Allelon Principle of the NT

ARTICLES ARCHIVE
SEPTEMBER, 2006

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Orthodox North continues a series of various articles of relevance to modern Christians. September 1st each year marks the beginning of the "new" year in the Orthodox Church. This article discusses Jesus' intention for the Church.

[Note: All previous articles may be viewed from the "Articles Archive" page.]

The Allelon Principle of the New Testament
Fr. Anthony M. Coniaris

The Allelon Principle of the New Testament

One of the most vivid ways the Lord Jesus reveals His intention for the church as a body is by a series of statements given about our responsibilities toward one another.

The phrase "one another", as translated from the Greek word “allelon”, provides us with what someone calls the allelon principle of the New Testament. This principle provides us with a tremendous picture of what koinonia (community) in the body looks like in action. Here is a list of those allelon statements from the New Testament, and what a list it is! In the body of Christ, we are to:

. wash one another's feet (John 13:14);
. love one another (John 13:34);
. be devoted to one another in brotherly love (Romans 12:10);
. give preference to one another in honor (Romans 12:1);
. be of the same mind toward one another in honor (Romans 12:16; 15:5);
. stop judging one another (Romans 14:13);

. pursue the building up of one another (Romans 14:1);
. accept one another (Romans 15:7);
. admonish one another (Romans 16: 16);
. greet one another (Romans 16: 16);
. wait for one another (1 Corinthians 11 :33);
. care for one another (1 Corinthians 12:25) ;
. serve one another through love (Galatians 5:13);
. bear one another's burdens (Galatians 6:2);
. show forbearance to one another (Ephesians 4:2);
. be kind to one another (Ephesians 4:32);
. forgive one another (Ephesians 4:32);
. speak to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs (Ephesians 5: 1 9);
. be subject to one another (Ephesians 5:21);
. regard one another as more important (Philippians 2:3);
. do not lie to one another (Colossians 3:9);
. teach one another (Colossians 3:16);
. comfort one another (1 Thessalonians 4:18);
. encourage one another (1 Thessalonians 5:1 l );
. be at peace with one another (1 Thessalonians 5:13);
. pursue good to one another (1 Thessalonians 5:15);
. consider one another (Hebrews 10:25);
. do not speak against one another (James 4:1 1);
. do not complain against one another James 5:9);
. confess your sins to one another (James 5:16);
. pray for one another (James 5:16);
. be hospitable to one another (Peter 4:9);
. clothe yourself with humility toward one another (1 Peter 5:5).

This is the way the members of the body love, support and care for one another. The word allelon in each of the above verses expresses the fact that as members of the one body of Christ, we belong to Him and to one another. Because we all constitute one body, we are to love, respect and care for one another, as we care for the members of our own body. "The eye cannot say to the hand, 'I have no need of you'" (1 Corinthians 12:21 ). We are to build up each other's faith. "If your brother is being caused sorrow by what you eat, you are no longer walking in love. Do not let what you eat cause the ruin of one for whom Christ died'' (Romans 14:15).

St. Clement of Rome in the first century (96 A.D.) expressed it this way: " Why is there strife, anger, dissension, schism, and war among you? ls not then the God we have one God, and is not Christ one, and is not the Spirit of grace infused in us one, and is not our vocation in Christ one? Why then do we tear and rend the members of Christ and rise against our own body and rush into such madness that we forget we are members of one another? ''

(Taken from ''The Eye Cannot Say to the Hand, I Have No Need of You", by Fr. Anthony M. Coniaris, Light and Life Publishing, Minneapolis, MN)

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