB)?
1 Peter 3:17 - For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil (2554).
1 John 3:17 - If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them (Idiom - 2808 & 4698), how can the love of God be in that person?
There are around 160 verse instances where these words related to this main Theme.
Our analysis has identified eight sub-Themes that cover the extent of this Theme more fully. These are:
Know that Jesus is the best example of servanthood - [KA37.1]
Serve others through good deeds / works - [KA37.2]
Care for widows / orphans - [KA37.3]
Visit those in prison - [KA37.4]
Tend / pray for (healing for) the sick - [KA37.5]
Bless / show brotherly affection / kindness / tenderness towards others - [KA37.6]
Refrain from scolding / showing anger / rage / fury towards others - [KA37.7]
Pray for those who mistreat / persecute us - [KA37.8].
Let us explore these in the sub-sections below.
Kingdom Action 37.1 [KA37.1] - ‘Know that Jesus is the best example of servanthood’
We have identified three relevant Greek words that relate to this sub-Theme, and they appear in these verses:
Matthew 20:28 - Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served (Strong’s 1247), but to serve (1247), and to give his life as a ransom for many.
Mark 10:45 - For even the Son of Man did not come to be served (1247), but to serve (1247), and to give his life as a ransom for many.
Luke 12:37 - It will be good for those servants whose master finds them watching when he comes. Truly I tell you, he will dress himself to serve, will have them recline at the table and will come and wait (1247) on them.
Luke 22:27 - For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves (1247)? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves (1247).
Romans 15:8 - For I tell you that Christ has become a servant (1249) of the Jews on behalf of God’s truth, so that the promises made to the patriarchs might be confirmed.
Philippians 2:7 - Rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant (1401), being made in human likeness.
There are six verse references (above) where these Greek words and idioms appear that support this sub-Theme.
Kingdom Action 37.2 [KA37.2] - ‘Serve others through good deeds / works’
There are 14 Greek words we have identified here which explain this Theme. Example verses where some of these occur are presented below:
Matthew 23:11 - The greatest among you will be your servant (1249).
Matthew 25:44 - Then they themselves also will answer, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry, or thirsty, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not take care of (1247) You?’ (LSB).
Luke 6:27 - “But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do (4160) good to those who hate you.”
Luke 10:34-35 - He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care (1959) of him. The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after (1959) him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’
Romans 12:7 - if it is serving (1248), then serve (1248); if it is teaching, then teach.
Romans 15:25 - Now, however, I am on my way to Jerusalem in the service of (1247) the Lord’s people there.
Galatians 5:13 - You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve (1398) one another humbly in love.
2 Timothy 3:17 - so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work (2041).
1 Peter 4:10-11 - Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve (1247) others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves (1247), they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.
Revelation 2:19 - I know your deeds, your love and faith, your service (1248) and perseverance, and that you are now doing more than you did at first.
We have found around 100 verse instances where these Greek words are translated in a manner that fits with this sub-Theme.
Kingdom Action 37.3 [KA37.3] - ‘Care for widows / orphans’
There are 2 Greek words we have identified here which relate to this Theme. There are 5 verses where these are relevant:
1 Timothy 5:3-4 - Support widows (5503) who are genuinely widows (5503). But if any widow (5503) has children or grandchildren, they must learn to practice godliness toward their own family first and to repay their parents, for this pleases God (HCSB).
1 Timothy 5:16 - If any woman who is a believer has widows (5503) in her care, she should continue to help them and not let the church be burdened with them, so that the church can help those widows (5503) who are really in need.
1 Timothy 5:9 - No widow (5503) may be put on the list of widows unless she is over sixty, has been faithful to her husband.
James 1:27 - Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans (3737) and widows (5503) in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.
Kingdom Action 37.4 [KA37.4] - ‘Visit those in prison’
We consider there are 2 Greek words of relevance here. The verses where they occur that justify this sub-Theme are as follows:
Matthew 25:36 - I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison (5438) and you came to visit me.
Matthew 25:39 - When did we see you sick or in prison (5438) and go to visit you?
Matthew 25:43-44 - I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison (5438) and you did not look after me. They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison (5438), and did not help (1247) you?’
Hebrews 10:34 - For you also showed sympathy to the prisoners (1198) and accepted with joy the seizure of your possessions, knowing that you have for yourselves a better and lasting possession (LSB).
