Features of the Great Commandment of Love (Jn 13:34) in the Writings of the Apostolic Fathers

Abstract

The article analyzes the concept of the Great Commandment of Love (John 13:34) and the features of the Apostolic Fathersʼ writings as the indicators of authentic faith revealed in the form of teachings on the Christian life that were based both on the Gospel and the Great Commandment of Love. When, in the II century, no more witnesses saw and knew Jesus, the question of how to lead an authentic Christian life arose. And the same question arises today. Help in answering this question can be found in the writings of the guardians of authentic Christian teaching, i.e., the Apostolic Fathers. Their works presented the concept of the Great Commandment of Love, which evolved from the features recovered and named. Therefore, the article aims to introduce the concept of the Great Commandment of Love (John 13:34) based on the theological works of the Apostolic Fathers, raising the question of whether the Great Commandment of Love is directly connected with the Greek word Agápé. This indirect connection and concept are sought through the following aspects: the love of God the Creator; martyrdom, as identification with the sacrifice of Christ – Agápé (greek); Godʼs will and obedience – the way to be in love; repentance, conversion, and Godʼs mercy; love of neighbor; love of enemies; helping the poor; love at the end of time.