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:

Partnership.

Communion.

Participation.

Sharing in common.

Spiritual unity.

Spiritual relationship.

This Greek word expresses deep relational sharing, and communion rather than casual association.

C. Hebrew Concept in the Old Testament.

While the Old Testament does not use one exact equivalent word, fellowship ideas appear through words expressing:

a. Companionship.

b. Covenant relationship.

c. Communal worship.

d. Shared participation in God’s covenant people.

2. Fellowship as Relationship with God.

Read:

a. 1John 1:3, "...that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ..." 

Scripture teaches that true fellowship begins vertically with God before extending horizontally to other Brethren.

b. 1Corinthians 1:9, "...God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord..."

Believers are called into fellowship with God the Father, and with His Son, Jesus Christ.

c. Genesis 5:24, "...And Enoch walked with God; and he was not, for God took him..."

Fellowship is participation in God’s divine life. It involves walking in obedience to Him, and in His holiness.

It reflects restored communion, and relationship which we lost on account of our sins, and transgressions!

3. Fellowship as Spiritual Unity Among Believers.

Read:

a. Acts 2:42, "...And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers..."

b. Philippians 2:1-2, "...Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind..."

c. Ephesians 4:3-6, "...endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all..."

We see therefore, that the early Christians devoted themselves to:

a. Teaching.

b. Breaking bread.

c. Prayer.

d. Mutual sharing.

Fellowship represents shared spiritual life rooted in common faith, doctrine, purpose, and destiny.

Key Elements of Christian Fellowship:

a. Shared faith in Christ.

b. Mutual spiritual support for one another.

c. Corporate worship.

d. Shared commitment to the truth of the Gospel.

4. Fellowship as Participation in Christ’s Suffering and Glory.

Read:

a. Philippians 3:10, "...that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death,..."

b. 1Peter 4:13-14, "...but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified..."

Christian fellowship includes sharing, not only blessings, but also sufferings for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Therefore, fellowship with Christ must include Christians participating in:

a. Christ’s suffering

b. Christ’s mission

c. Christ’s future glory

Fellowship therefore involves spiritual solidarity in both joy and persecution.

5. Fellowship as Sharing Material and Spiritual Resources.

Read:

a. Romans 15:26, "...For it pleased those from Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor among the saints who are in Jerusalem. It pleased them indeed, and they are their debtors. For if the Gentiles have been partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister to them in material things..."

b. 2Corinthians 8:4, "...imploring us with much urgency that we would receive the gift and the fellowship of the ministering to the saints..."

c. Acts 4:32, "...Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common..."

Koinonia also includes practical sharing of resources to meet the needs of fellow believers. However, biblical fellowship emphasizes:

a. Voluntary generosity.

b. Love-driven support.

c. Spiritual equality.

Material sharing is viewed as an outward expression of inward spiritual love (agapeo), and unity.

6. Fellowship Requires Walking in The Light and Truth.

Read:

a. 1John 1:6-7, "...If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin..."

b. Amos 3:3, "...Can two walk together, unless they are agreed?"

True fellowship cannot exist without life, moral and doctrinal agreement.

Therefore, conditions for biblical fellowship must include:

a. Holiness.

b. Truth.

c. Obedience to God.

d. Shared spiritual direction.

Fellowship is broken when believers walk in persistent sin or false doctrine!!!

7. Fellowship as Partnership in Gospel Ministry.

Read:

a. Philippians 1:3-5, "...I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now,..."

b. 3 John 1:8, "...We therefore ought to receive such, that we may become fellow workers for the truth..."

Believers participate together in advancing the Gospel.

This includes:

a. Evangelism.

b. Prayer support.

c. Financial assistance.

d. Cooperative ministry work.

Therefore, Christian fellowship is also missional, not merely relational alone.

8. Fellowship Reflects the Nature of the Trinity.

Read:

a. John 17:21-23, "...that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me..."

b. 2Corinthians 13:14, "...The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen..."

Christian fellowship mirrors the unity existing between:

a. The Father.

b. The Son.

c. The Holy Spirit.

Believers are called into this divine relational unity, reflecting God’s communal nature.

