“Brotherly love,” comes from the word “phileo,” which means the love brothers and sisters have for each other in a family.  Paul applies it to brothers and sister in the Christian family.  He said he didn’t have to write them about this because God had taught them to love each other with “agape” love.  Jesus referred to this in John 13:34-35, “A new command I give you: Love one another.  As I have loved you, so you must love one another.  By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”  Our love for each other is to be the distinguishing characteristic the watching world recognizes as Christian. 

Phileo is human love.  Agape love has a divine source.  Phileo love can increase in intensity and sphere of influence.  The Thessalonian Christians were known for their phileo love for the Christians throughout Macedonia.  But since they were taught by God to love each other with agape love, which the Holy Spirit continuously pours into their hearts, they have the capacity to love the brothers and sisters in the faith more and more.  That is, with an even greater intensity and sphere of influence