Topical Bible: The Gospel: Saints Have Fellowship In

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Topical Encyclopedia

The concept of fellowship among the saints in the Gospel is a profound theme that runs throughout the New Testament. This fellowship is not merely a social gathering but a deep, spiritual communion rooted in the shared faith and life in Jesus Christ. The Greek term often translated as "fellowship" is "koinonia," which implies a partnership, sharing, or common participation in the life and mission of the Gospel.

Biblical Foundation

The foundation of this fellowship is found in the person and work of Jesus Christ. In 1 John 1:3, the apostle John writes, "We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son, Jesus Christ" . This verse highlights that the fellowship among believers is intrinsically linked to their fellowship with God the Father and Jesus Christ. It is through the Gospel that believers are brought into this divine fellowship.

Unity in the Spirit

The Apostle Paul emphasizes the unity of believers in the Spirit as a key aspect of their fellowship. In Ephesians 4:3-6, he urges the saints to "make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all" . This unity is not superficial but is deeply rooted in the shared beliefs and experiences of the Gospel.

Participation in the Gospel

Fellowship in the Gospel also involves active participation in its mission. In Philippians 1:5, Paul expresses gratitude for the Philippians' "partnership in the gospel from the first day until now" . This partnership is a collective effort in spreading the message of salvation and living out the implications of the Gospel in daily life. The saints are called to support one another, pray for each other, and work together for the advancement of the Kingdom of God.

Mutual Edification

The fellowship of the saints is also characterized by mutual edification and encouragement. Hebrews 10:24-25 exhorts believers to "consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds. Let us not neglect meeting together, as some have made a habit, but let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching" . This aspect of fellowship is vital for spiritual growth and perseverance in the faith.

Sharing in Suffering and Joy

The fellowship of the saints includes sharing in both suffering and joy. In Romans 12:15, Paul instructs believers to "rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep" . This shared experience of life's highs and lows strengthens the bonds between believers and reflects the love and compassion of Christ.

Conclusion

The fellowship of the saints in the Gospel is a dynamic and multifaceted relationship that encompasses unity in the Spirit, participation in the mission of the Gospel, mutual edification, and shared experiences of suffering and joy. It is a vital aspect of the Christian life, reflecting the communal nature of the faith and the transformative power of the Gospel.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Philippians 1:5
For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

"That which we have Seen and Heard, Declare we unto You, that Ye ...
... irrespective conveyance of this grace of the gospel in Christ ... same Spirit, unto the
Father, we have the same ... those which were common to them with other saints. ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon v that which we.htm

The Communion of Saints.
... The meaning of "The Communion of Saints" becomes clearer when ... unto you, that ye also
may have fellowship with us ... words, he declares that the Gospel was preached ...
/.../burbidge/the kingdom of heaven what is it/chapter x the communion of.htm

Eighteenth Sunday after Trinity Treasure Christians have in the ...
... does not weaken baptism or the Gospel or the ... would be lacking; therefore we must
have among ourselves true members of the Church and true saints. ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/eighteenth sunday after trinity treasure.htm

Union and Communion with God the End and Design of the Gospel
... of man is the very end and purpose of the gospel. ... Persons that dwell one with another
have much society and ... may apprehend of this unity of the saints with God. ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/lecture ii union and communion.htm

The Fellowship of his Son.
... If we have obeyed the Gospel and accepted ... No saint has ever sounded the depths of
this wonderful call of God nor can God's saints fully know what that ...
/.../gaebelein/the lord of glory/the fellowship of his son.htm

[Shewing] that Common and Saving Grace Differ, not Only in Degree ...
... exceeding great and precious promises of the gospel, and that ... no degree of that grace
that the saints have is evident, because they have no communion or ...
/.../edwards/treatise on grace/shewing that common and saving.htm

Letter ii. --For 330. Easter-Day xxiv Pharmuthi; xiii Kal. Mai ...
... who are borne in the opposite direction have nothing better ... and hands down the
narrations of the saints, saying in the beginning of the Gospel, Since many ...
/.../select works and letters or athanasius/letter ii for 330 easter-day xxiv.htm

Philippians i. 1, 2
... Philippians, that in the beginning of the Gospel, no Church ... ten thousand tongues,
when one might have but one's ... to the alliance and succor of the saints of God ...
/.../homily i philippians i 1.htm

The Message and Its Practical Results
... tells us that we grasp the kernel of the Gospel. ... But the sad experience of 'saints'
is that they ... blending of darkness,' but, 'we Christians have an Advocate ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture ephesians peter/the message and its practical.htm

The Communion of Goods.
... of the world for the universal preaching of the Gospel would occupy ... upon each other
in a harmonious manner, the communion of saints must have two sides: a ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xxvi the communion of goods.htm