9. Dangers of False Fellowship.

Read:

a. 2Corinthians 6:14-16, "...Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will dwell in them And walk among them. I will be their God, And they shall be My people.”'

b. Ephesians 5:11, "...For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), finding out what is acceptable to the Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them..."

c. 2John 1: 9-11, "...Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him; for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds..."

The Spirit of God warns against fellowship that:

a.Compromises the truth.

b. Encourages sin.

c. Associates with false teaching.

Biblical fellowship must preserve spiritual purity of the Gospel and doctrinal faithfulness, at all.

10. Characteristics of True Biblical Fellowship.

True Christian fellowship must be:

a. Christ-centered.

b. Spirit-directed.

c. Truth-based.

d. Love-motivated.

e. Holiness-preserving.

f. Mission-oriented.

Question: 

Is It Edifying or Sinful For A Church To Fellowship Through Giving and Receiving Gifts With Non-Christians?

Christian fellowship is designed to preserve spiritual purity, doctrinal integrity, and devotion to God. While believers are called to live peacefully and show kindness toward all people, Scripture places important boundaries regarding spiritual partnerships and exchanges that may influence the church’s identity and mission.

Let us examine the dangers, and the sinfulness which may arise when a true Church establishes fellowship through gift exchange with non-Christians:

1. Disobedience, and Spiritual Compromise.

Read:

a. 2Corinthians 6:14-18, "...Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will dwell in them And walk among them. I will be their God, And they shall be My people.” Therefore “Come out from among them And be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, And I will receive you.” “I will be a Father to you, And you shall be My sons and daughters, Says the Lord Almighty.”

b. Exodus 34:12-16, "...Take heed to yourself, lest you make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land where you are going, lest it be a snare in your midst. But you shall destroy their altars, break their sacred pillars, and cut down their wooden images (for you shall worship no other god, for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God), lest you make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land, and they play the harlot with their gods and make sacrifice to their gods, and one of them invites you and you eat of his sacrifice, and you take of his daughters for your sons, and his daughters play the harlot with their gods and make your sons play the harlot with their gods..."

Scripture warns believers against forming binding partnerships, that may compromise their devotion to God. Gift exchange can sometimes establish relational obligations that blur spiritual boundaries.

When churches receive gifts from unbelieving sources:

a. They may feel pressured to soften biblical teachings.

b. They may hesitate to correct sinful influences.

c. The church’s standing and honor may weaken.

Spiritual Danger:

The church may gradually adjust its convictions to maintain external relationships rather than uphold divine truth.

2. Gifts Can Introduce Hidden Influence Over Church Decisions.

Read:

a. Proverbs 15:27, "...He who is greedy for gain troubles his own house, But he who hates bribes will live..."

b. Exodus 23:8, "...And you shall take no bribe, for a bribe blinds the discerning and perverts the words of the righteous..."

Material gifts often create expectations. Non-Christian donors may attempt to influence church programs, teachings, or leadership decisions.

Such influence can:

a. Alter ministry priorities

b. Introduce worldly values into church operations

c. Create divided loyalty between God and external Sponsors.

d. The church may unknowingly surrender spiritual independence.

3. It May Open Doors to Idolatrous or Worldly Practices.

Read: 

a. Deuteronomy 7:25-26, "...You shall burn the carved images of their gods with fire; you shall not covet the silver or gold that is on them, nor take it for yourselves, lest you be snared by it; for it is an abomination to the Lord your God. Nor shall you bring an abomination into your house, lest you be doomed to destruction like it. You shall utterly detest it and utterly abhor it, for it is an accursed thing..."

b. 1Corinthians 10:20-21, "...Rather, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice they sacrifice to demons and not to God, and I do not want you to have fellowship with demons. You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons; you cannot partake of the Lord’s table and of the table of demons..."

In biblical history, foreign alliances often introduced idol worship and corrupt practices into God’s community.

Accepting gifts connected to ungodly systems, immoral wealth, or pagan traditions may:

a. Pollute church worship

b. Introduce subtle cultural or spiritual compromise

c. Normalize practices that conflict with biblical holiness.

The church may unknowingly accommodate influences that oppose God’s nature!!!

4. It May Create Unequal Fellowship and Confuse Spiritual Identity

Read:

a. Amos 3:3, "...Can two walk together, unless they are agreed?"

b.John 17:14-16, "...I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world..."