Hebrews 13:3 - Continue to remember those in prison (1198) as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.
Kingdom Action 37.5 [KA37.5] - ‘Tend / pray for (healing for) the sick’
The analysis work has revealed some 11 Greek words that support this sub-Theme. Here are some of the relevant verses where they are found:
Matthew 25:39 - When did we see you sick (770) or in prison (5438) and go to visit you?
Matthew 25:43-44 - I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick (772) and in prison (5438) and you did not look after me. They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick (772) or in prison (5438), and did not help you?’
Acts 28:8 - His father was sick in bed, suffering from fever and dysentery. Paul went in to see him and, after prayer (4336), placed his hands on him and healed (2390) him.
James 5:14-16 - Is anyone among you sick (770)? Let them call the elders of the church to pray (4336) over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer (2171) offered in faith will make the sick (2577) person well (4982); the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray (2172) for each other so that you may be healed (2390). The prayer (1162) of a righteous person is powerful and effective.
3 John 1:2 - Dear friend, I pray (2172) that you may enjoy good health (5198) and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well.
There are in the order of 11 verses where the identified Greek words apply to this sub-Theme.
Kingdom Action 37.5.1 [KA37.5.1] - ‘Understand that Jesus healed people of all diseases / infirmities’
We have found 8 Greek words that fit with this Theme. Examples are outlined below:
Matthew 4:23-24 - Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing (2323) every disease and sickness (3119) among the people. News about him spread all over Syria, and people brought to him all who were ill (2560) with various diseases, those suffering severe pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures, and the paralyzed; and he healed (2323) them.
Matthew 15:28 - Then Jesus said to her, “Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.” And her daughter was healed (2390) at that moment.
Mark 1:40-41 - A man with leprosy came to him and begged him on his knees, “If you are willing, you can make me clean (2511).” Jesus was indignant. He reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean (2511)!”
Mark 5:34 - And He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has saved (4982) you; go in peace and be healed (5199) of your affliction (LSB).”
Mark 16:18 - “They will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well (2573)” [Note that the originality of this verse is questioned by some scholars].
Luke 9:11 - But the crowds learned about it and followed him. He welcomed them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed (2390) those who needed healing (2322).
Acts 10:38 - How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing (2390) all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him.
We have identified around 50 verse instances where these Greek words support this sub-Theme.
Kingdom Action 37.5.2 [KA37.5.2] - ‘Know Jesus empowered the Apostles / Disciples to heal (through the Holy Spirit)’
In the analysis we have undertaken we have identified 7 Greek words that relate to this topic. Example verses are presented here:
Matthew 10:1 - Jesus called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out impure spirits and to heal (2323) every disease and sickness.
Matthew 10:8 - Heal (2323) the sick (770), raise the dead, cleanse (2511) those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give.
Luke 9:6 - So they set out and went from village to village, proclaiming the good news and healing (2323) people everywhere.
Acts 3:16 - By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through him that has completely healed (3647) him, as you can all see.
Acts 4:30 - “Stretch out your hand to heal (2392) and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.”
Acts 19:11 - God did (4160) extraordinary miracles through Paul.
Acts 28:8 - His father was sick in bed, suffering from fever and dysentery. Paul went in to see him and, after prayer, placed his hands on him and healed (2390) him.
1 Corinthians 12:9 - to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing (2386) by that one Spirit
Our work has found 20 verse instances in support of this sub-Theme.
Kingdom Action 37.6 [KA37.6] - ‘Show brotherly affection / kindness / tenderness towards others’
There are 14 Greek words and one idiom which support this sub-Theme. Example verses where some of these are found include:
Luke 6:32-34 - “If you love those who love you, what credit (5485) is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit (5485) is that to you? Even sinners do that. And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit (5485) is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, expecting to be repaid in full.
Romans 12:10 - Be devoted (5387) to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.
Ephesians 4:32 - Instead, be kind (5543) to one another, tender-hearted (2155), graciously forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has graciously forgiven you (LSB).
Colossians 3:12 - Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion (3628), kindness (5544), humility, gentleness (4240) and patience.
1 Thessalonians 5:13 - Hold them in the highest regard (2233) in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other.
1 Timothy 6:1 - Let as many servants as are under the yoke count (2233) their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed (KJV).
2 Timothy 2:24 - And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind (2261) to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.
