Workfellow
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Topical Encyclopedia
The term "workfellow" is used in the New Testament to describe individuals who are co-laborers or fellow workers in the ministry of the Gospel. This concept emphasizes the collaborative nature of Christian service and the shared mission among believers to spread the teachings of Jesus Christ.

Biblical References:

1. Romans 16:21 · "Timothy, my fellow worker, sends you greetings, as do Lucius, Jason, and Sosipater, my fellow countrymen." In this passage, the Apostle Paul refers to Timothy as his "fellow worker," highlighting the close partnership and shared labor in the ministry. Timothy, a young pastor and protégé of Paul, is recognized for his dedication and contribution to the early church.

2. 2 Corinthians 8:23 · "As for Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker among you; as for our brothers, they are messengers of the churches to the glory of Christ." Here, Paul acknowledges Titus as a "fellow worker," underscoring the importance of teamwork in the mission field. Titus played a significant role in organizing and strengthening the churches, particularly in Corinth.

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 described as a "fellow worker" and "fellow soldier," indicating his active involvement and commitment to the cause of Christ. His service extended beyond mere labor, as he also risked his life for the work of the Gospel.

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." Paul mentions Justus as one of his "fellow workers," emphasizing the diverse backgrounds of those who contributed to the ministry. The unity among Jewish and Gentile believers in their work for the kingdom of God is a testament to the transformative power of the Gospel.

Theological Significance:

The concept of a workfellow in the New Testament illustrates the communal and cooperative nature of Christian ministry. It reflects the understanding that the work of the Gospel is not a solitary endeavor but a collective effort that requires the gifts, talents, and dedication of many individuals. This partnership is rooted in the shared mission to proclaim the message of salvation through Jesus Christ and to build up the body of believers.

The role of a workfellow also highlights the importance of mutual support and encouragement among Christians. As seen in the relationships between Paul and his co-laborers, there is a deep sense of camaraderie and shared purpose. This fellowship is vital for sustaining the work of the ministry, especially in the face of challenges and opposition.

Practical Application:

Believers today can draw inspiration from the example of workfellows in the New Testament by actively participating in their local church communities and engaging in collaborative efforts to advance the Gospel. Whether through teaching, service, or evangelism, each member of the body of Christ has a role to play in fulfilling the Great Commission. By working together, Christians can effectively witness to the world and demonstrate the love and unity that characterize the followers of Christ.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(n.) One engaged in the same work with another; a companion in work.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
WORKER; WORKFELLOW; WORKMAN

wur'-der, wurk'-fel-o, wurk'-man (charash, pa`al; ergates, sunergos): "Worker" (artificer) is the translation of charash, "to cut in" (1 Kings 7:14, "a worker in brass"), and of charash, "artificer," etc. (1 Chronicles 22:15); "workers of stone," rendered "workman," "workmen" (Isaiah 40:20; Isaiah 44:11 Jeremiah 10:3, 9, "artificer"; Hosea 8:6); `asah, "to work," is translated "workers" of iniquity (Psalm 37:1, "them that work unrighteousness"); `asah mela'khah, "to do work" (2 Kings 12:14, 15, "workmen," "them that did the work"; 1 Chronicles 22:15 2 Chronicles 24:13, etc.; Ezra 3:9);'aneshe mela'khah, "men of work" (1 Chronicles 25:1, "workmen," "them that did the work"); `amel, "working," "toiling" (Judges 5:26, "put.... her right hand to the workmen's hammer"); pa`al, "to act," "do," when translated "workers," is joined with "iniquity," "workers of iniquity" (Job 31:3; Job 34:8, 22 Psalm 5:5; Psalm 6:8; Psalm 14:4, etc.; Proverbs 10:29; Proverbs 21:15); ergates, "worker," is translated "workman" (Matthew 10:10, "laborer"; 2 Timothy 2:15 Acts 19:25), "workers" (of iniquity) (Luke 13:27), "deceitful workers" (2 Corinthians 11:13), "evil workers" (Philippians 3:2); dunamis, "power," is translated "(workers of) miracles" (1 Corinthians 12:29 margin, the Revised Version (British and American) "powers"); sunergeo, "to work with" (2 Corinthians 6:1, "working together with him").

