Topical Encyclopedia
The term "Holy Brethren" is a significant title used within the New Testament to describe the collective identity of believers in Christ. This designation emphasizes both the sanctity and the familial relationship among those who are in Christ, highlighting their set-apart status and their unity as members of God's family.
Biblical References:The phrase "Holy Brethren" is notably found in the Epistle to the Hebrews.
Hebrews 3:1 states, "Therefore, holy brothers, who share in the heavenly calling, set your focus on Jesus, the apostle and high priest whom we confess." This verse underscores the calling and purpose of believers, urging them to fix their attention on Jesus Christ, who is both the apostle and high priest of their confession.
Theological Significance:1.
Sanctification and Holiness: The term "holy" signifies that believers are sanctified, set apart for God's purposes. This sanctification is not based on their own merit but is a result of their faith in Jesus Christ and the work of the Holy Spirit. As "holy brethren," Christians are called to live lives that reflect their sanctified status, pursuing holiness in all aspects of life (
1 Peter 1:15-16).
2.
Brotherhood and Unity: The use of "brethren" highlights the familial bond among believers. This brotherhood transcends ethnic, social, and cultural barriers, uniting all who are in Christ as members of one spiritual family. This unity is rooted in their shared faith and the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit, who binds them together in love and purpose (
Ephesians 4:3-6).
3.
Heavenly Calling: The "heavenly calling" mentioned in
Hebrews 3:1 refers to the divine invitation extended to believers to partake in the eternal purposes of God. This calling is both a privilege and a responsibility, as it involves living in a manner worthy of the gospel and bearing witness to the transformative power of Christ in their lives (
Philippians 1:27).
Practical Implications:Believers, as "holy brethren," are encouraged to support and edify one another, fostering a community that reflects the love and holiness of God. This involves mutual encouragement, accountability, and the pursuit of spiritual growth together. The recognition of their identity as "holy brethren" serves as a reminder of their collective mission to be ambassadors of Christ in the world, demonstrating His love and truth to those around them.
In summary, the title "Holy Brethren" encapsulates the sanctified status and familial unity of believers, calling them to live out their heavenly calling with a focus on Christ and a commitment to one another.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
1 Thessalonians 5:27I charge you by the Lord that this letter be read to all the holy brothers.
Torrey's Topical TextbookHebrews 3:1
Why, holy brothers, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus;
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
The Kingly Priesthood of the Saints
... everything you like; but know that those titles will not ... thick jungle of India shall
see the saints of God ... t expect kings to put down their names for trifles. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/the kingly priesthood of the.htm
Acts XI
... special reference to character, they were called saints. ... of mystic Babylon, and the
swelling titles by which ... the obligations implied in the names disciple and ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts xi.htm
The Beloved Pastor's Plea for Unity
... the apostle especially expresses his fellowship with the saints in Rome ... that fellowship
he calls them by endearing names, by the highest titles which they ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 39 1893/the beloved pastors plea for.htm
The Saints' Privilege and Profit;
... on Aaron's breast-plate was fixed the names of the ... odours, which are the prayers
of saints, and they ... Thus you see what terms, characters, titles, and privileges ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the saints privilege and profit.htm
Letter Xcviii. From the Synod of Chalcedon to Leo.
... injunctions of the canons, he deposed that blessed shepherd of the saints at
Constantinople ... [443] One of the Latin versions adds the names and titles of the ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/letter xcviii from the synod.htm
Malachy's Pity for his Deceased Sister. He Restores the Monastery ...
... somewhat arbitrary in his use of such titles; and princeps ... he went to Britain to
visit "certain saints" (ibid. ... AU preserve the names of twenty abbots or coarbs ...
/.../chapter ii malachys pity for.htm
On the Councils, Or, the Faith of the Easterns.
... sound of common words, such as the titles Father and ... This assembly of the saints
wished to strike a blow ... impiety which by a mere counting of names evades the ...
/.../the life and writings of st hilary of poitiers/on the councils or the.htm
Motives to the Oversight of the Flock
... but the appendage of the work Is it names and honor ... and his Church, and never think
of titles and reputation ... Have we the conduct of those saints that shall live ...
//christianbookshelf.org/baxter/the reformed pastor/section 3 motives to.htm
Letter xxii. St. Ambrose in a Letter to his Sister Gives an ...
... eyes were shut, so long as the bodies of the saints lay hidden. ... Old men now repeat
that they once heard the names of these martyrs and read their titles. ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/letter xxii st ambrose in.htm
The Revelation and Career of the Anti-Christ.
... contrast between Christ and the Anti-christ in their several names and titles but
the ... I beheld, and the same horn made war with the saints, and prevailed ...
/.../pink/the redeemers return/4 the revelation and career.htm
Resources
What is the name of God? | GotQuestions.orgIs it biblical to call the wife of a pastor, elder, or bishop the First Lady of the church? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning of “Everlasting Father” in Isaiah 9:6? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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