Fellowship: Meaning and Etymology.
Fellowship: Meaning and Etymology. Dr. Benson Omole. Introduction. The practice of fellowship is central to Christian life, worship, spiritual growth, and church unity. True fellowship is not merely social interaction among fellow Christians, but a spiritual sharing grounded in relationship with God, and among believers as revealed in the Bible. Understanding fellowship requires examining: a. The linguistic origin of the term. b. Its biblical usage. c. Its spiritual implications for Christian living. 1. Etymology of the Word Fellowship. A. English Origin: The English word Fellowship comes from two root words: a. Fellow – meaning partner, companion, or participant in a shared relationship b. Ship – meaning condition, state, or quality Meaning Fellowship: The state of shared partnership, mutual participation, or communion, relationship. B. Greek Biblical Root Word. The primary New Testament word translated as fellowship is: Koinonia (κοινωνία). Meaning of Koinonia: Part...