Several weeks ago a friend suggested I write about “Koinonia”. He had seen evidence of it during his appointment. I had heard the word many, many years ago, but could not have given you a definition. Well, I’ve been thinking about it ever since and after study understand now why, his suggestion. Here is what I have found:
koi·no·ni·a
ˌkoinəˈnēə/
noun
THEOLOGY
- Christian fellowship or communion, with God or, more commonly, with fellow Christians.
From: Gotquestions.org
“Question: "What is koinonia?"
“Answer: Koinonia is a Greek word that occurs 20 times in the Bible. Koinonia’s primary meaning is “fellowship, sharing in common, communion.” The first occurrence of koinonia is Acts 2:42, “They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” Christian fellowship is a key aspect of the Christian life. Believers in Christ are to come together in love, faith, and encouragement. That is the essence of koinonia.
“Philippians 2:1-2 declares, “If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose.” Koinonia is being in agreement with one another, being united in purpose, and serving alongside each other. Our koinonia with each other is based on our common koinonia with Jesus Christ. First John 1:6-7 says, “If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.”
“A powerful example of what koinonia should look like can be found in a study of the phrase “one another” in the Bible. Scripture commands us to be devoted to one another (Romans 12:10), honor one another (Romans 12:10), live in harmony with one another (Romans 12:16; 1 Peter 3:8), accept one another (Romans 15:7), serve one another in love (Galatians 5:13), be kind and compassionate to one another (Ephesians 4:32), admonish one another (Colossians 3:16), encourage one another (1 Thessalonians 5:11; Hebrews 3:13), spur one another on toward love and good deeds (Hebrews 10:24), offer hospitality (1 Peter 4:9), and love one another (1 Peter 1:22; 1 John 3:11; 3:23; 4:7; 4:11-12). That is what true biblical koinonia should look like.”
“Answer: Koinonia is a Greek word that occurs 20 times in the Bible. Koinonia’s primary meaning is “fellowship, sharing in common, communion.” The first occurrence of koinonia is Acts 2:42, “They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” Christian fellowship is a key aspect of the Christian life. Believers in Christ are to come together in love, faith, and encouragement. That is the essence of koinonia.
“Philippians 2:1-2 declares, “If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose.” Koinonia is being in agreement with one another, being united in purpose, and serving alongside each other. Our koinonia with each other is based on our common koinonia with Jesus Christ. First John 1:6-7 says, “If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.”
“A powerful example of what koinonia should look like can be found in a study of the phrase “one another” in the Bible. Scripture commands us to be devoted to one another (Romans 12:10), honor one another (Romans 12:10), live in harmony with one another (Romans 12:16; 1 Peter 3:8), accept one another (Romans 15:7), serve one another in love (Galatians 5:13), be kind and compassionate to one another (Ephesians 4:32), admonish one another (Colossians 3:16), encourage one another (1 Thessalonians 5:11; Hebrews 3:13), spur one another on toward love and good deeds (Hebrews 10:24), offer hospitality (1 Peter 4:9), and love one another (1 Peter 1:22; 1 John 3:11; 3:23; 4:7; 4:11-12). That is what true biblical koinonia should look like.”
For a Christian, Koinonia should be as common as breathing. But it seems rather rare.
Before doing a search, I had had the concept of “unity.” My human, finite definition of “being in one accord” but it is infinitely more than that! It is truly the epitome of Matthew 18:20 “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” There is a love unending; all encompassing; all consuming! He IS there!
I fully grasped what it meant a few Sundays ago when an overwhelming love encompassed me as I looked about my church! It was if the arms of Jesus were wrapped about me. Tears filled my eyes and I turned to a sister and gushed “oh how I love these! I love you!” She hugggggggggged me and told me she loved me too! I was just so overwhelmed with His love!
When my friend and his wife come in to the shop, we have church. We talk Jesus! We share our trials, we give comfort to each other; we pray for each other. Their visit is a highlight in my month. And there are many that I have the privilege of serving and having fellowship with, in the same manner.
“If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.” John 13:14-17 KJV
Koinonia is a byproduct of service and happy are we when we do it! It is not something that can be faked. It is exceptional. The world has no imitation. And that is what is so sad. It takes obedience to His Word; submission to His Authority; and an intimate relationship with Him. It’s loving the brethren as He gives you His love. It’s family!
“By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” John 13:35 KJV
“By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments.”
1 John 5:2 KJV
“And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.” 1 John 4:21 KJV
“For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.” 1 John 3:11 KJV
Father, I thank You for Koinonia;
for the opportunities to commune with You in fellowship and service. Thank You for Your presence when we gather to love on each other; for without You - love is impossible.
“Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.” 1 John 3:1 KJV
Even so - MARANATHA
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