Sharing the Suffering
Illustration
by J.D. Morris

Nowhere in the N.T. do any of the Greek words translated "fellowship" imply fun times. Rather, they talk of:

  • The fellowship of the ministering to the saints (II Corinthians 8:4).
  • Sacrificial service and financial aid (See for example, I Timothy 6:18).
  • The fellowship in the gospel (Philippians 1:5), 
  • The defense and confirmation of the gospel, we all are partakers (same word as fellowship) of grace (Philippians 1:7).
  • Bringing persecution: We are to emulate Christ's humility and self-sacrificial love (Philippians 2:5-8).
  • A fellowship of the Spirit (Phil 2:1).
  • Knowing the fellowship of His sufferings, being made conformable unto His death (Philippians 3:10). 
  • Communion (i.e. fellowship) of the blood...and body of Christ (I Corinthians 10:16).
ChristianGlobe Networks, Inc., Illustrations from ChristianGlobe, by J.D. Morris