Study 12. Acts 2:42-47

 For further study

a. Using a concordance, do a word study on sharing, participation, communion, partnership, or fellowship in the New Testament. 

 The Greek word 'koinonia' is found in these places:

Act 2:42. And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.
Rom 15:26. For Macedonia and Achaia have been pleased to make some contribution for the poor among the saints at Jerusalem.
1Co 1:9. God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
1Co 10:16. The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ?
2Co 6:14. Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?
2Co 8:4. begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints—
2Co 9:13. By their approval of this service, they will glorify God because of your submission that comes from your confession of the gospel of Christ, and the generosity of your contribution for them and for all others,
2Co 13:14. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
Gal 2:9. and when James and Cephas and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given to me, they gave the right hand of fellowship to Barnabas and me, that we should go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised.
Phl 1:5. because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.
Phl 2:1. So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy,
Phl 3:10. that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,
Phm 1:6. and I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective for the full knowledge of every good thing that is in us for the sake of Christ.
Heb 13:16. Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.
1Jo 1:3. that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ.
1Jo 1:6. If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.
1Jo 1:7. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.

Koinonia can be translated as 'fellowship', 'communion', 'communication', 'distribution', contribution', 'partnership', 'sharing', 'participation'.

 It speaks of a relationship with one another and with God that is borderless. There is self-giving in a common identity.

Thee is active participation in a community. It is based on Jesus’ work.  We do not follow the standards of the world. 

We share a common faith

We give ourselves to each other in love. 

We strive to build each other up in Christ. 

 

b. Study the concept of fellowship in Philippians 1:3-8,22-30; 2:1-30; 4:2-3,10-18.
1:3-8. There is thanksgiving and joy. There is confidence in God's s ustaining power in shared grace. There is affection and longing for one another. Partnership in the gospel

1:22-30. There is desire to be present to serve and to minister to one another. There is desire that each one will mature in Christ and be constant in faith. There is the awareness that we are willing to suffer together for Christ.

2:1-30. There is unity and 'full accord',  'one mind'. There is humility and self-effacing attitude. There is holding the interests of others as important as our own. There is following the example of Christ's sacrifical ilfe and death.

4:2-3. There is a willingness to set aside differences and reconcile. There is a willingness to facilitate this reconciliation.

4:10-18. There is concern and financial contribution to the ministry.

 
For Thought and Discussion: Why is it so crucial for us to nurture fellowship (see, for example, 1 Corinthians 12:12-26; Philippians 2:1-11; Hebrews 10:23-25)?

1 Corinthians 12:12-26. God has honoured the less presentable parts of the body. There may be a primary application to spiritual gifts that are perceived as being greater or lesser. We are interdependent. Each one has a role to play in the Body of Christ. We cannot say that we are insignificant. We care for one another and suffer and rejoice together.

Philippians 2:1-11. We are to be Christlike

Hebrews 10:23-25. The 'Day (is) drawing near.

1. How can we devote ourselves to “the apostles’ teaching” today? 

This teaching is found in Scripture. We are to study and seek to apply the Word.

 

2. Why is it important to do this together? (Optional: See Romans 12:3-8; Ephesians 4:1-16; 2 Timothy 3:16-17.)
Romans 12:3-8. We need to appreciate our different functions in the church. Gifts are expressed only in the context of our relationship to one another (except for tongues)

Ephesians 4:1-16. We express the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Our gifts are to build the church until we all become mature in Christ.

2 Timothy 3:16-17. Scripture is to be applied to one another in 'teaching, reproof, correction and training in righteousness.'

 
3. How can you devote yourself to “the fellowship”? How can you share and participate with other Christians as partners? Think of some specific ways. 

Life-on-life primarily happens in the cell. 

There must be openness in sharing, willingness to be patient and to hear from one another.

We can meet each other's practical needs for help at particular times

We can trust one another with our weaknesses and sins.

 

4. Why is the Lord’s Supper important (see Luke 22:14-23; 1 Corinthians 10:16-17; 11:23-26)? 

 Luke 22:14-23. Commemoration (look back)

1 Corinthians 10:16-17. Participation in the death and body of Christ (look up)

1 Corinthians 11:23-26 Proclamation of the gospel and Anticipation (look ahead)

1 Corinthians 11:27-32. Self-examination (look within) and recognition (look around) at the Body.

 

5. Why should you devote yourself to prayer with other Christians? 

We celebrate our family relationship as we pray to our Heavenly Father. 

We understand our relationship with God better in hearing one another's prayers

We see our own priorities and wishes in a wider context and learn to appreciate the needs of others.

At times we need the prayers of others when we are too weak to pray for ourselves.

 

6. What other significant details of the early life of the church do you observe in 2:42-47?
'awe'

Regarding as common possessions private property

'day by day'

"glad and generous hearts'

The Lord added to their number.