AGAPE. This is a Greek word, and signifies properly Friendship. The feasts of Charity, which were in use among the Christians of the Primitive Church, were called by this name. They were celebrated in memory of the last Supper which Jesus Christ made with his Apostles, when he instituted the Holy Eucharist. These Festivals were kept in the Church, towards the Evening, after the common Prayers were over, and the word of Salvation had been heard. When this was done, the Faithful eat together with great Simplicity and Union, what every one had brought with them; so that the Rich and Poor were no way distinguished. After a frugal and modest Supper, they partook of the Lord’s Body and Blood, and gave each other the Kiss of Peace. This Custom, so good and laudable in its Original, soon degenerated, and was abused. St. Paul, in his first Epistle to the Corinthians, complains, 1 Cor. xi. 21.that so early as in his time the Rich despised the Poor in these Assemblies, and would not condescend to eat with them: When ye come together, says he, in one place, this is not to eat the Lord’s Supper; for in eating every one taketh before other, his own Supper: and one is hungry, and another is drunken. What, have ye not Houses to eat and to drink in? or despise ye the Church of God, and shame them that have not? What shall I say to you? Shall I praise you in this? I praise you not?
The Jews had certain devotional Entertainments, which had some relation to the Agapæ we are speaking of. Upon Deut. xiv. 22, 27-29. xxxvi. 10, 11, 12. Neh. viii. 12. Esth. ix. 19.their great Festival-days they made Feasts for their Family, their Friends and Relations; to these they invited the Priests, the Poor, and Orphans, and sent portions to them of their Sacrifices. These Repasts were made in the Temple, and before the Lord. And there were certain Sacrifices and First-fruits appointed by the Law, which were to be set apart for this purpose.