Fellowship

This is an often discussed and preached on topic. Usually, the time is spent determining and outlining who Christians are to have fellowship with with. Here, however, I would like to use some space to discuss what fellowship actually is. There are 5 words in the New Testament which are translated as “fellowship.” Four of these words come from the same root word. Here they are, as defined by Vine's Complete Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words, with a verse in which it is used, so that we may better determine meaning (with the word in question in bold).

Nouns

koinonia - “communion, fellowship, sharing in common”

That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. (I John 1:3)

metoche - “partnership” a more restricted sense than koinonia

Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? (II Corinthians 6:14)

koinonos - “A partaker or partner”

But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils. (I Corinthians 10:20)

Verbs

koinoneo - “to have fellowship”

Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only. (Philippians 4:15)

sunkoinoneo - “to have fellowship with or in”

And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.(Ephesians 4:11)

What we see then is something subtly different from how we often think of fellowship. “Fellowship” is as much a state of existence as something that is done. If we engage in a work with someone, we have fellowship with them. And in scripture we are warned against having fellowship with various groups that are teaching and engaging in falsehood and sin. We must not work hand in hand with sin and those who continually perpetuate it.

But more than that, the idea of fellowship extends to looking at our lives. Fellowship has as much to do with commonality as it does with activity. For example, if we look at our lives, we should see that we have fellowship with Christ. That is, that we have commonality of purpose, of thought, and of action. On the other hand, if we look at our lives and it matches with those who are living sinfully, we have a fellowship with those people. Sometimes fellowship is something we don't want, but have anyway! Fellowship is not always a good thing!

Who do you have fellowship with? Not simply who do you support and work with, but who do you have commonality with? Is your life one of fellowship with the Lord? Or is it one of fellowship with the works of darkness? Saying we have fellowship and having fellowship are two very different things. Who do you have commonality, communion, and partnership with? With Christ? With Christians? Or does your life show instead that you are partnered with Satan, his followers, and sin?