“Fellowship,” from the lesson series Come Together | fellowship at a distance, October 2020
our Scripture
42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved (Acts 2:42-47 ESV).
Acts 2:42-47 NASB
Acts 2:42-47 NIV
Acts 2:42-47 NLT
Acts 2:42-47 MESSAGE
How would you define Christian fellowship?
Enjoy a one page summary of the lesson. You can print copies for use with your group.
The word κοινωνία (koin-oh-knee-uh) is used 20 times in the New Testament, but only about half of them use the definition of “fellowship.” If your understanding of “fellowship” is that of “friendship,” you are missing much of the riches this word has to offer.
Κοινωνία is a word used to describe the things in common between believers and their God. The word includes the common belief system or worldview (we look at the world through the same eyes), experiences (worship, rejoicing, comfort, hope), expressions (prayer, giving, communion) and the intimacy and security of God intermingled with the human existence.
[su_pullquote align=”right”]Points to Ponder
- Describe your ideal setting for fellowship. Do you have memories of times of fellowship at a church? What does it include? How has it changed as you have grown older?
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Although the concept is primarily a New Testament development, it finds its roots in the covenant and promises made between God and Israel. The foundation for the experience is the Lord’s promise, “I will be with you” (Exodus 3:12, etc). The promise was structured through the laws and agreements of the covenant (Genesis 17:7-8; Joshua 24:2-14; Jeremiah 50:5).
[su_pullquote]Verse to Memorize
“Let us return and visit the brothers in every city where we proclaimed the Word of the Lord, and see how they are” (Acts 15:36 ESV). [/su_pullquote]
Fellowship intertwines the compartments of life. Faith is directed towards God, but it is meaningful when it is expressed, shared and affirmed with others. Love is directed towards God as a grateful response to His unending love for us, but it finds expression not only to others in the faith, but to those who are currently deemed “unloveable.” Hope points us to our future but finds its rest in the past and its demonstration in the present.
[su_pullquote align=”right”]Words to Wrangle
The Greek word for fellowship shares roots with unity, common and communion. Why are these important?
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The root of the word κοινωνία regularly used as a prefix in the ancient Greek language with words like family, home, meeting and business. Adding the prefix describes an immediate family or a public meeting.
[su_pullquote align=”right”]Conclusions to Consider
When things are going well in life, do I tend to fellowship more or less with other believers? Why is this?
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Jerry Bridges wrote, “There are many elements that go into the total concept of fellowship, but the sharing together in suffering is one of the most profitable.”
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