Fellowship

And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43 Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. 44 Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, 45 and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need.

46 So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved. [Acts 2:42-47 NKJV]

Our fellowship together is defined as koinoônia from the Greek language of the New Testament. It means partnership, close social union, deep communication, and common distribution. Like a piece of plywood, God wants our church family to be glued together in such a union that the pulling apart of any one Christian will hurt and scar the group. The Holy Spirit formed “original church” exemplifies this for us. This is clearly presented in the language of our text. “All who believed were together;” “all things in common;” “continued daily with one accord;” and “breaking bread from house to house.”

According to Acts 2:42-47 we are partnered together in membership, mission, ministry, and maturity. Therefore we must understand what fellowship embraces. Fellowship is based on the “one another commands” of the New Testament. “Love one another;” “exhort one another;” “comfort one another;” “bearing with one another;” “forgiving one another;” edify one another;” “speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs;” “we are members of one another;” minister your grace gift “to one another;”, and “pray for one another” are examples of at least twenty-three one another commands. Therefore, as we gather together as a church we must follow the teaching and example of how the Bible guides us to fellowship. We must interweave into our worship meetings the opportunity for believers to obey these commands. Did the early church?

As Paul instructs the church at Corinth to use their spiritual gifts to love one another and not be spiritually self absorbed, he states: Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy. 2 For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries. 3But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men. [1 Corinthians 14:1-3 NKJV].

The obvious teaching is that when they met on Sunday they came to fellowship with God and their Christian family. The reason we gather, Paul instructs, is for “edification and exhortation and comfort to men.” We can have fun alone with God. We can worship God in our “closets.” We can pray in our “closets.” But, when we gather a partnership unfolds. A common distribution of love and ministry must begin. Everything must happen so that “loving one another” is clearly practiced.

Further evidence of this is expressed in chapter 14: Therefore tongues are for a sign, not to those who believe but to unbelievers; but prophesying is not for unbelievers but for those who believe. 23 Therefore if the whole church comes together in one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those who are uninformed or unbelievers, will they not say that you are out of your mind? 24 But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or an uninformed person comes in, he is convinced by all, he is convicted by all. 25 And thus the secrets of his heart are revealed; and so, falling down on his face, he will worship God and report that God is truly among you.

26 How is it then, brethren? Whenever you come together, each of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification. 27 If anyone speaks in a tongue, let there be two or at the most three, each in turn, and let one interpret. 28 But if there is no interpreter, let him keep silent in church, and let him speak to himself and to God. 29 Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others judge. 30 But if anything is revealed to another who sits by, let the first keep silent. 31 For you can all prophesy one by one, that all may learn and all may be encouraged. 32 And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. 33 For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.

34 Let your women keep silent in the churches, for they are not permitted to speak; but they are to be submissive, as the law also says. 35 And if they want to learn something, let them ask their own husbands at home; for it is shameful for women to speak in church.

36 Or did the word of God come originally from you? Or was it you only that it reached? 37 If anyone thinks himself to be a prophet or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things which I write to you are the commandments of the Lord.

As we examine our example of Acts 2 and compare it to 1 Corinthians 14 we find an unsettling fact about our modern church worship in America. We do not follow God’s instructions. “Local churches are for the feeding of the flock, the edification and fellowship of believers, and the demonstration of God’s mighty power through prayer and crying out” [How to Make Your Church a POWERFUL HOUSE OF PRAYER, copyright 2002 IBLP, Box one, Oak Brook, IL 60522-3001]. Far too often church fellowship has fallen to eating food together. Fellowship can happen around food. But there is a larger and more effective way God has designed for true fellowship to happen.

As the early church gathered together they studied the apostles’ doctrines; then they responded and affirmed God’s Word through mutual fellowship [edifying, encouraging, etc. one another as a group; they had communion together [“love feasts” according to Jude] examining themselves for purity as described in 1 Corinthians 11; and then prayed together, crying to God to expand His kingdom through His power. Like a four legged table, it works when all legs are up and holding together the surface. The church works when as a group the whole church participates in all four elements together. This is the secret of spiritual growth and blessing.

If you research you will find that most church worship services are patterned after Old Testament temple worship. We sing first, take an offering, have a special song or presentation, have a message, then a closing song. Even the use of the word “service” is connected to serving up an animal sacrifice to God. We are no longer under the law! But, God’s organized church meeting gives all four elements necessary to glorify Him and edify one another.

If instead we follow the pattern of Acts 2:42 and have the teaching of scripture first, the saints can be purified by the Word of God. Now prepared to be ministers [priests according to 1 Peter 2:5] affirming the Word, testifying of God’s grace in their lives, confessing their faults one to another, and exhorting one another, all are edified. Now that all have examined themselves, confessed and repented, they are ready for the sacred cup of communion with God. This always causes rejoicing, and praise with a pure heart releases powerful worship. Concluding with group intercession, crying to God with clean hands and pure hearts, the family of God finds answers to their prayer.

Therefore, the close social union of membership includes the responsibility of serving and caring for one another as we gather. Our fellowship of mission joins us into one voice proclaiming the Good News of Christ and His kingdom. The common distribution of our spiritual gifts ministers God’s love throughout our church and community. And the deep communication of our loving exhortations, confessions, and testimonies matures the saints around us.

True fellowship is costly and dangerous. You must open your hearts and allow others to get close to you. Fear not! Some will hurt you. But for Christ’s sake, deny yourself, pick up your cross, and follow Jesus! Obey the God who knows us best, and truly enter the fellowship God designed for the church before the foundation of the world!

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