Dinner On The Grounds or Boots On The Ground?

Acts 2:42; 1 Corinthians 1:9; 1 John 1:7; Hebrews 13:16; Philippians 1:5, 7, 2:1, 3:10, 4:14-15

The Greek word transliterated koinōnia is found 19 times in the New Testament, most of which are translated into English as fellowship. Often we think of fellowship as hanging out with each other, sharing a meal, doing things together, etc. But koinōnia holds a much deeper meaning than a quarterly pot luck dinner. In fact, during a recent study of Philippians, I discovered that in his opening remarks Paul tells his readers at Philippi that he is thankful and continuously praying for them in view of their "participation (koinōnia) in the gospel from the first day until now." Philippians 1:5 (NASB) Paul wasn't praying and thanking the Lord for an audience in the bleachers cheering him on as he served the Lord. Paul was praying and thanking God for their "boots on the ground" efforts - a people willing to get their hands dirty along side of him.

However, this is not the only instance of koinōnia in this letter. Paul would use it 5 other times and would demonstrate a well rounded meaning throughout. Philippians 1:7 speaks of partakers of grace; 2:1 speaks of the fellowship of the Spirit; 3:10 speaks of the fellowship of Christ's sufferings; 4:14 speaks of them sharing with Paul in his affliction; and 4:15 speaks of them sharing with Paul in financial support. As G. Walter Hansen says in The Letter To The Philippians: The koinōnia initially formed by mutual participation in the benefits of the gospel developed quickly into a koinōnia to advance the proclamation of the gospel. (Hansen, G. W. The Letter to the Philippians - pp. 48–49. 2009)

So let's enjoy some meals together, thank the Lord for the grace He has extended us and for the indwelling of His Spirit, share one another's burdens, commit to support our local fellowship and others as God leads, and roll up our sleeves and go make Disciples.

Philippians 1:3–5 (NASB) 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.

Pastor Mike Deese