Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Concept Participation, in a biblical context, refers to the act of sharing, partaking, or having fellowship with others in spiritual, communal, or sacramental activities. It is a concept deeply rooted in the Christian faith, emphasizing unity, community, and the shared life in Christ. Biblical Foundations The New Testament provides a robust framework for understanding participation, particularly through the Greek word "koinonia," which is often translated as fellowship, communion, or partnership. This term encapsulates the essence of Christian participation, highlighting the spiritual and communal bonds among believers. Participation in the Body of Christ 1 Corinthians 12:12-27 illustrates the concept of participation within the Body of Christ. The Apostle Paul describes believers as members of one body, each with unique roles and functions. "For just as the body is one and has many parts, and all the parts of the body, though many, are one body, so also is Christ" (1 Corinthians 12:12). This passage underscores the importance of each member's participation in the life and mission of the Church. Participation in the Lord's Supper The Lord's Supper, or Communion, is a profound expression of participation in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. In 1 Corinthians 10:16-17, Paul writes, "Is not the cup of blessing that we bless a participation in the blood of Christ? Is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ? Because there is one loaf, we who are many are one body; for we all partake of the one loaf" . This sacrament symbolizes the unity and shared faith of believers. Participation in Suffering and Glory Participation also involves sharing in the sufferings and glory of Christ. Romans 8:17 states, "And if we are children, then we are heirs: heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ—if indeed we suffer with Him, so that we may also be glorified with Him" . This participation in suffering is seen as a pathway to sharing in Christ's glory, reflecting the transformative power of enduring trials for the sake of the Gospel. Participation in the Divine Nature 2 Peter 1:4 speaks of believers becoming "partakers of the divine nature" through God's promises. This participation involves a transformative process, where believers are called to live in holiness and righteousness, reflecting God's character in their lives. Community and Fellowship Acts 2:42-47 provides a vivid picture of early Christian participation in community life. The early believers "devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer" (Acts 2:42). This passage highlights the communal aspects of participation, where believers support, encourage, and grow together in faith. Practical Implications Participation in the Christian life extends beyond spiritual activities to include acts of service, generosity, and love. Galatians 6:2 encourages believers to "carry one another's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ" . This call to action reflects the practical outworking of participation in the lives of believers, fostering a spirit of mutual care and support. Conclusion While the concept of participation is multifaceted, it consistently points to the interconnectedness of believers in Christ. Through shared experiences, communal worship, and mutual support, participation becomes a vital expression of the Christian faith, embodying the unity and love that define the Body of Christ. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) The act or state of participating, or sharing in common with others; as, a participation in joy or sorrows.2. (n.) Distribution; division into shares. 3. (n.) community; fellowship; association. Greek 2842. koinonia -- fellowship ... fellowship. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: koinonia Phonetic Spelling: (koy-nohn-ee'-ah) Short Definition: participation, communion, fellowship ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2842.htm - 7k 3336. metalempsis -- taking, receiving, sharing 3352. metoche -- sharing 2817. kleronomia -- an inheritance 3844. para -- from beside, by the side of, by, beside 3310. meris -- a part, portion 3326. meta -- with, among, after Library The Holy Communion after Participation. How this Participation in Divinity which the Pelagians and ... The Thirteenth Proposition. Concerning the Communion, or ... Concerning the Communion, or Participation of the Body and Blood ... Healing Precedes Participation in the Loaves of Jesus. Not to Participation in Mysteries, Then, and to Fellowship in the ... Whether this Name "God" is Applied to God Univocally by Nature, by ... The Difference Between what is Good in Itself and what is Good by ... On the Vocation of Sinful Men to Christ, and to a Participation of ... On the Vocation of Sinners to Communion with Christ, and to a ... Thesaurus Participation (9 Occurrences)... 1. (n.) The act or state of participating, or sharing in common with others; as, a participation in joy or sorrows. ...Participation (9 Occurrences). ... /p/participation.htm - 9k Joint-participation (1 Occurrence) Nightmonster Night-monster Loaf (14 Occurrences) Agape Fellowship (114 Occurrences) Joints (7 Occurrences) Mean (93 Occurrences) Communion (8 Occurrences) Resources I am a victim of abuse. Why do I feel guilty? | GotQuestions.orgShould a Christian use social media/networking tools (Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, etc.)? | GotQuestions.org How can I avoid enabling someone else's sin? | GotQuestions.org Participation: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Participation (9 Occurrences)1 Corinthians 10:16 2 Corinthians 6:14 2 Corinthians 6:15 2 Corinthians 8:4 Philippians 1:5 Philippians 2:1 Colossians 1:12 Philemon 1:6 Revelation 18:4 Subtopics Related Terms |