By: Obed Pineda
During the second century BC, the ancient kingdom of Lydia was ruled by Eumenes II. On the Cogamus River, 105 miles east from Smyrna, a city was founded upon a terrace 650 feet above the sea, with volcanic cliffs behind it feeding the soil with rich minerals making it exceptionally lush for growing vineyards. The famed wine produced from these vineyards was so excellent that even the renown Roman poet of old, Virgil, celebrated its quality with one of his writings. Although this archaic city came to bear several names throughout its history, the name that it was most commonly recognized by was the one given to it by its founders; Philadelphia. It is recorded in the chronicles of history that Attalus II greatly loved his elder brother Eumenes, to the extent that he even earned the moniker Philadelphos,which interprets to English as “loving brother” (Thayer, G5361). Thus, the founding fathers of the old Philadelphia deemed it worthy to honor this precious bond between brothers with the namesake derived from Attalus’ nickname. Hence the original city of brotherly love was so called because of the actual love between two brothers. This incredible fact from history certainly provides more enlightenment for the apostle Peter’s sage exhortation, “above all things have fervent love for one another” (1st Peter 4:8). Learning that Asia Minor’s Philadelphia was given that name to commemorate the fraternal love exhibited by Attalus toward Eumenes proves the mighty power and influence unadulterated love has in the world. One of the greatest Biblical examples of this wonderful truth is provided by Luke as he recounts, “Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need. So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved” (Acts 2:44-47). It cannot be denied that the marvelous unity demonstrated via the bond of perfection (cf. Colossians 4:14) contributed immensely in the daily increase of the Lord’s body. Those who observed men and women selflessly sell their personal possessions to ensure that there was no one in need, were undoubtedly intrigued as to what was the source of such a benevolent spirit. This genuine love displayed among the brethren truly made an impact in the hearts of men who witnessed it in a time when the church was in peace; but it undoubtedly radiated most brightly in a world where the mindset of self-preservation should have dominated. It is well recorded in the annals of history that during the first century AD, the church often endured great affliction due to persecution. The sacred Scripture quoted before from the apostle Peter’s epistle was penned during Nero’s unjust and brutal persecution of Christians whom he blamed for setting fire to Rome. Due to this injustice, Christianity had been branded illegal and punishable by death. In an instant, Christians were made fugitives of the Roman crown and anyone who opened their homes to them would be guilty of harboring a criminal. For this reason, it becomes abundantly clear why the apostle Peter would provide the following commandment as an illustration of what fervent brotherly love is: “Be hospitable to one another without grumbling” (1st Peter 4:9). Numerous members of the body of Christ had been wrongfully chased out of their homes because of Nero’s cruelty, and the inspired apostle correctly surmised that a direct result of this would be that they who had been displaced, would now be wandering strangers without a home. He astutely sensed the foul stench of self-preservation being brewed by panic, and wisely dissipated it by urging them to stir in themselves the pure fire of brotherly love. Peter’s spiritual council of providing hospitality to one another when it was extremely dangerous to do so strongly reverberates the Master’s affirmation that “greater love has no one than this, than to lay one’s life for his friends” (John 15:13). Verily, having the boldness to defy Imperial Law by providing housing to fellow Christians who had lost their own unceremoniously fits the description of greater love. The beloved apostle, too, agrees with Peter’s illustration of what it means to have fervent love as he espouses, “By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him” (1st John 3:16-17)? It is wise to mention that when the apostle John was inspired by the Holy Spirit to write this epistle, the church was once more being heavily persecuted by Rome. Only this time, it was Domitian who led this horrid hunt because he fancied himself to be the incarnation of the goddess Roma; Rome’s namesake. Therefore, all who refused to acknowledge him as “god” and refused to denounce all other gods before him, would be labeled as a traitor to Rome. Like Nero’s time on the throne, a vast number of Christians living under Domitian’s rule found themselves yet again in the need to flee from their homes, to wander the enormous Roman Empire seeking shelter from their fellow saints. Although it was during a different time period when the apostle Paul penned his epistle to the Romans, his instruction that Christians must “be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord;rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality” proved to be extremely valuable during those times of peril, and still remains so today (Romans 12:10-13). Upon placing the historical backdrop to these Holy Scriptures, it amplifies the enormous importance of brotherly love in the church of Christ. Unquestionably, to be given to hospitality verifies us as the authentic City of Brotherly Love. The one, true church will always distinguish herself by the genuine love shared between her children no matter the circumstance because “Love never fails” (1st Corinthians 13:8a). Indeed, to be hospitable with the holy elect of God is the true brand of a Philadelphos. Just ask Gaius (cf. 3rd John 5-7).