Workfellow is the translation of sunergos, "joint or fellow-worker" (Romans 16:21 Colossians 4:11).

Workmaster occurs in Ecclesiasticus 38:27, as the translation of architekton.

For "of ("with") cunning work" (Exodus 26:1, 31; Exodus 28:6, 15; 36:8, 35; 39:3, 8), the American Standard Revised Version has "the work of the skillful workman," the English Revised Version "of the cunning workman"; instead of "I was by him as one brought up (with him)" (Proverbs 8:30), the Revised Version (British and American) has "I was by him as a master workman.

W. L. Walker

Greek
4904. sunergos -- a fellow worker
... of sun and the base of ergon; a co-laborer, ie Coadjutor -- companion in labour,
(fellow-)helper(-labourer, -worker), labourer together with, workfellow. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4904.htm - 7k
Library

The Puritan Beginnings of the Church in virginia ---Its Decline ...
... surplice. What manner of man and minister he was is proved by a noble record
of faithful work. He found a true workfellow in Dale. When ...
/.../bacon/a history of american christianity/chapter v the puritan beginnings.htm

The Blind Beggar
... He longs to go off to the next shop and tell some workfellow that his sins are all
pardoned. He cannot be content. He thinks he could preach now. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/the blind beggar.htm

On the Death of his Father.
... who in your words come next to the Word Himself, who are wise among philosophers,
superior to the world among worldlings, my companion and workfellow, and to ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xviii on the death.htm

Thesaurus
Workfellow (1 Occurrence)
... Standard Bible Encyclopedia. WORKER; WORKFELLOW; WORKMAN. ...Workfellow is the translation
of sunergos, "joint or fellow-worker" (Romans 16:21 Colossians 4:11). ...
/w/workfellow.htm - 10k

Workman (22 Occurrences)
... Standard Bible Encyclopedia. WORKER; WORKFELLOW; WORKMAN. ...Workfellow is the translation
of sunergos, "joint or fellow-worker" (Romans 16:21 Colossians 4:11). ...
/w/workman.htm - 17k

Worker (36 Occurrences)
... Standard Bible Encyclopedia. WORKER; WORKFELLOW; WORKMAN. ...Workfellow is the translation
of sunergos, "joint or fellow-worker" (Romans 16:21 Colossians 4:11). ...
/w/worker.htm - 20k

Worketh (49 Occurrences)

/w/worketh.htm - 19k

Kinsmen (74 Occurrences)
... (KJV ASV DBY WBS NAS RSV). Romans 16:21 Timotheus my workfellow, and Lucius, and
Jason, and Sosipater, my kinsmen, salute you. (KJV ASV DBY WBS NAS RSV). ...
/k/kinsmen.htm - 28k

Work-fellow (1 Occurrence)
Work-fellow. Workfellow, Work-fellow. Working . Multi-Version Concordance ...
(WBS). Workfellow, Work-fellow. Working . Reference Bible.
/w/work-fellow.htm - 6k

Timotheus (24 Occurrences)
... (KJV DBY YLT). Romans 16:21 Timotheus my workfellow, and Lucius, and Jason,
and Sosipater, my kinsmen, salute you. (KJV DBY YLT). ...
/t/timotheus.htm - 15k

Salute (48 Occurrences)
... (KJV WEY ASV DBY WBS YLT). Romans 16:21 Timotheus my workfellow, and Lucius, and
Jason, and Sosipater, my kinsmen, salute you. (KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT). ...
/s/salute.htm - 19k

Resources
Workfellow: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Concordance
Workfellow (1 Occurrence)

Romans 16:21
Timotheus my workfellow, and Lucius, and Jason, and Sosipater, my kinsmen, salute you.
(KJV)

Subtopics

Workfellow

Related Terms

Work-fellow (1 Occurrence)

Workman (22 Occurrences)

Worker (36 Occurrences)

Worketh (49 Occurrences)

Kinsmen (74 Occurrences)

Timotheus (24 Occurrences)

Salute (48 Occurrences)

Working (205 Occurrences)

Worketh
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