Read it: Acts 2:42 NLT, Luke 15:1-7 NLT, Corinthians 1:9 NASB,
Live it:
Fellowship, what is fellowship? The dictionary gives two main definitions: 1). Friendly association, especially with people who share one’s interests; 2). Status of a fellow of a college or society. The Biblical definition of “Christian fellowship only exists because God the Father through Jesus Christ, the Son, and by/in the Spirit has established in grace a relationship (a “new covenant”) with humankind.” Baker’s Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology
The Greek word for fellowship is koinonian, the NLT translates this as partnership; God will do this, for he is faithful to do what he says, and he has invited you into partnership with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. 1 C. 1:9 NLT. I like that, when we enjoy fellowship with other Christians it’s like a partnership with God–what an incredible invitation.
In the colloquial Greek of the New Testament period, koinonia was used in several ways: a business partnership, a marriage, a perceived relatedness to a god such as Zeus. Finally, it referred to a spirit of generousness sharing in contrast to selfish hoarding.
Paul is using the term fellowship to the Corinthians in such a way that they understood that he was referring to a special relationship with Jesus Christ the Son of God, a partnership if you will.
The Parable of the Lost Sheep (Luke 15:1-7) begins with Jesus associating, having fellowship, with “tax collectors and other notorious sinners”; how could he fellowship with such sinful people?
Jesus responds with an illustration they would all be familiar with: a sheep lost and alone without fellowship. Even though the crowd might not have been shepherds, they would have been well aware of the dangers a solitary sheep (without fellowship) faced. Jesus is giving a visual image of defenseless solitary sheep. Perhaps many of his listeners envisioned themselves as being lost sheep that were defenseless, solitary, and without fellowship. Perhaps, they could hear the following words between the lines: “I’m here. I want to have fellowship with YOU and bring you back into the fold.” You see, as tax collectors and notorious sinners, they were excluded from “fellowship” in the community, especially the synagogue.
Think about who might be “contemporary sinners and tax collectors” in your sphere of influence/acquaintance. How could you fellowship with them?
Ps. Gary