The term "fellow-workman" is used in the New Testament to describe individuals who collaborated closely with the Apostle Paul in the work of the Gospel. This term highlights the communal and cooperative nature of early Christian ministry, emphasizing the importance of partnership in spreading the message of Christ.

Biblical References:

1. Romans 16:3 · "Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus." Prisca (or Priscilla) and Aquila are noted as fellow-workmen who risked their lives for Paul. Their home served as a meeting place for believers, demonstrating their commitment to the early church.

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 not only his relationship with other ministers but also the collective role of all believers in God's work. This passage underscores the unity and shared purpose among those who labor for the Gospel.

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 as a fellow-workman, highlighting his dedication and service to both Paul and the Philippian church.

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 reference to Justus and others as fellow-workmen illustrates the diverse backgrounds of those who joined Paul in his mission, united by their commitment to the Kingdom of God.

5. Philemon 1:24 · "And so do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my fellow workers." This greeting from Paul includes several individuals who played significant roles in his ministry, showing the breadth of his network of fellow-workmen.

Theological Significance:

The concept of a fellow-workman in the New Testament reflects the collaborative nature of the early church's mission. It emphasizes that the work of the Gospel is not a solitary endeavor but a collective effort requiring the gifts and contributions of many. This partnership is rooted in a shared faith and a common goal of advancing the Kingdom of God.

The use of the term also highlights the diversity within the early Christian community. Fellow-workmen came from various backgrounds and regions, yet they were united in their dedication to Christ. This unity in diversity serves as a model for the church today, encouraging believers to work together across differences for the sake of the Gospel.

In the context of Paul's letters, fellow-workmen are often mentioned with affection and gratitude, indicating the deep bonds formed through shared ministry. These relationships were vital to the success of Paul's missionary efforts and the growth of the early church.

Practical Application:

The example of fellow-workmen in the New Testament encourages modern believers to seek out and value partnerships in ministry. It calls for a spirit of cooperation and mutual support, recognizing that the work of the Gospel is most effective when done in community. Believers are reminded to appreciate the diverse gifts within the body of Christ and to work together in harmony for the advancement of God's Kingdom.

The Training of a Statesman.
... out on the following day and saw two men of the Hebrews striving together; and he
said to the one who was doing the wrong, Why do you smite your fellow-workman ...
/.../kent/the making of a nation/study viii the training of.htm

The Boyhood and Training of Moses
... next day Moses went out, and saw two Hebrews struggling together; and he said to
the one who was in the wrong, "Why do you strike your fellow workman?" The man ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/the boyhood and training of.htm

Work of the Physician. October 18.
... The medical man is felt more and more to be necessary in health as he is in sickness,
to be the fellow-workman not merely of the clergyman, but of the social ...
/.../kingsley/daily thoughts /work of the physician october.htm

The Life of S. Hilarion.
... stones on the shore not far from the monastery he was helplessly paralysed, and
after being carried to the saint by his fellow-workman immediately returned to ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/the life of s hilarion.htm

Creation's Groans and the Saints' Sighs
... distress. Now, his fellow workman, who worked beside of him, as it was getting
very late, wished himself at home, and therefore groaned. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 14 1868/creations groans and the saints.htm

Fellow-workman (5 Occurrences)
Fellow-workman. Fellow-workers, Fellow-workman. Fellow-workmen .
Multi-Version Concordance Fellow-workman (5 Occurrences). ...
/f/fellow-workman.htm - 7k

Worker (36 Occurrences)
... 1 Thessalonians 3:2 and did send Timotheus -- our brother, and a ministrant of God,
and our fellow-workman in the good news of the Christ -- to establish you ...
/w/worker.htm - 20k

Fellow-workmen (5 Occurrences)
Fellow-workmen. Fellow-workman, Fellow-workmen. Felt . Multi-Version Concordance ...
(DBY YLT). Fellow-workman, Fellow-workmen. Felt . Reference Bible.
/f/fellow-workmen.htm - 7k

Fellow-workers (6 Occurrences)
Fellow-workers. Fellowworkers, Fellow-workers. Fellow-workman . Multi-Version
Concordance ... (ASV DBY YLT). Fellowworkers, Fellow-workers. Fellow-workman ...
/f/fellow-workers.htm - 8k

Epaphrodi'tus (2 Occurrences)
... Philippians 2:25 And I thought 'it' necessary Epaphroditus -- my brother, and
fellow-workman, and fellow-soldier, and your apostle and servant to my need -- to ...
/e/epaphrodi'tus.htm - 7k

Ministrant (15 Occurrences)
... 1 Thessalonians 3:2 and did send Timotheus -- our brother, and a ministrant of God,
and our fellow-workman in the good news of the Christ -- to establish you ...
/m/ministrant.htm - 11k

Confirm (39 Occurrences)
... 1 Thessalonians 3:2 and sent Timotheus, our brother and fellow-workman under God
in the glad tidings of Christ, to confirm you and encourage you concerning ...
/c/confirm.htm - 20k

Arbanus (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Arbanus (1 Occurrence). Romans 16:9 salute Arbanus,
our fellow-workman in Christ, and Stachys, my beloved; (YLT). ...
/a/arbanus.htm - 6k

Strengthen (105 Occurrences)
... 1 Thessalonians 3:2 and did send Timotheus -- our brother, and a ministrant of God,
and our fellow-workman in the good news of the Christ -- to establish you ...
/s/strengthen.htm - 37k

Sosip'ater (1 Occurrence)
... Sosip'ater (1 Occurrence). Romans 16:21 Salute you do Timotheus, my fellow-workman,
and Lucius, and Jason, and Sosipater, my kindred; (See RSV). ...
/s/sosip'ater.htm - 6k

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