What Do You Think of the Brotherhood?

The Brotherhood?  No, I’m not talking about a Stephen Knight expose.  Or some secret order. Or a cult. Or a radical religious  group.  Or the 2001 horror flick!

I’m talking about the brotherhood that Peter, the apostle, mentions in the New Testament.  Here’s the context of what he says.

 Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake, whether to the king as supreme, or to governors, as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men —   as free, yet not using liberty as a cloak for vice, but as bondservants of God.  Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king. (1 Peter 2:13-17)

The section is about relationships.  The Christian’s relationship and responsibility to governmental authorities  To non-believers. To our fellow-man.  To God.

The word,  “brotherhood, ” according to Greek scholars Vine and Thayer,  means “a band of brothers.”  “A feeling of brotherliness.”  “The Christian fraternity. “ ”A fellow-believer, united to another by the bond of affection; so most frequently of Christians, constituting as it were but a single family.”  “Denotes “a brother, or near kinsman”; in the plural, “a community based on identity of origin or life.” The verb used here calls for constant, continued action.

It is interesting that the brotherhood is singled out to particular attention.  While it is true that New Testament churches were independent, autonomous, self-governing groups, there should be a bond of affinity and affection among all believers.  In an age of independence and self-assertiveness, there is too much isolation from others who share in the common faith.

I remember as a youngster going with my parents to visit other churches in the Indianapolis area. As a result I became acquainted with other believers.  Acquired new friends. And developed relationships that continue until this day.  Through the years I have been blessed to both attend and speak on lectures and get to know others in the brotherhood.

This week it is my pleasure and privilege to be on the campus of Florida College to attend their annual lecture series.   Last night I joined with many brethren from all over the United States in singing, praying and reflecting on God’s word.    There was joy in seeing old friends.  Of sharing hugs and handshake.  Smiles and tears.  And some good memories of by gone days.

Love the brotherhood?  Absolutely!  I think, for my taste, there is a little too much criticism of the brotherhood.  And in the brotherhood.  What we need is more love.  Love the brotherhood because…

We are sharers of the same faith.

We are fellow travelers walking the same road.

We are partners together in God’s great work.

We are participants in the common salvation.

We are partakers of the Divine Nature.

We are companions of Christ’s suffering.

We are comrades in the fight against Satan.

We are members of God’s Family.

We are heirs of the same blessings and will receive the same heavenly inheritance.

Is the brotherhood perfect?  No, because I’m part of it!  And so are you!  We fall short. Make mistakes.  Require forgiveness.  Need grace.  And beg for mercy.   But there is a lot to love. Peter’s command is never more needed. “Keep Loving the brotherhood!”

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman