Saint Valentine has long been associated with romance and affection in popular culture. The Valentine’s Day holiday that bears his name is widely celebrated as a day of sentimental love, greeting cards, and acts of kindness. Yet, behind this cultural phenomenon lies an ancient Christian figure whose story, though shrouded by legend, points to a deeper and more profound expression of love. From an evangelical perspective, the life of Saint Valentine is evocative of sacrificial devotion, moral courage, and steadfast allegiance to the Gospel. Furthermore, his commemoration provides a unique springboard to consider the Biblical theme of love, as presented in the Word of God.
Within Church history, the narrative that has emerged around Saint Valentine’s martyrdom testifies to the bravery of a Christian leader committed to uniting couples in holy matrimony during a time of persecution. Whether all parts of the story are historical or legendary, the Church has long commemorated Saint Valentine as an example of Christian devotion and love in action. For believers who maintain a high view of Scripture and the transforming power of the Gospel, the celebration of Saint Valentine offers a means of reflecting upon the nature of love as taught and exemplified in the Bible. It opens a theological dialogue on what love truly entails, pointing us beyond mere romantic sentiment and into the realm of profound Christian charity.
The Bible provides a wealth of teachings on love. It portrays God’s nature as the very essence of love (1 John 4:8). It depicts believers’ relationships as transformed by God’s own lovingkindness. When we examine the love passages of Scripture—particularly 1 Corinthians 13:4–8, 1 John 4:8, 1 Peter 4:8, and John 15:13—we discover an eternal foundation for Christian love that goes far beyond ephemeral feelings. The significance of love in Scripture is not restricted to personal relationships only; it reaches to the very heart of Christian discipleship and mission. Indeed, the Church’s call to be a people of love connects directly to the Gospel proclamation that “God so loved the world” (John 3:16, ESV). It is that Gospel reality that emboldened early Christians, perhaps including Saint Valentine, to stand firm in the face of societal opposition.
In this blog post, we will trace the notion of love in the New Testament and briefly relate it to the traditions surrounding Saint Valentine. We will begin by considering the exegetical underpinnings of key Scriptural texts in the Bible. From there, we will discuss how these passages inform an evangelical theology of love, engaging briefly with original languages—Hebrew, Koine Greek, and Aramaic—to shed light on the depth and significance of Biblical love. Finally, we will conclude by synthesizing these insights and reflecting on the broader impact on the Church and the faithful witness of believers today.
Exegetical Analysis
Saint Valentine: Context and Legend
While Scripture does not mention Saint Valentine directly, Church tradition locates him in the third century, during a period when Roman authorities often persecuted Christians. Many traditions assert that Saint Valentine defied imperial edicts by performing Christian weddings, thereby upholding the sanctity of marriage. This courageous act is said to have led to his imprisonment and martyrdom. Although the precise historical details remain uncertain, the Christian community over centuries has revered Saint Valentine as a figure who modeled selfless love.
Within evangelical theology, the significance of Saint Valentine is not primarily dependent upon verifiable historical data. Instead, his memory is an invitation to examine the core of Christian love, which transcends individual heroes, even as it celebrates their faithful deeds. This reflection resonates with the broader tradition of the faithful witness of martyrs, who embody the sacrificial love of Christ in their testimony. The story of Saint Valentine, in other words, provides a narrative lens through which we may read Scripture’s profound teaching on love.
The Biblical Foundation for Love
Four primary New Testament passages are particularly relevant to the theological understanding of love: 1 Corinthians 13:4–8, 1 John 4:8, 1 Peter 4:8, and John 15:13. An exegetical analysis of these verses in the ESV uncovers a rich tapestry of meaning that has guided Christian reflection for centuries.
1 Corinthians 13:4–8
The Apostle Paul’s famous treatise on love occurs in the midst of his teaching on spiritual gifts and Church unity. He writes:
“Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends.” (1 Corinthians 13:4–8, ESV)
Paul’s discourse here is grounded in the Greek term ἀγάπη (agapē), which denotes a steadfast, sacrificial, divine love in Koine Greek. In the context of Corinth, a community fraught with divisions and rivalry, Paul underscores that even the most splendid spiritual gifts are worthless in the absence of self-giving love. Exegetically, the phrase “love never ends” (1 Corinthians 13:8, ESV) reveals love’s eschatological nature. Gifts such as prophecy, tongues, and knowledge will pass away, but true love, anchored in God, endures beyond this present life.
The immediate literary context highlights the necessity for believers to adopt love as the guiding principle in the exercise of spiritual gifts. In line with the broader themes of Paul’s teachings, love is not a superficial sentiment; it is a moral posture rooted in God’s character. By analyzing the Greek text, we observe that the repeated negations—“does not envy,” “does not boast,” “is not arrogant”—function to define love antithetically, thereby placing positive emphasis on patience, kindness, and truth. For an evangelical reading, this underscores the transformative power of divine love, which calls believers to display a radical, selfless concern for others, reflective of God’s own posture toward humanity.1 John 4:8
In this short but profound epistle, John states succinctly:
“Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.” (1 John 4:8, ESV)
The context of 1 John is one of urging believers toward fellowship with God and one another, grounded in the essential nature of God. By employing the Greek phrase ὁ θεὸς ἀγάπη ἐστίν (ho theos agapē estin)—“God is love”—the Apostle John underscores that love is not merely one of God’s attributes; rather, love is intrinsic to God’s essence. The Aramaic parallel term for love often transliterated as rachmah, similarly expresses a compassionate, merciful affection, underscoring the depth and intimacy of divine love. Although the primary text is written in Koine Greek, understanding the Aramaic background of early Christian speech further enriches the connotation of compassion and covenant faithfulness.
This passage constitutes a major theological cornerstone, indicating that true knowledge of God cannot be divorced from the practice of love. To claim to know God while failing to love one’s brothers and sisters is to misunderstand the very nature of the divine. Notably, the verse aligns God’s identity with the moral imperative placed upon believers. Because God is love, believers are to embody that love within the faith community and in the wider world.1 Peter 4:8
The Apostle Peter writes:
“Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.” (1 Peter 4:8, ESV)
The wider context of 1 Peter addresses believers scattered across regions of Asia Minor, instructing them to persevere under persecution and maintain holiness in a hostile environment. Peter’s exhortation to “keep loving one another earnestly” emphasizes continuity, urging believers to persist in relational love despite trials and temptations.
The phrase “love covers a multitude of sins” echoes the Hebrew concept of אַהֲבָה (ahavah), which can imply covenantal loyalty and mutual commitment within the community of God’s people. This notion of covering is reflective of God’s covenant love for Israel in the Old Testament, wherein God’s love often entailed forgiveness and restoration. In drawing upon this idea, 1 Peter 4:8 presents love as a communal balm that fosters reconciliation and unity. Rather than focusing on the transgression, believers are called to model a love that refuses to dwell on offenses, reflecting God’s mercy. This fosters a humble recognition of one’s own sin and the willingness to forgive others as one has been forgiven by God.John 15:13
These words of Jesus form part of His Farewell Discourse to the disciples:
“Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13, ESV)
The Greek word here for love is again ἀγάπη (agapē). Jesus’ statement defines the greatest love in terms of self-sacrifice, specifically pointing forward to His own crucifixion. The immediate context, John 15:9–17, revolves around abiding in Christ’s love and keeping His commandments. Jesus’ demonstration of love, culminating in His atoning death, remains the ultimate revelation of God’s heart. The reference to “friends” also resonates with the Greek term φίλος (philos), which can mean a close associate or companion. While this is not the same as the Koine Greek verb φιλέω (phileō) for “brotherly love,” the lexical affinity highlights the interpersonal dimension of divine love.
John 15:13 underscores the sacrificial nature of divine love and calls believers to emulate Christ’s example. This love is neither abstract nor merely emotional; it is an active, self-emptying posture of service to others. Understanding the background of Koine Greek reveals that Jesus sets forth a profound theological truth: love, in its highest form, is willing to give all, including one’s life, for the beloved. This has direct implications for Christian ethics, evangelism, and discipleship, shaping how believers perceive God’s love for humanity and how they, in turn, must love one another.
Theological Discussion
Varied Terminology for Love in the New Testament
Before reflecting on the broader theological implications, it is pertinent to note the range of Greek words for “love” found in the New Testament, as well as Hebrew and Aramaic equivalents. While the Greek New Testament predominantly employs ἀγάπη (agapē) and its cognates, Scripture and extra-Biblical writings reveal a nuanced vocabulary for love:
ἀγάπη (agapē): This is the most frequent New Testament term for love. It characterizes God’s unconditional, sacrificial love for humanity. It implies a selfless disposition, anchored in the well-being of the other rather than in personal gain or reciprocal benefit.
φιλέω (phileō): Often translated as brotherly love or affectionate regard, this term denotes a warm, relational fondness. Though sometimes overshadowed by agapē in Christian discourse, phileō remains essential for depicting personal relationships in the New Testament.
ἔρως (erōs): While the term erōs does not explicitly appear in the canonical New Testament, its concept of romantic or passionate love is certainly addressed throughout Scripture’s broader discussion of marital intimacy. Early Church Fathers recognized that God could transform eros into a holy longing for the divine, yet the New Testament addresses this concept primarily through the lens of marriage and purity rather than employing the word erōs itself.
στοργή (storgē): This Greek word typically indicates familial love or affection, the natural bond between parents and children or among close kin. The term itself is rare in the New Testament, but the notion of familial affection is woven into the Biblical narrative, especially in instructions concerning Christian relationships as a household of faith.
In the Hebrew Bible, אַהֲבָה (ahavah) often denotes God’s covenantal love as well as human love. In Aramaic, a word such as rachmah can emphasize compassion and tenderness, reflecting the relational closeness that characterized early Christian communities in Palestine. For evangelical believers, this linguistic diversity illustrates the comprehensiveness of Biblical love, which encompasses covenant faithfulness, personal affection, moral commitment, and sacrificial service.
Evangelical Perspective on Love and Saint Valentine
Evangelicals, generally emphasizing the authority of the Bible, find a multi-dimensional theology of love in these passages. The love that believers are called to exhibit is fundamentally grounded in the nature of God, revealed in Jesus Christ. Indeed, evangelicals often highlight that one cannot separate the message of the Gospel from the love of God. The crucifixion of Christ stands at the center of this revelation, reminding believers that “God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8, ESV).
When reflecting upon Saint Valentine from this vantage point, evangelicals might observe that his martyrdom, if historical records and Church tradition are reliable, exemplifies a life offered in self-sacrifice. Whether he literally performed weddings in secret or not, the concept of Saint Valentine defying worldly authority out of faithfulness to Christian truth resonates with Jesus’ principle in John 15:13: “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” Saint Valentine’s witness bears testimony to love that is willing to risk comfort, security, and even life itself for the sake of fidelity to Christ and the Church.
Moreover, the focus on marriage and unity in the Saint Valentine legend connects naturally to the Biblical perspective that marriage, in its ideal sense, is a reflection of Christ’s covenant love for the Church (Ephesians 5:25–33, ESV). This sacramental or symbolic dimension of marriage resonates strongly with Paul’s teaching in 1 Corinthians 13, where he depicts love as patient, kind, and enduring. Indeed, every Christian marriage is to be marked by the selfless love of God, in which each spouse seeks the other’s welfare. Although the New Testament does not use the Greek term erōs, it affirms the fullness of love that includes friendship, commitment, loyalty, and covenantal sacrifice. From an evangelical standpoint, Saint Valentine’s commemoration thus points us back to God’s design for marriage as a living sign of His loving covenant with believers.
Finally, as evidenced throughout Church history, genuine Christian love often challenges social norms and political authorities. Whether it is the early Church’s dedication to caring for orphans and widows, or faithful servants like Saint Valentine risking their lives to marry Christian couples forbidden to do so, the impetus to love sacrificially stands at the heart of Christian witness. This witness rests upon the conviction that “God is love” (1 John 4:8, ESV) and that believers who abide in that love become heralds of the Gospel. Their message is one of transforming grace, illustrating that God’s love, far from a mere romantic notion, is a mighty force that can overturn the darkest of circumstances.
Practical and Theological Implications
The Shape of Christian Discipleship: The passages discussed convey that love is the defining trait of a disciple of Christ. Evangelicals often stress that faith without works is dead (James 2:17, ESV), meaning that the evidence of a believer’s faith is concretely displayed through loving actions. Indeed, Saint Valentine’s reputed sacrifice underscores that truly following Christ may entail risks and hardships. The practice of love, in a Biblical sense, is costly.
