Fellow-helpers
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The term "fellow-helpers" is used in the New Testament to describe individuals who assist and support the work of the Gospel and the ministry of the apostles. This concept is integral to the early Christian community, emphasizing the collaborative nature of spreading the Christian faith and supporting one another in ministry.

Biblical References:

1. 3 John 1:8 : "Therefore we ought to support such men, so that we may be fellow workers for the truth." In this passage, the Apostle John encourages believers to support those who are dedicated to the truth of the Gospel. The term "fellow workers" or "fellow-helpers" highlights the shared responsibility among believers to advance the mission of the Church.

2. 1 Corinthians 3:9 : "For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, God’s building." Here, Paul refers to himself and Apollos as "fellow workers" with God, illustrating the partnership between God and His servants in the work of building the Church. This passage underscores the divine-human collaboration in ministry.

3. Philippians 4:3 : "Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, to help these women who have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life." Paul acknowledges the contributions of various individuals, including women, who have labored alongside him in the Gospel mission. This highlights the inclusive nature of fellowship in ministry.

Role and Importance:

The role of fellow-helpers in the early Church was crucial for the spread of Christianity. These individuals provided practical support, hospitality, financial assistance, and companionship to the apostles and other leaders. Their contributions were not limited to physical or material support but also included spiritual encouragement and prayer.

The concept of fellow-helpers reflects the biblical principle of the Body of Christ, where each member has a unique role and function. As Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 12, the Church is one body with many parts, each contributing to the whole. Fellow-helpers exemplify this unity and diversity, working together for the common goal of glorifying God and making His name known.

Examples of Fellow-helpers:

· Priscilla and Aquila: This husband-and-wife team is mentioned several times in the New Testament as fellow-helpers of Paul. They provided him with a place to stay, worked alongside him in tent-making, and were instrumental in teaching Apollos more accurately about the way of God (Acts 18:2-3, 18:26).

· Epaphroditus: In Philippians 2:25, Paul refers to Epaphroditus as "my brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier," acknowledging his dedication and service to the Gospel, even at the risk of his own life.

· Timothy and Titus: Both of these young men were close companions and fellow-helpers of Paul. They were entrusted with significant responsibilities in the early Church, including pastoral leadership and the delivery of Paul's letters.

Theological Implications:

The concept of fellow-helpers emphasizes the communal and cooperative nature of Christian ministry. It reflects the biblical teaching that all believers are called to participate in the work of the Gospel, each contributing according to their gifts and abilities. This collaborative effort is essential for the growth and health of the Church, as it mirrors the unity and diversity found within the Trinity.

Furthermore, the recognition of fellow-helpers in the New Testament serves as an encouragement to all believers to engage actively in the mission of the Church. It affirms that every contribution, no matter how small, is valuable and significant in the eyes of God.
Library

A Letter from Origen to Gregory.
... in order that all that the sons of the philosophers are wont to say about geometry
and music, grammar, rhetoric, and astronomy, as fellow-helpers to philosophy ...
//christianbookshelf.org/origen/origens letters/a letter from origen to 2.htm

The Word Appears in Different Forms; the Time of his Coming in ...
... Son of man shall come in the glory of His own Father" not alone, but "with His own
angels." And if you can conceive of all those who are fellow-helpers in the ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of matthew/30 the word appears in.htm

Johann Matthesius
... They were fast friends and fellow-helpers,"the pastor and precentor of
Joachimsthal, [77]Johann Matthesius and [78]Nicolas Hermann. ...
/.../winkworth/christian singers of germany/johann matthesius.htm

Priscilla and Aquila
... of noble end,' and helping one another in Christian work, and bracketed together
by the Apostle, who puts the wife first, as his fellow-helpers in Christ Jesus ...
/.../maclaren/romans corinthians to ii corinthians chap v/priscilla and aquila.htm

Why was Evolution the Method Chosen?
... The lines of the future are to be learned from her past, and her fellow-helpers
can most easily, most loyally, and most perfectly do their part by studying ...
/.../drummond/the lowell lectures on the ascent of man/iii why was evolution the.htm

1 Cor. xvi. 10
... And he said not merely, "be fellow-helpers," but added, "whatsoever directions
they give, obey;" implying the strictest obedience. ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily xliv 1 cor xvi.htm

The Teaching of the Apostles in Opposition to Jewish and Gentile ...
... when she said, "My lord is old." [3329] In like manner, ye husbands, love your own
wives as your own members, as partners in life, and fellow-helpers for the ...
/.../various/constitutions of the holy apostles/sec v the teaching of the.htm

Consolation Proportionate to Spiritual Sufferings
... Lord of Hosts. Oh ye, my compeers, ye fellow-helpers of the powers of darkness,
leave no stone unturned to destroy him. I bid you ...
/.../consolation proportionate to spiritual sufferings.htm

Carried by Four
... The four fellow-helpers together may accomplish, by the power of the Spirit, what
neither one, nor two, nor three were competent to have done. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/carried by four.htm

1861-1869. Prayer of Hon. And Rev. Baptist Noel --Residence in ...
... to settle in those broad western lands; but many voyages were to follow, and they,
and subsequently their children also, were to be fellow-helpers in the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/lowe/gods answers/chapter i 1861-1869 prayer of.htm

Thesaurus
Fellowhelpers (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Fellowhelpers (1 Occurrence). 3 John 1:8 We therefore
ought to receive such, that we might be fellowhelpers to the truth. (KJV). ...
/f/fellowhelpers.htm - 6k

Fellow-helpers (1 Occurrence)
Fellow-helpers. Fellowhelpers, Fellow-helpers. Fellow-laborer . Multi-Version
Concordance ... Fellowhelpers, Fellow-helpers. Fellow-laborer . Reference Bible
/f/fellow-helpers.htm - 6k

Fellow-helper (1 Occurrence)
Fellow-helper. Fellowhelper, Fellow-helper. Fellowhelpers . Multi-Version
Concordance ... (WBS). Fellowhelper, Fellow-helper. Fellowhelpers . Reference Bible
/f/fellow-helper.htm - 6k

Fellow-laborer (2 Occurrences)
Fellow-laborer. Fellow-helpers, Fellow-laborer. Fellow-laborers . ...
Fellow-helpers, Fellow-laborer. Fellow-laborers . Reference Bible.
/f/fellow-laborer.htm - 7k

Resources
Is the distinction between clergy and laity biblical? | GotQuestions.org

What are indulgences and plenary indulgences and is the concept biblical? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Archippus in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

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Concordance
Fellow-helpers (1 Occurrence)

3 John 1:8
We therefore ought to receive such, that we may be fellow-helpers to the truth.
(WBS)

Subtopics

Fellow-helpers

Related Terms

Fellow-helpers (1 Occurrence)

Fellow-laborers (2 Occurrences)

Fellowhelpers
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