The term "fellow-laborer" is used in the New Testament to describe individuals who worked alongside the Apostle Paul and other early Christian leaders in the spread of the Gospel and the establishment of the early Church. This term highlights the collaborative and communal nature of early Christian ministry, emphasizing the shared mission and partnership among believers.

Biblical References:

1. Romans 16:3 · "Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus." Prisca (Priscilla) and Aquila are noted as fellow-laborers who risked their lives for Paul and were instrumental in the early Church, hosting a church in their home and instructing Apollos more accurately in the way of God (Acts 18:26).

2. 1 Corinthians 3:9 · "For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, God’s building." Here, Paul uses the term to describe the collective effort of himself and Apollos in ministering to the Corinthian church, emphasizing that their work is ultimately for God’s purpose and glory.

3. Philippians 2:25 · "But I thought it necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger and minister to my needs." Epaphroditus is commended for his service and partnership in the Gospel, highlighting the sacrificial and supportive role of fellow-laborers.

4. Colossians 4:11 · "Jesus, who is called Justus, also sends greetings. These are the only Jews among my fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort to me." This passage underscores the diversity and unity among Paul’s fellow-laborers, who come from different backgrounds but share a common purpose.

5. Philemon 1:24 · "And so do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my fellow workers." Paul lists several individuals who have been integral to his ministry, demonstrating the importance of teamwork and mutual support in the mission of the Church.

Theological Significance:

The concept of fellow-laborers in the New Testament reflects the early Church's understanding of ministry as a communal effort. It underscores the belief that the work of spreading the Gospel and building the Church is not the responsibility of a single individual but a shared mission among all believers. This partnership is rooted in the unity of the body of Christ, where each member contributes to the common goal of advancing God's kingdom.

Fellow-laborers are characterized by their commitment to the Gospel, their willingness to endure hardships, and their dedication to supporting one another in ministry. This collaborative spirit is seen as essential for the effective functioning of the Church and the fulfillment of its mission.

Practical Implications:

For contemporary Christians, the example of fellow-laborers serves as a model for ministry and service within the Church. It encourages believers to work together, utilizing their diverse gifts and talents for the common good. The concept also highlights the importance of mutual support, encouragement, and accountability among those who serve in ministry roles.

In a broader sense, the idea of being a fellow-laborer calls all Christians to actively participate in the mission of the Church, recognizing that each person has a role to play in the advancement of the Gospel and the edification of the body of Christ.

Philemon i. 3-Jan
... Philemon i.1-3 "Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy our brother, unto
Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellow-laborer, And to our beloved Apphia, and ...
/.../homily i philemon i 3-jan.htm

The Epistle to Philemon
... The letter is addressed to "Philemon our dearly beloved and fellow-laborer, and
to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus, our fellow-soldier, and to the church in ...
/.../drummond/introduction to the new testament/the epistle to philemon.htm

Twentieth Day. Not Retaliating.
... It was thus to be handed down to every age as a permanent and humiliating
evidence of the wavering inconstancy of his fellow-laborer. ...
/.../macduff/the mind of jesus/twentieth day not retaliating.htm

December 29. "I have not Shunned to Declare unto You all the ...
... man that sat beside you in the train; the laborer that wrought for you, and, above
all, the members of your household and family, your fellow-laborer in the ...
/.../simpson/days of heaven upon earth /december 29 i have not.htm

Laboring under Difficulties
... preached unto you the gospel of God." 1 Thessalonians 2:6, 9. And again, in his
second epistle to them, he declared that he and his fellow laborer while with ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 33 laboring under difficulties.htm

Melanchthon -- the Safety of the virtuous
... Baden, in 1497. His name is noteworthy as first a fellow laborer and
eventually a controversial antagonist of Luther. At the Diet ...
/.../various/the worlds great sermons volume i/melanchthon the safety of.htm

Definiteness of Purpose in Christian Work
... Let it be noted, first, that he sent them forth two by two. Perhaps one was sent
because he was strong in the opposite direction from his fellow laborer. ...
/.../chapman/and judas iscariot/definiteness of purpose in christian.htm

Acts XVI
... 3. The discriminating and watchful eye of Paul soon discovered qualities which would
render this youth a fitting companion and fellow-laborer, and it was by ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts xvi.htm

The Time of his Appearance among Men.
... of the Word, and him, of whom we have been speaking, Jesus Christ himself our Saviour
and Lord, the heavenly Word of God, as our aid and fellow-laborer in the ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/pamphilius/church history/chapter v the time of his.htm

September the Second Prayer and Revolution
... Faith "prepares the way of the Lord." Our faith is purposed to be a fellow-laborer
with grace, and, if faith be absent, grace "can do no mighty works.". ...
/.../my daily meditation for the circling year/september the second prayer and.htm

Fellow-laborer (2 Occurrences)
Fellow-laborer. Fellow-helpers, Fellow-laborer. Fellow-laborers .
Multi-Version Concordance Fellow-laborer (2 Occurrences). ...
/f/fellow-laborer.htm - 7k

Fellow-helpers (1 Occurrence)
Fellow-helpers. Fellowhelpers, Fellow-helpers. Fellow-laborer . Multi-Version
Concordance ... (WBS). Fellowhelpers, Fellow-helpers. Fellow-laborer . ...
/f/fellow-helpers.htm - 6k

Fellow-laborers (2 Occurrences)
Fellow-laborers. Fellow-laborer, Fellow-laborers. Fellowlabourer . Multi-Version
Concordance ... (WBS). Fellow-laborer, Fellow-laborers. Fellowlabourer . ...
/f/fellow-laborers.htm - 7k

Who was Luke in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

What are the prison epistles? | GotQuestions.org

Is the distinction between clergy and laity biblical? | GotQuestions.org

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus