Companionships in the Bible are a significant aspect of human relationships, reflecting the divine intention for community and mutual support. From the creation narrative to the teachings of the New Testament, companionship is portrayed as a vital component of a fulfilling life.

Creation and the Need for Companionship

The concept of companionship is introduced early in the Scriptures. In Genesis 2:18, God declares, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make for him a suitable helper." This statement underscores the inherent need for companionship, as God creates Eve to be a partner for Adam. The union of Adam and Eve establishes the foundational model for companionship in marriage, emphasizing mutual support and unity.

Friendship and Brotherhood

The Bible also highlights the importance of friendship and brotherhood. Proverbs 17:17 states, "A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity." This verse illustrates the steadfast nature of true friendship, which provides support and love through life's challenges. The relationship between David and Jonathan exemplifies this ideal. In 1 Samuel 18:1, it is written, "The soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as himself." Their friendship is marked by loyalty, sacrifice, and deep emotional connection.

Companionship in the Early Church

The New Testament expands on the theme of companionship within the context of the early Christian community. Acts 2:42 describes the early believers: "They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer." This passage highlights the communal aspect of the early church, where believers found companionship through shared faith and practices.

The Apostle Paul frequently emphasizes the importance of companionship in his epistles. In Philippians 2:1-2, he writes, "If there is any encouragement in Christ, if any comfort from His love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being united in spirit and purpose." Paul encourages believers to cultivate unity and companionship, reflecting the love and fellowship found in Christ.

Warnings Against Negative Companionships

While the Bible extols the virtues of positive companionships, it also warns against negative influences. In 1 Corinthians 15:33, Paul cautions, "Do not be deceived: 'Bad company corrupts good character.'" This warning serves as a reminder that the company one keeps can significantly impact one's moral and spiritual well-being. Proverbs 13:20 further advises, "He who walks with the wise will become wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed."

Companionship with God

Ultimately, the Bible presents companionship with God as the most profound and fulfilling relationship. James 4:8 encourages believers, "Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you." This invitation to intimacy with the Creator underscores the spiritual dimension of companionship, where believers find ultimate fulfillment and guidance.

In summary, companionships in the Bible are multifaceted, encompassing marriage, friendship, community, and divine relationship. They are portrayed as essential for personal growth, support, and spiritual development, while also requiring discernment to avoid negative influences.

Amaziah
... How are we to abandon those very pleasant, but not very inspiring and pure,
companionships, with and among which we spend most of our leisure time? ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/milligan/men of the bible some lesser-known/amaziah.htm

The Christian Training of Children.
... And as we cannot but acknowledge that, even with the best will, much is overlooked
in the companionships and amusements of our children, so that they do ...
/.../selected sermons of schleiermacher/ix the christian training of.htm

The Note of Edification.
... men and women outside their society that their company does not promise any moral
and spiritual help to a man in search of saving and ennobling companionships. ...
/.../jackson/the message and the man/chapter iv the note of.htm

Young Man! a Prayer for You
... They seem to themselves to be environed with opposing forces in their business,
in their temperament, in their companionships, and perhaps in their families. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/young man a prayer for.htm

June the Twenty-Seventh God is Light!
... And if I "walk in the light," I, too, shall become illumined. "They looked unto
Him and were lightened." We are fashioned by our highest companionships. ...
/.../my daily meditation for the circling year/june the twenty-seventh god is.htm

Opinions of Various Philosophers on the Chief Good.
... that is the removal of pain, calling that the condition of a dead man; because we
rejoice not only on account of pleasures, but companionships and distinctions ...
/.../the stromata or miscellanies/chapter xxi opinions of various philosophers.htm

On Marriage.
... because, while they make as little demand as possible on each other, both find their
real satisfaction in other relations of life and in other companionships! ...
/.../schleiermacher/selected sermons of schleiermacher/vii on marriage.htm

The Humanheartedness of Jesus.
... wishes to help, this man will have his personal friends; and through the story of
his life will run the golden threads of sweet companionships and friendships ...
/.../miller/personal friendships of jesus/chapter i the humanheartedness of.htm

The Rival Empresses --Pulcheria and Eudocia
... Though so careful and systematic in her training of the young prince, Pulcheria
did not deprive his boyhood of those companionships which add zest to youthful ...
/.../brittain/women of early christianity/x the rival empressespulcheria and.htm

'Salt in Yourselves'
... Contrast the society based on common possession of the one Spirit with the
companionships which repose on sin, or only on custom or neighbourhood. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/salt in yourselves.htm

Companionships (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Companionships (1 Occurrence). 1 Corinthians 15:33
Don't be deceived! "Evil companionships corrupt good morals." (WEB WEY ASV). ...
/c/companionships.htm - 6k

Manners (6 Occurrences)
... manners" appears in the sense of "morals"; compare 1 Corinthians 15:33, the Revised
Version (British and American) "Evil companionships corrupt good morals." 3 ...
/m/manners.htm - 17k

Manner (351 Occurrences)
... manners" appears in the sense of "morals"; compare 1 Corinthians 15:33, the Revised
Version (British and American) "Evil companionships corrupt good morals." 3 ...
/m/manner.htm - 45k

Ruins (84 Occurrences)
... I will set it up, (WEB KJV WEY ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). 1 Corinthians 15:33
Don't be deceived! "Evil companionships corrupt good morals." (See RSV). ...
/r/ruins.htm - 31k

Deceive (48 Occurrences)
... 1 Corinthians 15:33 Don't be deceived! "Evil companionships corrupt good morals."
(Root in WEB KJV WEY ASV DBY WBS NAS RSV). Galatians ...
/d/deceive.htm - 22k

Deceived (55 Occurrences)
... NIV). 1 Corinthians 15:33 Don't be deceived! "Evil companionships corrupt
good morals." (WEB KJV ASV DBY WBS NAS RSV). 2 Corinthians ...
/d/deceived.htm - 23k

Morals (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Morals (1 Occurrence). 1 Corinthians 15:33 Don't be deceived!
"Evil companionships corrupt good morals." (WEB WEY ASV NAS RSV). ...
/m/morals.htm - 6k

Corrupt (59 Occurrences)
... (DBY). 1 Corinthians 15:33 Don't be deceived! "Evil companionships corrupt
good morals." (WEB KJV WEY ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). 2 ...
/c/corrupt.htm - 25k

Character (27 Occurrences)
... and character. (WEY). 1 Corinthians 15:33 Don't be deceived! "Evil
companionships corrupt good morals." (See NIV). 2 Corinthians 13 ...
/c/character.htm - 16k

Companion's (1 Occurrence)

/c/companion's.htm - 6k

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