Fellowship
Culture & SocietyWhat is the meaning of Fellowship in the Bible?
Fellowship, or koinonia, refers to the spiritual communion and shared life among believers, rooted in their common participation in Christ and expressed through mutual support, prayer, and the breaking of bread.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing the depth of biblical fellowship reveals that the early church was defined by intimate communal bonds and shared resources, rather than mere institutional attendance, offering a model for Christian community that emphasizes active participation and unity.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Ancient Cultural Lens: Avoid applying 21st-century Western assumptions to Fellowship. Examine how first-century or Near Eastern listeners understood this practice within their daily social dynamics.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Fellowship in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Fellowship clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Fellowship." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/fellowship/