2 Peter 1:7 - and in your godliness, brotherly kindness (5360), and in your brotherly kindness (5360), love (LSB).
1 John 3:17 - But whoever has the world’s goods, and sees his brother in need and closes his heart (Idiom - 2808 & 4698) against him, how does the love of God abide in him (LSB)? [Counter to the sub-Theme]
There are around 18 verse instances where these words and the idiom appear that confirm this sub-Theme.
Kingdom Action 37.7 [KA37.7] - ‘Refrain from scolding / showing anger / rage / fury towards others’
This sub-Theme has 11 Greek words that support it, some of which are presented here:
Matthew 5:22 - But I tell you that anyone who is angry (3710) with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.
Matthew 26:8 - When the disciples saw this, they were indignant (23). “Why this waste?” they asked [Counter to the sub-Theme].
Mark 14:5 - For this perfume might have been sold for over three hundred denarii and given to the poor.” And they were scolding (1690) her (LSB).
1 Corinthians 13:5 - It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered (3947), it keeps no record of wrongs.
Ephesians 4:26 - “In your anger (3710) do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry (3950).
Ephesians 4:31 - Get rid of all bitterness, rage (2372) and anger (3709), brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.
Colossians 3:8 - But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger (3709), rage (2372), malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.
Titus 1:7 - Since an overseer manages God’s household, he must be blameless—not overbearing, not quick-tempered (3711), not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain.
We have found 24 verse instances where these Greek words appear for this topic.
Kingdom Action 37.8 [KA37.8] - ‘Bless / pray for those who mistreat / persecute us’
We highlight 2 Greek word to illustrate this sub-Theme in five verses:
Matthew 5:44 - “But I tell you, love your enemies and pray (4336) for those who persecute you.”
Luke 6:28 - “Bless those who curse you, pray (4336) for those who mistreat you.”
Romans 12:14 - Bless (2127) those who persecute you; bless (2127) and do not curse.
1 Corinthians 4:12 - We work hard with our own hands. When we are cursed (3058), we bless (2127); when we are persecuted, we endure it.
1 Peter 3:9 - Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing (2127), because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing (2129).
Summary
In this twenty fifth Faith Article, we have explored some of the Greek words (presented in Louw and Nida’s [2] and Mounce’s [3] reference materials) and particular scriptures that have continued to look at what it means to ‘Love your neighbour as yourself’ - [KP7]. We have concentrated upon the details that collectively explain how we are to ‘Undertake acts of service / generosity’ - [KP9] and the first of two supporting Kingdom Actions [KA37] and [KA38].
In the final article we will look at the Kingdom Action - Give generously (for the work of the kingdom and those in need) - [KA38] and the teaching that sits below this.
Just as with many English words, Greek words can have more than one meaning and consequently when translated into Biblical texts can be used to convey several different sentiments. Which is used is dependent upon the context.
Ultimately, this analysis and these groupings are subjective, as will be the inclusion (or exclusion) of many verses within each Theme and sub-Theme. We should note that some verses have a much stronger relevance to the derived Themes than others.
During this analysis, the aim has been to restrict the number of Themes that can be associated with any specific Greek word to eight or less - as any more implies poor analysis technique and the wrong heading choice / naming process.
Any thoughts on this Article, the process being undertaken, and related constructive feedback are welcome.
Notes:
[1] - All previous Faith Articles focusing on the One Page New Testament can be found at this page: www.teachthemtoobey.co.uk/blog/
[2] - “Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament, based upon Semantic Domains” Volumes 1 and 2 - Louw and Nida - Published by and © United Bible Societies - 1988
[3] - “Mounce’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words” - © William D Mounce, 2006 - Published by Zondervan
[4] - Unless otherwise stated, all scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.TM used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com. The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.TM.
The Bible references presented are illustrative rather than aiming to be ‘proof texts’. They are examples only as there are, generally, many more we could look at. Please note that when looking at any Bible verse references, you should ideally consider more than one translation / respected version to get a more rounded view, and look at the wider context for each verse too. When Greek words are translated, Bible scholars do not always use the same English word every time it appears in the Greek. This is why it is useful to look at more than one Bible version.
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Reading the articles will take only a little time to study - more if we look up the Bible references - and probably a lifetime to work out in practice. Hopefully they will help make each of us ‘Become more like Jesus’!
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