Theological Emphasis
Love is the character of the missional community—patient with the slow work of gospel proclamation, kind across cultural barriers, not envious of other ministries, not self-seeking but other-focused. Love is mission's manner.
Application Themes
- 1Mission is characterized by love
- 2Love crosses cultural barriers patiently
- 3Self-seeking destroys witness
Preaching Angles
Love is not optional for mission
Impatient mission is loveless mission
The community's love IS the witness
Key Textual Observations
ἀγάπη (agape) in Greek was uncommon before Christians gave it new meaning
μακροθυμεῖ (patient) is literally "long-tempered"
τέλειον (perfect/complete) in v.10 points to eschatological fullness
Recommended Commentators for This Tradition
- Lesslie Newbigin
- David Bosch
- Michael Frost
- Alan Roxburgh
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