The term "fellowlabourer" 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 workers who risked their lives for Paul. Their home served as a meeting place for believers, demonstrating their commitment to the early Church.

2. 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 described as a fellow worker and soldier, indicating his active role in ministry and his dedication to serving both Paul and the Philippian church.

3. 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." Here, Paul acknowledges the support and comfort provided by his fellow Jewish workers, highlighting the diverse backgrounds of those involved in the mission.

4. Philemon 1:24 · "And so do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my fellow workers." In this passage, Paul lists several individuals as fellow workers, indicating their involvement in his ministry and their contribution to the spread of the Gospel.

Theological Significance:

The concept of fellowlabourers underscores the importance of collaboration in Christian ministry. It reflects the early Church's understanding that the work of spreading the Gospel and nurturing new believers was not the responsibility of a single individual but a collective effort. This partnership in ministry is rooted in the belief that all believers are part of the body of Christ, each with unique gifts and roles to play in the mission of the Church.

The use of the term also highlights the relational aspect of ministry. Paul often expressed deep affection and gratitude for his fellow workers, recognizing their sacrifices and contributions. This relational dynamic is a model for Christian ministry today, emphasizing mutual support, encouragement, and shared purpose.

Historical Context:

In the context of the early Church, fellowlabourers were often involved in various aspects of ministry, including teaching, evangelism, hospitality, and pastoral care. They traveled with Paul on his missionary journeys, helped establish and strengthen churches, and provided logistical and financial support. The term reflects the itinerant and communal nature of early Christian mission work, where believers often faced significant challenges and opposition.

Practical Application:

The example of fellowlabourers in the New Testament serves as an inspiration for modern Christians to engage in collaborative ministry. It encourages believers to recognize and appreciate the diverse gifts within the Church and to work together in unity for the advancement of the Gospel. It also calls for a commitment to supporting one another in ministry, fostering a spirit of partnership and mutual encouragement.

In summary, the term "fellowlabourer" captures the essence of early Christian ministry as a shared endeavor, characterized by partnership, sacrifice, and a common goal of proclaiming the Gospel and building up the body of Christ.Fellowlabourer (2 Occurrences)

1 Thessalonians 3:2
And sent Timotheus, our brother, and minister of God, and our fellowlabourer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith:
(KJV)

Philemon 1:1
Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy our brother, unto Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellowlabourer,
(KJV)

Fellowlabourer (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Fellowlabourer (2 Occurrences). 1 Thessalonians
3:2 And sent Timotheus, our brother, and minister of God ...
/f/fellowlabourer.htm - 7k

Labourer (8 Occurrences)
... (KJV). Philemon 1:1 Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy our brother, unto
Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellowlabourer, (Root in KJV WEY). ...
/l/labourer.htm - 8k

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

Fellow-labourer (1 Occurrence)
Fellow-labourer. Fellowlabourer, Fellow-labourer. Fellowlabourers . Multi-Version
Concordance ... (DBY). Fellowlabourer, Fellow-labourer. Fellowlabourers . ...
/f/fellow-labourer.htm - 6k

Timotheus (24 Occurrences)
... 1 Thessalonians 3:2 And sent Timotheus, our brother, and minister of God, and our
fellowlabourer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you ...
/t/timotheus.htm - 15k

Dearly (30 Occurrences)
... (KJV WEY WBS). Philemon 1:1 Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy our brother,
unto Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellowlabourer, (KJV WEY WBS). ...
/d/dearly.htm - 16k

Dear (120 Occurrences)
... Philemon 1:1 Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy our brother, unto Philemon
our dearly beloved, and fellowlabourer, (Root in KJV WEY BBE WBS NIV). ...
/d/dear.htm - 37k

Minister (150 Occurrences)
... 1 Thessalonians 3:2 And sent Timotheus, our brother, and minister of God, and our
fellowlabourer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you ...
/m/minister.htm - 40k

Fellow (166 Occurrences)
... 1 Thessalonians 3:2 And sent Timotheus, our brother, and minister of God, and our
fellowlabourer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you ...
/f/fellow.htm - 42k

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