Beloved
was a common way in which a father would address his child. This term became one of the principal forms of address in the church (Romans 12:19; 1 Corinthians 10:14; 2 Corinthians 7:1; 2 Corinthians 12:19; Philippians 2:12; Hebrews 6:9; 1 Peter 2:11; 1 Peter 4:12; 2 Peter 3:1, 2 Peter 3:8, 2 Peter 3:14, 2 Peter 3:17; 1 John 2:7; 1 John 3:2, 1 John 3:21; 1 John 4:1, 1 John 4:7, 1 John 4:11; Jude 1:17, Jude 1:20), since it emphasises the familial bond that exists between members of the Christian community.1
20 But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit,