Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Concept:Brotherhood in the biblical context refers to the relationship and bond among believers, characterized by mutual love, support, and unity. It extends beyond biological ties to encompass the spiritual kinship shared by members of the Christian faith. This concept is rooted in the understanding that all believers are children of God and thus brothers and sisters in Christ. Old Testament Foundations: The idea of brotherhood is evident in the Old Testament, where the Israelites are often referred to as a family or community bound by covenant. Leviticus 19:18 commands, "Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against any of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD." This commandment underscores the importance of love and unity among the people of God. New Testament Teachings: The New Testament expands on the concept of brotherhood, emphasizing the spiritual family formed through faith in Jesus Christ. Jesus Himself redefined familial relationships in Matthew 12:50, stating, "For whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother." This highlights the spiritual bond that transcends earthly ties. The Apostle Paul frequently addressed the theme of brotherhood in his epistles. In Romans 12:10, he exhorts believers to "Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Outdo yourselves in honoring one another." This call to brotherly love is a recurring theme, as seen in 1 Thessalonians 4:9, where Paul writes, "Now about brotherly love, you do not need anyone to write to you, because you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another." Unity and Love: Brotherhood is marked by unity and love, as believers are called to live in harmony and support one another. Ephesians 4:3 urges Christians to "make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace." This unity is a testament to the transformative power of the Gospel and the work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers. The Apostle Peter also emphasizes the importance of brotherly love in 1 Peter 3:8: "Finally, all of you, be like-minded and sympathetic, love as brothers, be tenderhearted and humble." This instruction reflects the expectation that believers exhibit compassion and humility in their interactions with one another. Practical Expressions: Brotherhood is not merely a theological concept but is meant to be lived out practically. Acts 2:44-45 provides an example of the early church's expression of brotherhood: "All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they shared with anyone who was in need." This communal lifestyle demonstrated the depth of their commitment to one another. James 2:15-16 further challenges believers to express brotherly love through action: "Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you tells him, 'Go in peace; stay warm and well fed,' but does not provide for his physical needs, what good is that?" True brotherhood involves meeting both spiritual and physical needs. Challenges and Encouragement: While the ideal of brotherhood is clear, the New Testament also acknowledges challenges within the Christian community. Conflicts and disagreements are addressed with calls for reconciliation and forgiveness. Colossians 3:13 advises, "Bear with each other and forgive any complaint you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." The encouragement to maintain brotherly love is a consistent theme, as seen in Hebrews 13:1: "Continue in brotherly love." This ongoing commitment to love and unity is essential for the health and witness of the Christian community. Conclusion: The biblical concept of brotherhood is a profound and essential aspect of the Christian faith, calling believers to live in love, unity, and mutual support as members of God's family. Through the teachings of Scripture, Christians are encouraged to embody the principles of brotherhood in their daily lives, reflecting the love of Christ to the world. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) A spiritual or social fellowship; The state of being brothers or a brother.2. (n.) An association for any purpose, as a society of monks; a fraternity. 3. (n.) The whole body of persons engaged in the same business, -- especially those of the same profession; as, the legal or medical brotherhood. 4. (n.) Persons, and, poetically, things, of a like kind. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia BROTHERHOODbruth'-er-hood: The rare occurrence of the term (only Zechariah 11:14 and 1 Peter 2:17) in contrast with the abundant use of "brother," "brethren," seems to indicate that the sense of the vital relation naturally called for the most concrete expression: "the brethren." But in 1 Peter 2:17 the abstract is used for the concrete. In the Old Testament the brotherhood of all Israelites was emphasized; but in the New Testament the brotherhood in Christ is a relation so much deeper and stronger as to eclipse the other. Greek 81. adelphotes -- brotherhood ... brotherhood. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: adelphotes Phonetic Spelling: (ad-el-fot'-ace) Short Definition: brotherhood Definition ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/81.htm - 6k Strong's Hebrew 264. achavah -- brotherhood... 263, 264. achavah. 265 . brotherhood. Transliteration: achavah Phonetic Spelling: (akh-av-aw') Short Definition: brotherhood. Word ... /hebrew/264.htm - 6k 251. ach -- a brother Library Brotherhood and Service SM Johns. Human Brotherhood. Our Father! Thy Dear Name Doth Show Blest be the Tie that Binds Eternal Ruler of the Ceaseless Round Where Cross the Crowded Ways of Life Come, Labour On Rise Up, O Men of God When Wilt Thou Save the People? Am Ia Soldier of the Cross Thesaurus Brotherhood (7 Occurrences)... 3. (n.) The whole body of persons engaged in the same business, -- especially those of the same profession; as, the legal or medical brotherhood. ...BROTHERHOOD. ... /b/brotherhood.htm - 9k Kindness (295 Occurrences) Brotherly (8 Occurrences) Goods (231 Occurrences) Malefactor (2 Occurrences) Bands (130 Occurrences) Community (77 Occurrences) Agape Love (703 Occurrences) Brother (402 Occurrences) Resources What is the Brotherhood of Light? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about respect? | GotQuestions.org What is the Order of DeMolay? | GotQuestions.org Brotherhood: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Brotherhood (7 Occurrences)1 Corinthians 6:5 1 Thessalonians 4:9 Hebrews 12:15 1 Peter 2:17 1 Peter 5:9 Amos 1:9 Zechariah 11:14 Subtopics Related Terms |