---

The words in the original are more strong and specific than in our translation. The being kindly affectioned is expressed by a term which means the love of kindred, or by some called instinctive; and which is far more intense than the general good liking that obtains between man and man in society, or than ordinary friendship. And, to stamp upon it a still greater peculiarity and force, "brotherly love" is added to it — an affection the distinction of which from that of charity is clearly brought out by Peter (2 Peter 1:7), "And to brotherly kindness add charity" — the same with brotherly love in the original; and as distinct from general love or charity in the moral, as the magnetic attraction is from the general attraction of gravity in the material world. This more special affinity which binds together the members of the same family; and even of wider communities, as when it establishes a sort of felt brotherhood, an esprit de corps, between citizens of the same town, or inhabitants of the same country, or members of the same profession, and so originates the several ties of consanguinity or neighbourhood or patriotism — is nowhere exemplified in greater force than among the disciples of a common Christianity, if theirs be indeed the genuine faith of the gospel. It is in fact one of the tests or badges of a real discipleship (1 John 3:14). It gives rise to that more special benevolence which we owe to the "household of faith" (Galatians 6:10), as distinguished from the common beneficence which we owe "unto all men," and which stood so visibly forth in the first ages among the fellow-worshippers of Jesus as to have made it common with observers to say, "Behold how these Christians love each other."

(T. Chalmers, D.D.)

---

---

KJV: Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;

WEB: In love of the brothers be tenderly affectionate one to another; in honor preferring one another;