#3 A Little Chat Between Jesus And Peter

NIV Bible:

When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?"
"Yes, Lord," he said, "you know that I love you."
Jesus said, "Feed my lambs."
Again Jesus said, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me?"
He answered, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you."
Jesus said, "Take care of my sheep."

What it meant:

Jesus: Simon son of John, do you truly AGAPE me more than these?
Peter: Yes, Lord. You know that I PHILIA you.
Jesus: Simon son of John, do you truly AGAPE me?
Peter: Yes, Lord. You know that I PHILIA you.
Jesus: Simon son of John, do you truly AGAPE me?
Peter (exasperated): Yes, Lord. I AGAPE you.
Jesus: Feed my sheep.

AGAPE refers to unconditional, self-sacrificing, volitional, active love.
PHILIA refers to brotherly love, friendship or liking usually based on utility, pleasure, goodness.

Interesting bite-sized food for thought.