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What is the new commandment Jesus gave his apostles?

JESUS AND APOSTLES

Adam Jan Figel | Shutterstock

Philip Kosloski - published on 05/15/22

Before his crucifixion, Jesus gave his apostles a new commandment.

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While God revealed the 10 Commandments to Moses and the people of Israel, he revealed a “new” commandment through the ministry of Jesus.

The new commandment Jesus gave his apostles is in the Gospel of John.

“My children, I will be with you only a little while longer. You will look for me, and as I told the Jews, ‘Where I go you cannot come,’ so now I say it to you. I give you a new commandment: love one another. As I have loved you, so you also should love one another. This is how all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

John 13:33-35

This is technically not a new commandment, but is a further deepening of the original 10 Commandments.

According to the Ignatius Catholic Study Bible, the difference is in the type of love requested by Jesus.

The Torah commanded human love for ourselves and our neighbor (Lev 19:18). Jesus commands divine love for one another that is molded on his own acts of charity and generosity.

It does not wipe out the old commandments, but simply helps us better understand how to live them out.

We are to follow Jesus’ example and his new commandment, loving others as he loves us.

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