In the biblical context, the concept of partnership is often associated with collaboration, mutual support, and shared purpose. The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings that highlight the importance and value of partnerships, both in spiritual and practical aspects of life.

Old Testament Examples

1. Moses and Aaron: One of the earliest examples of partnership in the Bible is the relationship between Moses and Aaron. God appointed Aaron to be Moses' spokesperson, as Moses felt inadequate in speech (Exodus 4:14-16). This partnership was crucial in leading the Israelites out of Egypt and through the wilderness.

2. David and Jonathan: The friendship between David and Jonathan is a profound example of a covenant partnership based on mutual respect and loyalty. Despite Jonathan being the son of King Saul, who sought David's life, Jonathan and David formed a bond that transcended familial and political tensions (1 Samuel 18:1-4).

New Testament Examples

1. Jesus and His Disciples: Jesus' relationship with His disciples is a model of spiritual partnership. He called them to follow Him, learn from Him, and eventually carry on His mission (Matthew 4:19). This partnership was foundational for the establishment of the early Church.

2. Paul and Barnabas: In the early Church, Paul and Barnabas were partners in missionary work. They were set apart by the Holy Spirit for the work of spreading the Gospel (Acts 13:2). Their partnership was instrumental in the growth of the early Christian communities, despite later disagreements (Acts 15:36-39).

Theological Insights

1. Fellowship and Unity: The New Testament emphasizes the importance of fellowship and unity among believers. In 1 Corinthians 1:9, Paul writes, "God, who has called you into fellowship with His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful." This fellowship extends to relationships among believers, encouraging them to work together for the common good (Philippians 1:5).

2. Spiritual Gifts and the Body of Christ: The Apostle Paul uses the metaphor of the body to describe the Church, highlighting the interdependence of its members (1 Corinthians 12:12-27). Each believer is given spiritual gifts to serve and build up the body, illustrating the necessity of partnership in fulfilling God's purposes.

3. Partnership in Suffering and Joy: The Bible also speaks of sharing in both suffering and joy as part of Christian partnership. In Philippians 1:7, Paul expresses gratitude for the Philippians' partnership in his trials, stating, "It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, because I have you in my heart; for in my chains and in my defense and confirmation of the gospel, you are all partners in grace with me."

Practical Applications

1. Marriage: Marriage is a covenant partnership designed by God. Genesis 2:24 states, "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh." This partnership is meant to reflect the unity and love between Christ and the Church (Ephesians 5:31-32).

2. Business and Work: The Bible also addresses partnerships in business and work. Proverbs 27:17 states, "As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another," emphasizing the value of collaboration and mutual improvement in various endeavors.

3. Community and Service: Believers are called to partner in serving others and advancing the Kingdom of God. Hebrews 10:24-25 encourages believers to "spur one another on toward love and good deeds," highlighting the importance of community and collective action.

In summary, the biblical concept of partnership encompasses a wide range of relationships and collaborations, all aimed at fulfilling God's purposes and reflecting His character through unity, love, and mutual support.3352. metoche -- sharing
... Cognate: 3352 -- a close relation between partners, ie people sharing something
held in common (used only in 2 Cor 6:14); joint-activity. See 3353 (). ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3352.htm - 6k

2644. katallasso -- to reconcile
... 2644 ("decisively changed, reconciled") is applied to marriage partners (1 Cor
7:11), but usually in the redemptive sense of a sinner reconciling to the Lord. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2644.htm - 8k

4859. sumphonos -- calling out together, ie agreeing
... identify " and 5456 , "voice," which is the root of the English term, "") - properly,
be of (voice the same opinion); between marriage-partners to temporarily ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4859.htm - 7k

2844. koinonos -- a sharer
... Word Origin from koinos Definition a sharer NASB Word Usage partaker (1), partakers
(1), partner (2), partners (2), sharers (4). companion, partaker, partner. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2844.htm - 7k

3353. metochos -- sharing in
... Word Origin from metecho Definition sharing in NASB Word Usage companions
(1), partakers (4), partners (1). fellow, partaker, partner. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3353.htm - 7k

