We are in the middle of our annual month-long Missions Conference. Some of the missionaries we have heard from have been supported by this church for decades. A verse that keeps going through my head, as I listen, is Philippians 1:5, which says, in context:
I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always offering prayer with joy in my every prayer for you all, in view of your participation in the gospel from the first day until now. For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. For it is only right for me to feel this way about you all, because I have you in my heart, since both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers of grace with me. (Philippians 1:3-7 Empahis added)
The word koinonia appears twice in the passage. The word, elsewhere, is also translated “fellowship,” “sharing,” “communion,” “contribution,” and, “partnership.” As I have often said, it’s a very high privilege to have been in partnership with some many ministers of the gospel for so many years. At the same time it makes me want to ask; “What can we, as a church and/or as individuals, do to make the fellowship even sweeter?” I think for starters we can meditate on the Lexicon below (particularly the “usage” and “Cultural/Historical Background” paragraphs) and ask God for specific ideas of something that can be implemented (done) this week (month or even year) that would bring you closer to any of our missions family members.
Pastor Scott – James 1:22
Strong’s Lexicon
koinónia: Fellowship, communion, participation, sharing
Original Word: κοινωνία
Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine
Transliteration: koinónia
Pronunciation: koy-nohn-EE-ah
Phonetic Spelling: (koy-nohn-ee’-ah)
Definition: Fellowship, communion, participation, sharing
Meaning: (lit: partnership) (a) contributory help, participation, (b) sharing in, communion, (c) spiritual fellowship, a fellowship in the spirit.Word Origin: Derived from the Greek word κοινός (koinos), meaning “common” or “shared.”
Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: – Strong’s Hebrew 2266: חָבַר (chabar) – to join, to unite, to be in fellowship
– Strong’s Hebrew 7453: רֵעַ (rea) – friend, companion, fellow
Usage: Koinónia refers to the deep, intimate fellowship and communal participation among believers, as well as their shared relationship with God through Jesus Christ. It encompasses the idea of sharing in spiritual blessings, mutual support, and active partnership in the faith. This term is often used to describe the unity and community life of the early church, emphasizing the believers’ common bond in Christ.
Cultural and Historical Background: In the Greco-Roman world, koinónia was a term used to describe various forms of partnership and communal life, including business partnerships and civic associations. In the New Testament, the term takes on a distinctly Christian meaning, highlighting the spiritual and relational aspects of the Christian community. The early church was characterized by a strong sense of koinónia, as believers shared their lives, resources, and faith with one another, reflecting the unity and love of the body of Christ.
Grace Notes 