Christian fellowship is rooted in shared faith and spiritual unity. When fellowship is built upon material exchange with unbelievers, the spiritual distinction between the church and the world may become blurred.

Believers may begin to:

a. Seek approval from the world.

b. Redefine fellowship based on social acceptance.

c. Lose the sense of spiritual separation God requires.

The church risks losing its unique identity as a holy community of Saints.

5. Gifts from Unrighteous Sources May Pollute Church Offerings.

Read:

a. Proverbs 21:27, "...The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination; How much more when he brings it with wicked intent!

b. Malachi 1:7-8, "...You offer defiled food on My altar, But say, ‘In what way have we defiled You?’ By saying, ‘The table of the Lord is contemptible.’ And when you offer the blind as a sacrifice, Is it not evil? And when you offer the lame and sick, Is it not evil? Offer it then to your governor! Would he be pleased with you? Would he accept you favorably?” Says the Lord of hosts..."

The Holy Spirit teaches that God values purity in offerings. Wealth obtained through corruption, oppression, or sinful enterprises may be spiritually defiling.

When churches accept such gifts:

a. They may unknowingly endorse unrighteous systems.

b. They may dishonor God through compromised offerings.

Offerings may lose spiritual acceptance before God.

6. It May Lead to Loss of Evangelistic Zeal, and Boldness.

Read: 

a. Galatians 1:10, "...For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ..."

b. Ezekiel 3:17-19, "...Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; therefore hear a word from My mouth, and give them warning from Me: When I say to the wicked, ‘You shall surely die,’ and you give him no warning, nor speak to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life, that same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood I will require at your hand. Yet, if you warn the wicked, and he does not turn from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but you have delivered your soul..."

Churches that depend on support from non-Christians may struggle to preach repentance or confront sin among their Benefactors.

Church Leaders may fear:

a. Losing financial support

b. Damaging relationships with Donors

c. Facing public criticism

Evangelism may become diluted, and truth may be replaced by diplomacy, trying to please men.

7. It May Encourage Worldly Trust Rather Than Trusting In Divine Provision.

Read:

a. Psalm 20:7, "...Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; But we will remember the name of the Lord our God..."

b. Matthew 6:31-33, "...Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you."

The church is called to rely upon God’s provision. Excessive dependence on external or unbelieving sources may shift trust from divine supply to human sponsorship. This is dangerous!!!

Faith may weaken as material security replaces spiritual dependence on God!!!

8. It May Create Scandal and Damage Christian Witness.

Read: 

a. Romans 14:16-18, "...Therefore do not let your good be spoken of as evil; for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. For he who serves Christ in these things is acceptable to God and approved by men..."

b. 1Thessalonians 5:22, "...Abstain from every form of evil..."

Fellowship, and association with questionable sources of support for the work of the church is sinful, it may cause believers and outsiders to question the church’s integrity.

Such relationships, and fellowship can:

a. Create suspicion of corruption

b. Damage moral credibility

c. Cause weaker believers to stumble

d. The church’s testimony may be harmed.

Maintaining Biblical Balance: 

a. Church to Maintain Proper Christian Relationship with Non-Christians.

b. Scripture does not forbid kindness, generosity, or peaceful coexistence with unbelievers.

c. Biblically Acceptable Interactions

Showing love and compassion (Luke 10:33-37)

d. Evangelistic engagement (Matthew 28:19-20)

e. Acts of humanitarian assistance without spiritual compromise (Galatians 6:10).

The church must ensure that relationships with non-Christians:

a. Do not influence doctrine.

b. Do not control leadership decisions.

c. Do not weaken spiritual holiness.

Final Thoughts On This Matter:

a. Gift-based fellowship with non-Christians carries serious spiritual risks if not handled with biblical caution. 

b.The church must diligently guard her purity, independence, and allegiance to God above all external relationships.

c. Christian fellowship must remain grounded in:

a. Truth.

b. Holiness.

c. Spiritual unity in Christ.

d. Dependence upon God’s provision.

Thank you so much, for reading this.

For further study, please contact us on:

+2348060066660; +2347070020042; Or omolebenson@gmail.com; benoomole@gmail.com 

(This work is under the oversight of the Elders of The Church of Christ Ekute Quarters, P. O. Box 1656 Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State Nigeria.)