In the biblical context, the term "companions" refers to those with whom one shares fellowship, friendship, or association. The concept of companionship is significant throughout the Scriptures, highlighting both the positive and negative influences that companions can have on an individual's spiritual journey.

Old Testament Insights

The Old Testament provides numerous examples of companionship, both beneficial and detrimental. In the wisdom literature, particularly the Book of Proverbs, the importance of choosing one's companions wisely is emphasized. Proverbs 13:20 states, "Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm." This verse underscores the influence that companions can have on one's character and decision-making.

The Psalms also reflect on the nature of companionship. Psalm 1:1 warns against associating with the wicked: "Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, or set foot on the path of sinners, or sit in the seat of mockers." Here, the psalmist highlights the progression of influence that negative companions can have, leading one away from righteousness.

New Testament Teachings

In the New Testament, the theme of companionship continues to be significant. The Apostle Paul, in his letters, frequently addresses the impact of associations on the believer's life. In 1 Corinthians 15:33 , Paul warns, "Do not be deceived: 'Bad company corrupts good character.'" This admonition serves as a reminder of the potential for negative influence and the importance of surrounding oneself with those who encourage spiritual growth.

The early Christian community is depicted as a fellowship of believers who shared their lives and resources. Acts 2:42 describes the early church: "They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer." This passage illustrates the positive aspect of companionship, where believers support and edify one another in their faith.

Jesus and His Companions

Jesus Himself modeled the importance of companionship through His relationships with His disciples. He chose twelve men to be His closest companions, teaching and mentoring them throughout His ministry. In John 15:15 , Jesus says to His disciples, "No longer do I call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything I have learned from My Father I have made known to you." This declaration highlights the intimate and transformative nature of true companionship in the context of discipleship.

The Role of Companions in Spiritual Growth

Throughout the Bible, companions are seen as instrumental in one's spiritual development. Hebrews 10:24-25 encourages believers to "consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds. Let us not neglect meeting together, as some have made a habit, but let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching." This passage emphasizes the role of companions in encouraging and strengthening one another in the faith.

Warnings Against Negative Companions

The Scriptures also provide warnings about the dangers of negative companionship. Proverbs 22:24-25 advises, "Do not make friends with an angry man, and do not associate with a hot-tempered man, or you may learn his ways and entangle yourself in a snare." This counsel reflects the understanding that negative traits can be transferred through close association.

In summary, the Bible presents companionship as a powerful influence in the life of a believer. Whether through the wisdom of Proverbs, the teachings of Jesus, or the exhortations of the apostles, the Scriptures consistently encourage believers to seek out companions who will support and enhance their spiritual journey, while warning against those who may lead them astray.

The Travelers
... had rested and his famous caution stood him in stead at this moment when a quarrel
with such intense and executive earnestness in his companion's manner might ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the city of delight/chapter iv the travelers.htm

Chapter twenty-seven
... The man with the pistol made a significant gesture with it and, with his companion,
pulled and pushed the Bishop down the alley and through a ragged, broken ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sheldon/in his steps/chapter twenty-seven.htm

How we are to Conform Ourselves to God's Will Signified unto us by ...
... perform the office of angels, and we that of brute beasts: and desiring the day
after to see by experience what he had learnt by his companion's relation, he ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter x how we are.htm

The Complaint: Or, Night Thoughts.
... Active, a?�rial, towering, unconfined,. Unfetter'd with her gross companion's
fall. Even silent night proclaims my soul immortal: ...
/.../young/youngs night thoughts/the complaint or night thoughts.htm

A Notice of Aetius, Eunomius' Master in Heresy, and of Eunomius ...
... back? How did they mar the aim of his life? Did they not rather feed up
his and his companion's freshly acquired fame? Whence came ...
/.../gregory/gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/section 6 a notice of.htm

The Risen Lord's Self-Revelation to Wavering Disciples
... and world-wide? 'The ingenuous disclosure of their bewilderment appealed
to their Companion's heart, as it ever does. Jesus is not ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/the risen lords self-revelation to.htm

The Shepherd of Pella
... At the continued silence of his companion, he argued his question himself. ... You will
wake her!". Julian's face showed a sneer at his companion's concern. ...
/.../miller/the city of delight/chapter iii the shepherd of.htm

The Right to Run Things
... When the one on whom we are calling says suddenly, "I'm going to believe too," it
is far more likely to be the result of my companion's testimony than of my ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/williamson/have we no rights/chapter 11 the right to.htm

Christ Teaching by Parables
... not. But, presently she lifted up her eyes, looked her companion bravely
in the face, and said""It's for Jesus' sake, Jennie.". ...
/.../newton/the life of jesus christ for the young/christ teaching by parables.htm

The Gentle Boy
... said the old Quaker. He continued, perhaps in the hope of distracting his
companion's thoughts from his own sorrows. "Even of late ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/the gentle boy.htm

Companion's (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Companion's (1 Occurrence). Judges 14:20 and Samson's
wife becometh his companion's, who 'is' his friend. (YLT). ...
/c/companion's.htm - 6k

Companionships (1 Occurrence)

/c/companionships.htm - 6k

Companions (58 Occurrences)
... forth. (See RSV). Psalms 88:18 Friend and companion hast Thou put far from
me, and mine acquaintance into darkness. (See RSV NIV). ...
/c/companions.htm - 23k

Becometh (82 Occurrences)
... melted, and becometh water. (YLT). Judges 14:20 and Samson's wife becometh
his companion's, who 'is' his friend. (YLT). Ruth 4:13 ...
/b/becometh.htm - 30k

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