Aristides wrote about how Christians conducted themselves, and how deeply they cared for others. Yet, that single cause, by itself, isn’t what stands out. In reading translations of The Apology of Aristides we don’t find the precise phrase, “Behold, how they love one another.” Yet, that deduction certainly seems fitting from Aristides’ description of the early Church.Īristides did write, “and they love one another,” about the early Christians. This suggests the Emperor was so impressed with Aristides’ writing that he didn’t discard it but, instead, released the letter for public viewing. Saint Jerome), and other ancient writers. This letter was entitled, The Apology of Aristides, and delivered to Emperor Hadrian circa 124-133 AD.Īristides’ letter and its content apparently became well-known outside of the Emperor’s household and staff as it is mentioned in historical writings by Eusebius of Caesarea, Eusebius Sophronius Hieronymus (aka. Aristides was an early second- century Greek Christian and philosopher who presented a letter of defense to the reigning Caesar (Emperor), Hadrian. “Behold, how they love another!” The origin of this phrase is generally attributed to Aristides the Athenian (or maybe as a reaction to Aristides’ description of Christians). In the early Church, the believers’ love for one another, and for others, was so authentic and so obvious that even those outside the Church took notice and were amazed by the loving-kindness of first and second-century Christians. That expression-which has been repeated for centuries-is: “ Behold, how they love one another.” (This song can also be found under an alternate title, We are One in the Spirit.) It’s said that Scholtes took inspiration for the chorus’ lyric in light of John 13:34-35, and as he reflected over an expression that tradition holds was frequently used by those outside the Church body, in speaking about Christians of the early Church. In 1966, Peter Scholtes, published the hymn, They’ll know we are Christians by our Love.
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