Topical Encyclopedia In the context of the Bible, the term "fellow-citizen" is used to describe the relationship between believers, emphasizing their shared identity and unity within the body of Christ. This concept is rooted in the understanding that all believers, regardless of their ethnic or cultural backgrounds, are part of the same spiritual community and kingdom.The Apostle Paul uses the term "fellow-citizen" in his letter to the Ephesians to illustrate the unity and equality of Gentile and Jewish believers in Christ. Ephesians 2:19 states, "Therefore you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of God’s household." Here, Paul emphasizes that through Christ, Gentiles are no longer outsiders but have been brought into the covenant community, sharing the same rights and privileges as Jewish believers. This passage highlights the breaking down of barriers and the creation of a new humanity in Christ, where all believers are united as one. The concept of being a fellow-citizen also carries the implication of belonging to a heavenly kingdom. Philippians 3:20 states, "But our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ." This verse underscores the idea that believers, while living on earth, are ultimately citizens of a heavenly realm. Their primary allegiance is to God's kingdom, and they are called to live according to its values and principles. In the early Christian community, the notion of being fellow-citizens was a powerful reminder of the unity and solidarity among believers. It transcended social, cultural, and ethnic divisions, fostering a sense of belonging and mutual responsibility. This unity is further reflected in the communal life of the early church, as described in Acts 2:44-47 : "All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they shared with anyone who was in need. With one accord, they continued to meet daily in the temple courts and to break bread from house to house, sharing their meals with gladness and sincerity of heart, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people." The idea of being fellow-citizens also carries ethical implications. Believers are called to live in a manner worthy of their heavenly citizenship, as Paul exhorts in Philippians 1:27 : "Nevertheless, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending side by side for the faith of the gospel." This call to unity and steadfastness in faith reflects the responsibilities that come with being part of God's kingdom. In summary, the term "fellow-citizen" in the Bible signifies the shared identity and unity of believers as members of God's household and citizens of a heavenly kingdom. It emphasizes the breaking down of barriers between different groups and calls believers to live in accordance with the values of their heavenly citizenship, fostering unity, mutual support, and a commitment to the gospel. Greek 4847. sumpolites -- a fellow citizen ... a fellow citizen. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: sumpolites Phonetic Spelling: (soom-pol-ee'-tace) Short Definition: a fellow citizen ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4847.htm - 6k 4177. polites -- a citizen Strong's Hebrew 7934. shaken -- inhabitant, neighbor... inhabitant, neighbor, nigh. From shakan; a resident; by extension, a fellow-citizen -- inhabitant, neighbour, nigh. see HEBREW shakan. 7933, 7934. ... /hebrew/7934.htm - 6k Library The Sin of Omission. 1 John v. 3-Jan Letter Xcvii. (AD 408. ) The Acts of Philip. Here, it May be Said, My Book Ends Just Where it Ought to Begin. . ... Character of the Times in which the Christian Religion was ... The True Gnostic is an Imitator of God, Especially in Beneficence. Letter xi. --For 339. Coss. Constantius Augustus ii, Constans I ... Of the Difficulty of Uniformity in Eating; and of the Gluttony of ... Our Present Object, However, is to Expose the Ignorance of Celsus. ... Thesaurus Fellow-citizen (1 Occurrence)Fellow-citizen. Fellow-captives, Fellow-citizen. Fellowcitizens . Multi-Version Concordance Fellow-citizen (1 Occurrence). ... /f/fellow-citizen.htm - 6k Citizenship (4 Occurrences) Greatest (45 Occurrences) Fellow-captives (1 Occurrence) Fellowcitizens (1 Occurrence) Citizen (9 Occurrences) Fellow (166 Occurrences) Least (76 Occurrences) Brother (402 Occurrences) Resources Who was Silas in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWas the Apostle Paul a Jew? | GotQuestions.org How was Paul a Roman citizen? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Fellow-citizen (1 Occurrence)Hebrews 8:11 Subtopics Related Terms |
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