Unity in the Church: The emphasis on love within Christian communities remains vital. Both Paul (1 Corinthians 13) and Peter (1 Peter 4:8) stress the necessity of enduring love to maintain unity, forgiveness, and fellowship. Evangelical churches that wish to reflect scriptural fidelity must continually prioritize loving relationships over factionalism or self-interest. This resonates with the self-giving love found in God Himself.
Mission and Evangelism: Jesus taught that the world would recognize His disciples by their love for one another (John 13:35, ESV). An evangelical theology of mission embraces the idea that love—expressed in service, care for the marginalized, and truthful proclamation—is a powerful witness to the Gospel. Indeed, the Church’s mission flows from and points to God’s love.
Moral and Ethical Concerns: Contemporary society often construes “love” in superficial or merely emotional terms. The Biblical teaching corrects such reductions by insisting on love’s moral dimensions. Love rejoices with the truth, covers a multitude of sins through forgiveness, and is prepared to sacrifice for another’s good. This requires moral courage and integrity, virtues epitomized in the story of Saint Valentine’s faithful stand.
Eschatological Perspective: As Paul indicates in 1 Corinthians 13:8, “Love never ends.” For evangelicals, this suggests that love partakes of God’s eternal nature and will persist into the age to come. Since believers are being conformed to the image of Christ (Romans 8:29, ESV), growth in love is not merely a temporal project but an eternal preparation. This orientation helps the Church to view trials and persecutions through a lens of hope, trusting that the love Christians cultivate now prefigures the coming Kingdom.
Conclusion
Saint Valentine’s historical and legendary associations with love, marriage, and martyrdom present a compelling starting point for evangelical reflection on the Biblical theme of love. Although his specific story might be partly lost to the vagaries of time, his witness stands as an emblem of fidelity to God’s call, even under the threat of persecution. For the evangelical believer, commemorating Saint Valentine is less about upholding a cultural holiday of romantic gestures and more about remembering and proclaiming that God’s love, manifested supremely in Jesus Christ, transforms hearts, relationships, and societies.
Our exploration of 1 Corinthians 13:4–8, 1 John 4:8, 1 Peter 4:8, and John 15:13 reveals a theology of love that is both exacting and joyous. Love is patient and kind; love flows from the essence of God; love stands ready to forgive and unite; and love is defined by a willingness to lay down one’s life for others. Whether it is spelled out in Greek as agapē, phileō, storgē, or implied as eros in the context of marriage, the New Testament’s presentation of love challenges any narrow or sentimental view. Rather, it calls believers into communion with the Triune God, who, in His nature and actions, is perfect love.
By acknowledging the linguistic depth that underlies the Biblical text—Hebrew’s ahavah, Aramaic’s rachmah, and the Koine Greek vocabulary that pervades the New Testament—the Church perceives a multi-dimensional tapestry of love. This tapestry spans covenant faithfulness, moral integrity, familial affection, and sacrificial devotion. For evangelicals centered on the final authority of Scripture, these diverse threads cohere in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Indeed, it is here that love is most powerfully displayed, calling all disciples to mirror that love in their own lives.
Saint Valentine’s example, real or embellished, points us to the continuing relevance of love in the face of a world that can be hostile to the Gospel. In his willingness to defy an edict for the sake of Christian marriage—or, more broadly, his readiness to suffer for his allegiance to Christ—Valentine serves as a model of what it means to live sacrificially and stand for the sanctity of love in a broken culture. His courage invites all believers to consider how they might exhibit the love described in Scripture within their families, churches, and spheres of influence. Indeed, the Christian call to bear witness (Acts 1:8, ESV) embodies love in deed and word.
In closing, a theology of love recognizes that the story of Saint Valentine, while fascinating, is ultimately overshadowed by the greater story of Jesus Christ. Christ’s redeeming love, witnessed to by the Biblical authors and enacted by faithful believers across the centuries, stands at the center of the Christian faith. The significance of love is not confined to romantic observances on a designated day; rather, it is interwoven into the very fabric of the Christian life. From the simple acts of kindness within the Church to the heroic sacrifices of martyrs, love is the evidence that God’s Spirit is at work among His people. Thus, as we remember Saint Valentine, may we be moved to a deeper understanding of the love that “bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things” (1 Corinthians 13:7, ESV). This love, in the final analysis, is nothing less than a participation in the life of God Himself—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—who is love.
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