Christian Fellowship

The word “fellowship” has become a kind of Christian slang for the informal time spent with other believers, perhaps sharing a meal together. Many churches have rooms designated as the “fellowship hall” or include the words “Christian Fellowship” in their names. However, the Scriptural meaning of the Greek word “koinonia” (translated “fellowship” in the New International Version) is much deeper than our American church tradition implies. Historically, the word “koinonia” was used to describe a business partnership, marriage and the act of generous participation in a central connecting belief or experience. In his first Epistle John teaches that Christian fellowship centers around the doctrinal truth of who Jesus is, but also around a shared experience with Jesus and the Father with whom we also have fellowship. This synthesis of both a horizontal (with each other) and vertical fellowship (with God) sets apart the Christian Community.  

In the first chapter of his first Epistle, John introduces the two focuses that comprise his letter; the divinity of Jesus and Christian fellowship. First John, uncompromisingly declares Jesus as the divine Son of God and the Word of life. His witness is based on the actual physical encounter he had with Jesus whom the apostles testify they have “seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched” (I John 1:12, New International Version).  However, he also writes that his fellowship with the Father and Son is ongoing (1:3) and not just reserved for the time when Jesus walked on earth. His clarity on the issue of Jesus’ nature is intended to confront those in the church who have denied Jesus as the Christ (2:22) and that he came in the flesh (4:2-3), the implication being that they are not in fellowship with God or the church (2:19).  However, between those who experienced the truth of who Jesus Christ is and walk in light of that truth, true fellowship is experienced.

It is not only the doctrinal belief in Jesus that binds believers together, but the shared experience of salvation and the ongoing fellowship with the Father and the Son. John writes of this experience in 1:3 where he says, “We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ” (NIV). This idea is reminiscent of Jesus prayer in the Gospel of John 17:20-21 where he says, “I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me” (NIV). It was Jesus’ desire that believers would continue to experience his work and presence as a part of their Christian life. It is this experience that binds Christian brothers and sisters together in fellowship not only with God but with each other. This is perhaps the most mysterious and remarkable part of Christian fellowship: that it is not just between people but includes fellowship with God.