Perspective:
Believers’ Fellowship
Nelson Thomas
One of the unique characteristics of the early church, as Dr. Luke describes in the book of Acts, is their commitment to fellowship with one another. Luke says, “They continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.” (Acts 2:42). Fellowship for them was not just confined to their gathering together or breaking of bread as many would consider today; it was a vital, living experience that affected every aspect of their spiritual life.
Expressions
Notice the number of ways their fellowship was demonstrated:
i
. They remembered and worshipped the Lord together, taking part from one bread and one cup, Acts 2:42; 20:7, 11; 1Cor. 10:16, 17.
ii
. They prayed together repeatedly, in favourable as well as unfavourable circumstances, Acts 2:42; 1:14; 4:24, 31; 12:5.
iii
. They served the Lord together, preaching and teaching God’s word, Acts 2:43; 4:33; Gal. 2:9; Phil. 1:5.
iv
. They shared their resources, ministering to the needs of the saints, Acts 2:44, 45; 4:32–35; 11:29, 30; 2Cor 8:3, 4.
v
. They often gathered together to rejoice together, encourage and edify one another, Acts 2:46, 47; Heb. 10:25.
vi
. They suffered together, sharing the sorrow and pain of one another, Acts 4:24; 5:18; 8:1; Rev. 1:9.
vii
. They comforted each other with their presence, prayers, and letters, Acts 4:23; 11:23; 12:5; 2Cor 1:6, 11; 1Thess. 3:1, 2; 4:18, etc.
Of course, there are many more such manifestations of believers’ fellowship referred to in the New Testament. Their fellowship was true, practical, and visible. The repeated instructions in the New Testament regarding believers’ responsibility to ‘one another’ reveals, how much God values saints’ fellowship with one another. (cf. John 13:34; Rom. 13:8; 14:19; 15:5, 7; 16:16; Eph. 4:32; 5:21; Col 3:16, etc.)
Meaning and the Basis
What was the reason behind such active fellowship among God’s people in the first century? To understand the value and significance of a believer’s fellowship, we need to consider the meaning of the Greek word ‘koinonia’ which occurs around 20 times in the New Testament. It refers to ‘holding or sharing something in common’; it may be a person, place, or ideology. Apart from fellowship, ‘koinonia’ is also translated, as sharing, association, partnership, participation, etc.
There are numerous associations of like-minded people because of their shared goals, values, culture, etc. However, it is sad to notice that many so-called Christian congregations also end up as such associations or clubs, which do not have any living expressions of spiritual fellowship taught in the New Testament.
True Christian fellowship, on the contrary, is based on our sharing of the Lord Jesus Himself. Notice what Paul wrote to Corinthians, “God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.” (1Cor. 1:9)
We have been called to share Christ, His life, nature, etc. The implications of this fellowship are manifold. We are in partnership with the Lord Jesus Christ in His goodness, interests, and purposes (Heb.3:14; 1Cor. 3:9; 2Pet. 1:4). It happened at our conversion, when Christ the hope of glory began to dwell in us (Colo. 1:27). By virtue of the same indwelling, we also share the Father and the Holy Spirit (cf. 2Cori 13:14; 1John 1:3; Phil 2:1).
It is this sharing together of the triune God that makes the foundation for our fellowship with one another. Because we all share the Lord Jesus Christ and His qualities, we are partners together in Him, as Paul puts it, ‘we are workers together with God’ (1Cor. 3:9; 2Cori. 6:1). Apostle John who sincerely longed for fellowship among the saints makes it very clear, without this vertical relationship, there cannot be a horizontal fellowship that is true and from the heart (1John 1:3, 7).
Longing
A truly born-again believer will have a spontaneous hunger and thirst for fellowship with God as well as His people. It is the natural outcome of the regeneration and the indwelling of the Spirit of God. Whereas, a false believer who does not have the experience of conversion takes fellowship casually and even abandons it at a convenient time (1 John 2:19)!
The example of Saul of Tarsus who was transformed miraculously by the special intervention of the risen Saviour on the way to Damascus is remarkable. When he reached Jerusalem, no one was ready to receive him, fearing his past atrocities against Christians. Yet we read, ‘he tried to join the disciples’ (Acts 9:26). The cold and indifferent response of those Jerusalem saints did not diminish the zeal of Saul in connecting with the church at Jerusalem. Heb. 10:25 is a rebuke to those who neglect the assembly fellowship for simple reasons.
There are certain people, who by nature prefer to stay alone. That may be part of their natural temperament. Experts say that even that distinct personality has its benefits. Yet the word of God very clearly states that the Lord saves us individually and places us in the Church, where we are no longer alone. We have become part and parcel of a company of God’s people, like a brick in a building, connected vitally. (1Cor. 3:9).
Above all, we are part of the body of Christ and we cannot survive independently. We cannot isolate ourselves from the fellowship of God’s people. As members of the body of Christ, we ought to function together, interdependently (1Cor 12:12, 27). The effectiveness of our life and testimony will be in proportion to our ability to make use of this mystical relationship.
Outcome
Both Dr. Luke and Apostle John refer to the increased joy as one of the major results of a sweet and healthy Christian fellowship (Acts 2:46; 1 John 1:4). As iron sharpens iron, a believer’s fellowship edifies, encourages, and comforts one another (Pro. 27:17; Ecc. 4:9, 10). While writing to the believers in Rome, Paul says, “I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift, so that you may be established— that is, that I may be encouraged together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.” (Rom. 1:11, 12).
Paul was very well aware of the mutual benefits of a believer’s partnership. That’s why he made every effort to connect with God’s people wherever he went (Acts 9:26; 20:17; Rom. 15:23, 32; Phi. 1:8; 2 Tim 1:4) and associated with others in the service of God (Acts 15:36; 16:3). He always appreciated the partnership of fellow-believers in his gospel efforts (Phil. 1:15; 4:15, 16; Gal. 2:9; Rom. 15:26; 2Cor. 8:1).
Yes, true fellowship benefits all involved. As Luke mentions further in Acts, the unity and partnership of God’s people leads to effective testimony and spiritual growth (Acts 2:47; John 17:21). Even the Lord Almighty Himself will shower His choicest blessings among such godly saints (Psa. 133:1).
Evaluate and Enhance
Do we value this spiritual fellowship one with another? Do we take conscious steps to maintain this partnership and thus enhance the fruitfulness of our life and service to the Lord?
Never forget, our fellowship will be healthy and strong only in proportion to our fellowship with the triune God. Any deviation from the Lord and His word will affect the effectiveness of our communion with one another (1 John 1:6). Remember also, any failure in this partnership with Christ is a loss to His purposes, and thereby it is grieving to the heart of God.
Let us examine our personal, intimacy with the Lord and His people. If there is any failure, let’s confess as Apostle John exhorts. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness”, 1John 1:9. And also, let us express our spiritual fellowship through practical ways so that it will encourage one another and enrich the work of the Lord (Philemon vs. 6 and 7).
NTK
