(Ac 2:42-47) They devoted themselves to the apostles teachings and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favour of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
When you hear or read the word “fellowship,” what comes to mind? For many Christians, they may think of coffee and cookies after church, or a potluck meal in the Fellowship Hall. The Greek word hold so much more meaning than the superficial chit chat that usually occurs at a potluck or in a brief time after service.
The Greek word translated “fellowship” in this passage is koinonia. Here are some excerpts from the definition of koinonia given at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Koinonia.
To create a bond between comrades where people are recognized, share their joy and pains together, and are united because of their common experiences, interests and goals... This is the essence of koinonia. Fellowship creates a mutual bond which overrides each individual’s pride, vanity, and individualism, fulfilling the human yearning with fraternity, belonging, and companionship.
Fellowship is never passive in the meaning of koinonia, it is always linked to action, not just being together, but also doing together. With fellowship comes a close and intimate relationship embracing ideas, communication, and frankness, as in a true, blessed interdependent friendship among multiple group members.
The fellowship that we read about in the passage from Acts chapter two is much more like the fellowship in The Lord of the Rings than what we experience after a worship service on Sunday morning! Look at the rest of the passage –it describes the fellowship these new believers experienced. They spent time together every day. They worshipped together in the temple courts. They shared their belongings, even selling possessions and property to take care of one another. They ate together, spending time in each other's homes with sincere hearts. These Christians were totally committed to one another!
We will look deeper into how to experience koinonia in the next post. What are some great times of fellowship that you have experienced?
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