Sabbath Reflection - Fellowship

You have likely read before about the tremendous growth that the early first century church experienced. Luke writes about this in the early chapters of the book of Acts. This small group of believers saw a great baptism event in Act 2:41 – “…three thousand souls.” More would quickly be added soon after.

But in the next verse, we see where the focus was of this young, fledgling church.

“And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers” (Acts 2:42).

There is much we can study just within this one verse. But I want to focus on the word translated in our English Bibles as fellowship. In the original language that Luke wrote in for the book of Acts, he uses a word that means “to share in” or “to fellowship with participation.”

We have the tremendous blessing each Sabbath to fellowship, in every sense of the word, with other believers. We have the blessing from God to focus on Him, to be separated for a special purpose, to filter out the cares and pulls of this world, and to fellowship. Fellowship with the God family and with our fellow called, chosen, and faithful. To fellowship with participation!

We see Paul also stating the importance of this fellowship. To the very young church at Rome, Paul told them how he longed to be with them and to give them spiritual support. Specifically, as he narrows down his thoughts, “that is, that I may be encouraged together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me” (Romans 1:12). Paul recognized that on his own, he was nothing, and on their own, the church members individually were nothing. But together, through the fellowship of their common faith, there would be great encouragement!

It can be easy to come to the arrival of the Sabbath and be exhausted, wiped out from the hardness of the week. We can find relaxation in the Sabbath. It’s easy to feel the need for a day of recovery from the difficult and long week. But don’t let Satan keep you from this one important component of the Sabbath day – fellowship. Make every effort, as your health allows, to come to church and participate in the unifying bond of God’s spirit and truth. We should not come and fail in this participation! Remember the Greek word Paul used in Romans 1 – fellowship with participation, which implies action! Be engaged with each other. Support each other. Learn things you can take back to pray about. Encourage one another in the same common faith that Paul longed to have with the church at Rome.

In advance of this coming Sabbath, eagerly prepare to be with God’s people. Then, let us have a wonderful upcoming Sabbath filled with sharing, encouraging, comforting, and reminding each other of the “mutual faith both of you and me” (Romans 1:12).

Joe Greene 

Pastor for Richmond and Roanoke, Va

(434) 808-2146