Love: A New Commandment - a Journey in PhilippiansSample

Rewind

As we draw to the end of this letter, let’s focus on one idea, woven throughout that we haven’t discussed. In today’s reading, the word translated as “shared” comes from the Greek word “koinonia”. Maybe you’ve heard it before? “Koinonia” is often translated as “fellowship”. Looking from a love perspective, that sounds like the time church people spend together. Paul uses the word six times in this letter.

Strong’s Greek Lexicon describes this word as literally “partnership.”

As we’ve seen, it was common in Paul’s world for an extended family to live and work together. That would have been described as “koinonia”. It’s fellowship and more. It’s shared life and responsibilities. It’s a partnership. For Paul, Christian love wasn't an abstract idea. It wasn't warm, fuzzy feelings. It was very practical: taking responsibility for caring for other partners and caring for our family business. In his words: put others first and the Gospel above all.

The congregation in Philippi did this by sending a large amount of money to support Paul in prison. Remember Epaphroditus? Paul never used the word “money” in any of his letters. He used other words like “gifts”. (There was no other way to travel so far by foot with something substantial enough to support someone in prison for quite a while than to take money.) It wasn’t the first time this church had done such a thing. That’s why Paul rejoiced, not because his needs were met, but because this partnership confirms the Gospel: there is another King and it’s Jesus.

Rewind through this reading plan. You will see something of this partnership in every paragraph. Paul either celebrated it, encouraged it, or both. This partnership is not just with other believers. “If then there is any encouragement in Christ, any consolation from love, any sharing in the Spirit…” (chapter 2:1). “Sharing” is the word “koinonia”. It’s a partnership in the Spirit with Christ. He encourages you and the Spirit energises you to grow caring partnerships for the sake of the Gospel. The Spirit is actively at work in you. NO sleeping partners in this partnership!

Reflection Question:

Where am I partnering for the Gospel?

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, thank you for this partnership in Your Spirit. Help me form caring partnerships with others for your Gospel and Kingdom. Amen.