Understanding God, Myself, and the WorldSample

The fellowship of believers

Fellowship was always (and should always be) a central quality of church. But what is fellowship and why is it so important? The Greek word for fellowship, as it is used in the New Testament, is the word koinonia. The root of this word means “common.” In other words, fellowship refers to that which is common or mutual between people. Friendship (or any type of relationship) is built on a common or mutual passion and interest that two or more people share. Fellowship is therefore not about techniques or avenues for improving our relationships, but it is rather the nature of the bond that holds people together.

So when we, as Christians, have fellowship with one another, it means that we come together to share in that which we have in common. What do we have in common? Is it our shared interests and hobbies? Is it our shared culture or ethnicity? Is it our shared level of education or socio-economic status? Biblical fellowship is built on none of these. We can be different in every way possible, but what unites us is a shared passion for Jesus. It is Jesus whom we have in common. He is the basis for our fellowship. If we lose this foundation, then we will eventually degenerate into a social club, a self-help facility, or a corporation.

Acts 2:42–47 has inspired (and challenged) every generation of Christians. The first thing to notice is that there is no clear indication of a mission statement, a program, or a direction. No doubt there were decisions and leadership in the early Church (see Acts 6:1–6), but the life of the Church was determined by a mutual passion for, and loyalty to, Jesus. This shared devotion to Jesus was expressed in various important ways. We can say that this passion was encapsulated in the various disciplines mentioned in this passage. We can go so far as to say that these disciplines mutually sustain our passion for Jesus as much as our passion for Jesus fuels these disciplines in church. Which of these disciplines do you 1) practice regularly, and 2) neglect to practice? 

Do some self-reflection. Why do you (or don’t you) attend church? Do you think it is a valid reason? Read James 2:1-4. How does this passage address the issue of basing fellowship (that which we have in common) on the wrong foundations (on anything other than Christ)? Do you sometimes exclude Christians from fellowship because they differ from you on some levels (age, socio-economic class, interests, level of education, etc.)?