When Jonathan and his Partners had Received this Letter...
... Section 46. When Jonathan and his partners had received this letter? 46.
When Jonathan and his partners had received this letter ...
/.../josephus/the life of flavius josephus/section 46 when jonathan and.htm

Arguments Drawn Even from Heathenish Laws to Discountenance ...
... Discountenance Marriage with Unbelievers. The Happiness of Union Between Partners
in the Faith Enlarged on in Conclusion. Let us further ...
/.../tertullian/to his wife/chapter viii arguments drawn even from.htm

When I had Written Thus, and Given the Letter to be Carried by The ...
... But when Jonathan and his partners had failed in this their first attempt, they
sent me another letter, the contents whereof were as follows: "Jonathan, and ...
/.../josephus/the life of flavius josephus/section 45 when i had.htm

Jesus Calls Four Fishermen to Follow Him.
... and their nets were breaking [that is, the nets began to snap when they tried to
lift them out of the water] ; 7 and they beckoned unto their partners in the ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xxx jesus calls four fishermen.htm

B. The Second Period. Chs. 5:1 to 6:11
... the nets.6 And when they had done this, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes;
and their nets were breaking; 7 and they beckoned unto their partners in the ...
/.../erdman/the gospel of luke an exposition/b the second period chs.htm

The Best Partnership.
... Money The Best Partnership. Give money good partners, and there is no
end to what it can do. Let prayer and sacrifice and money ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks with world winners/the best partnership.htm

The Recall of the Fishermen.
... And when they had done this, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes; and their
nets were breaking; and they beckoned unto their partners in the other boat ...
//christianbookshelf.org/barton/his life/the recall of the fishermen.htm

And Therefore There was no Need that There Should Everywhere Exist ...
... Christ, anointed them also with the "oil of gladness." But inasmuch as He loved
righteousness and hated iniquity above those who were His partners, [4677] He ...
/.../origen/origen against celsus/chapter lxxix and therefore there.htm

How the Temple was Built While the Cutheans Endeavored in Vain to ...
... and to Jeshua, and to the heads of the families, and desired that they would give
them leave to build the temple with them, and to be partners with them in ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 4 how the temple.htm

Letter cxxvii. To Principia.
... While they mourn for the husbands they have lost they rejoice at their own deliverance
and freedom to choose fresh partners"not, as God wills, to obey these ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter cxxvii to principia.htm

Partners (9 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Partners (9 Occurrences). ... (See NAS). Luke 5:7 They beckoned
to their partners in the other boat, that they should come and help them. ...
/p/partners.htm - 8k

Partnership (4 Occurrences)
... a family or a state. 2. (n.) A division or sharing among partners; joint
possession or interest. 3. (n.) An alliance or association ...
/p/partnership.htm - 8k

Partner (8 Occurrences)

/p/partner.htm - 9k

Zabdi (17 Occurrences)
... we make of you." (WEY). Luke 5:10 and so were Simon's partners James and
John, the sons of Zabdi.) (WEY). John 21:2 Simon Peter was ...
/z/zabdi.htm - 13k

Zebedee (11 Occurrences)
... Luke 5:10 and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners
with Simon. Jesus said to Simon, "Don't be afraid. ...
/z/zebedee.htm - 11k

Zeb'edee (11 Occurrences)
... Luke 5:10 and in like manner also James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners
with Simon; and Jesus said unto Simon, 'Fear not, henceforth thou shalt be ...
/z/zeb'edee.htm - 9k

Fellowship (114 Occurrences)
... 6. (n.) The rule for dividing profit and loss among partners; -- called
also partnership, company, and distributive proportion. ...
/f/fellowship.htm - 47k

Tribulations (11 Occurrences)
... Hebrews 10:33 partly both with reproaches and tribulations being made spectacles,
and partly having become partners of those so living, (YLT NAS). ...
/t/tribulations.htm - 9k

Polygamy
... is attempt- "To steal the livery of the court of heaven To serve the Devil in."
Polygamy is a general term and might mean a multiplicity of partners in the ...
/p/polygamy.htm - 19k

Promiscuous (2 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (a.) Having sexual relations frequently and lacking
standards in the choice of partners. 2. (a.) Distributed ...
/p/promiscuous.htm - 7k

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