In the last article, we identified a good definition for fellowship. “Fellowship is a relationship you have with God, that you also have with others who have that same relationship with God.” While I believe that is a good definition of fellowship, there are some Bible passages that give how fellowship is manifested. Let’s look at few of those passages:
1. Acts 2:42
“They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to the prayers.” This passage reveals to us that “the fellowship” is something that baptized believers should devote themselves to. This means that Christian fellowship is a an ongoing and growing devotion to each other and to God.
2. 1 Corinthians 10:16
“Is not the cup of blessing which we bless a sharing in the blood of Christ? Is not the bread which we break a sharing in the body of Christ?” This word “sharing” is the same greek word for fellowship. The idea is that the Lord’s Supper we take each week is a manifestation of the fellowship we have as Christians. It is a sharing in the memorial meal to remember the sacrifice of Jesus.
3. Philippians 1:5
“In view of your participation in the gospel from the first day until now.” Paul was thanking God for the Philippians who financially supported him in his mission work (Phil. 4:15). He called it a “participation” (same greek word as fellowship) in the gospel. Supporting good works of the church financially is a form of fellowship among Christians. It enables us to participate together in spreading the gospel.
These passages reveal to us that this special relationship that Christians share called “fellowship” is deeper than just a relationship. It is something that Christians ought to be devoted to. It is a sharing in the remembrance of the Lord Jesus. It is a participation in spreading the gospel together. These little nuances of fellowship show us some of the beauty that surrounds this unique relationship we share in. In the next article, we will look at some of the warnings about Christian fellowship being opened to those who don’t share this unique relationship.
— Kolton Ballance