And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. (Acts 2.42)
What is fellowship? When the New Testament was written the greeks would use the word ‘koinonia’ (κοινωνίᾳ) most often as ‘partnership’. It reflected their cultural connection as a community. As a word study it literally means ‘participation’. In some of the uses in the New Testament epistles we find it as joint-participation. I am not attempting to make a thorough definition here, but more of a practical assessment.
According to Wikipedia a ‘fellowship’ is: “The period of medical training, in the United States and Canada, that a physician, dentist, or veterinarian may undertake after completing a specialty training program (residency). During this time (usually more than one year), the physician is known as a ‘Fellow’. Fellows are capable of acting as an Attending Physician or a Consultant Physician in the generalist field in which they were trained, such as Internal Medicine or Pediatrics. After completing a Fellowship in the relevant sub-specialty, the Physician is permitted to practice without direct supervision by other physicians in that sub-specialty, such as Cardiology or Oncology”. Wikipedia also defines ‘A Fellow’ as: “A member of an academy, learned society or group of learned subjects (a fellowship) which works together in pursuing mutual knowledge or practice”. As a church member aren’t I a fellow in a fellowship? Aren’t I to be growing together with others in a common practice—the Gospel ministry? Isn’t the Gospel the primary activity of our fellowship of believers?
It is vital to make a distinction from our use of the word fellowship today in churches, with the use of the word in the New Testament. First, it doesn’t mean a sandwich meal after services with the rest of the church. The definition isn’t conducive to an event as much as it is the relationship building process. It isn’t the meal as much as it is the togetherness. In 1 Corinthians 1.9; 10.16; 2 Corinthians 8.4; 13.13-14; Ephesians 3.9; Philippians 3.10; 2.1; Philemon 1.6—fellowship means shared participation with others. In Galatians 2.9 and 2 Corinthians 6.14—fellowship means intimate contact. In the most used case of fellowship, such as in Philippians 1.5; 1 John 1.3-7; and in our text of Acts 2.42 it means the intimate bond which unites Christians. In the Johannan writings he signifies the blessings that come from our common bond with Christ.
The words: contact, connection, common bond, and intimate relationship all mean more than a sandwich after services with other church members. Although, I think we should use every opportunity to bring this about, including but not limited to, a sandwich after services. Churches would do well to have more ‘fellowships’ but that isn’t the meaning or intention of the New Testament writers. They had fellowship without having a scheduled fellowship! It wasn’t the meeting or food gathering, but the people there in common bond, deepening their relationships, making connection—developing a sense of real community.
The text of Acts 2 goes on to specify that they continued this intimate communal bond every day. This is really the only example within the preserved writings of the Apostles. They knew nothing different. Jesus instituted this as early as His calling them in Mark 3.14— “And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach,”. “With Him”—growing a deepening relationship. We are, in my opinion, abusing God’s grace by only doing this on Sunday and the occasional Wednesday. I say “abuse His grace” because we have a bond that is transferred to us naturally from salvation. Because of this unique connection as the family of God, we settle for the minimal sense of the word. There is a small immediate connection between us, but it doesn’t grow to the level we see in the scripture. We are connected by Jesus and our relationship, but how is the fellowship in its truest sense? I think some have never fully realized the true bond of community we could have. I know I struggle with this personally. I am related, but that doesn’t mean I am connected in a deeper sense. This is only developed over time and as stated earlier—joint-participation. Maybe relationships in general are slipping, but we should be the difference makers in our society. After all, aren’t we supposed to be known for our love in action? “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” (John 13.35). This isn’t a hug as you come in, or a statement of care, instead it is agape love in action! Being in the trenches with someone makes a unique connection that cannot be explained until it is personally made real by activity together. ‘Catching up’ on Sunday before worship beings—will not do this!
This is a priority! We have the unique bond of Christ and should have more in common than even our earthly families. It is the design of the New Testament, because it was the design of Christ with His church. I believe, without question, it is the way we should live today. Why do we not? For me it is selfishness and laziness. I want my time and I have limited amounts of it. I like my aloneness until I am lonely. I like my tv, my sports, my stuff, and me. Did I say me or my or I enough to get the point across? Fellowship is all about us—together. We must have joint-participation in the activity of the church or else we forfeit our right to say we are a part of it in practical matters. Take time to connect with others. Invite people over to your house and host them as a caring hospitable disciple of Christ. Carve out some of your budget for cheese and crackers (rotel, ground beef and queso is preferred). As a member-fellow of the church I am in, I want to be the best follower—imitator—learner of Jesus I can possibly be. He was deepening relationships and loving them unconditionally in an intimate setting, never leaving anyone out. Disciple… make this a priority!