The term "fellow-labourer" is used in the New Testament to describe individuals who worked alongside the Apostle Paul and other early Christian leaders in the spread of the Gospel and the establishment of the early Church. This term highlights the collaborative and communal nature of early Christian ministry, emphasizing the shared mission and partnership among believers.

Biblical References:

1. Romans 16:3 · "Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus."
· Prisca (or Priscilla) and Aquila are mentioned as fellow-labourers of Paul. They were a married couple who played a significant role in the early Church, known for their hospitality and teaching, particularly in instructing Apollos more accurately in the way of God (Acts 18:26).

2. Philippians 2:25 · "But I thought it necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger and minister to my needs."
· Epaphroditus is described as a fellow-labourer, indicating his active involvement in the ministry and his close partnership with Paul. His dedication is further emphasized by his willingness to risk his life for the work of Christ (Philippians 2:30).

3. Colossians 4:11 · "Jesus, who is called Justus, also sends greetings. These are the only Jews among my fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort to me."
· Here, Paul acknowledges Justus as a fellow-labourer, highlighting the diverse backgrounds of those who worked with him. This reflects the unity and cooperation among Jewish and Gentile believers in the mission of the Church.

4. Philemon 1:24 · "And so do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my fellow workers."
· In his letter to Philemon, Paul lists several individuals as fellow-labourers, including Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke. This underscores the network of co-workers who supported Paul in his missionary journeys and the writing of the New Testament.

Theological Significance:

The concept of fellow-labourers in the New Testament underscores the importance of collaboration in the Christian mission. It reflects the early Church's understanding of ministry as a shared endeavor, where each member contributes to the work of the Gospel according to their gifts and calling. This partnership is rooted in the unity of the body of Christ, where diverse individuals come together for a common purpose.

The use of the term also highlights the relational aspect of ministry. Paul often expresses gratitude and affection for his fellow-labourers, recognizing their sacrifices and contributions. This relational dynamic is essential for the health and growth of the Church, as it fosters mutual support, encouragement, and accountability among believers.

Practical Implications:

For contemporary Christians, the example of fellow-labourers in the New Testament serves as a model for ministry today. It encourages believers to work together in unity, leveraging their diverse gifts and talents for the advancement of the Gospel. It also calls for a spirit of cooperation and partnership, both within local congregations and across the global Church.

Moreover, the recognition of fellow-labourers reminds Christians of the importance of acknowledging and appreciating the contributions of others in ministry. It challenges believers to cultivate relationships characterized by love, respect, and mutual support, reflecting the unity and diversity of the body of Christ.

1877-1879. "They Helped Every one his Neighbour" --Miss Child, a ...
... CHAPTER VII 1877-1879. "They helped every one his neighbour""Miss Child, a
fellow-labourer "The work in Ratcliff Highway"Strangers' Rest for Sailors ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/lowe/gods answers/chapter vii 1877-1879 they helped.htm

Synodical Epistle of the Synod in Illyricum Concerning the Faith.
... worthy of the duty. "This letter we have sent by our beloved brother and
fellow labourer Elpidius the presbyter. For not in the ...
/.../chapter viii synodical epistle of the.htm

If Paul had Known any Mysteries Unrevealed to the Other Apostles ...
... 1. But that this Luke was inseparable from Paul, and his fellow-labourer in the
Gospel, he himself clearly evinces, not as a matter of boasting, but as bound ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xiv if paul had known.htm

God's Fellow-Workers
... there is no possibility of Christian men or women being fully faithful to the Saviour,
unless they recognise that the duty of being a fellow-labourer with God ...
/.../maclaren/romans corinthians to ii corinthians chap v/gods fellow-workers.htm

Paul's Second Imprisonment, and Martyrdom; Peter, his Epistles ...
... there is evidence that he actually preached the gospel in that country; for Clemens
Romanus, who was his contemporary and fellow-labourer, positively affirms ...
/.../killen/the ancient church/chapter x pauls second imprisonment.htm

God's Answers
... CHAPTER VII 1877-1879. "They helped every one his neighbour"--Miss Child, a
fellow-labourer --The work in Ratcliff Highway--Strangers' Rest for Sailors ...
//christianbookshelf.org/lowe/gods answers/

Introductory Notice to Two Epistles Concerning virginity
... as the authentic productions of Clement; and even Neander has admitted that they
may possibly have been written by that friend and fellow-labourer of the ...
/.../two epistles concerning virginity/introductory notice to two epistles.htm

The Secret of Success.
... The servant seeks to win the fellow-servant, the labourer in the field has the welfare
of his fellow-labourer at heart, and seeks to draw him to God. ...
/.../the village pulpit volume ii trinity to advent/xlii the secret of success.htm

Demas
... unknown. Paul refers to him more than once as a fellow-labourer, which shows
that for a time at least he was an exemplary Christian. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/milligan/men of the bible some lesser-known/demas.htm

How the East Saxons, During a Pestilence, Returned to Idolatry ...
... He acted with much discretion, as I was informed by a priest who bore him company
in that journey, and had been his fellow labourer in the Word, for he was a ...
/.../bede/bedes ecclesiastical history of england/chap xxx how the east.htm

Fellowlabourer (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Fellowlabourer (2 Occurrences). 1 Thessalonians
3:2 And sent Timotheus, our brother, and minister of God ...
/f/fellowlabourer.htm - 7k

Fellow-labourer (1 Occurrence)
... Fellowlabourer, Fellow-labourer. Fellowlabourers . Multi-Version Concordance ...
(DBY). Fellowlabourer, Fellow-labourer. Fellowlabourers . Reference Bible.
/f/fellow-labourer.htm - 6k

Labourer (8 Occurrences)
... Romans 16:9 to Urban, our fellowlabourer in Christ, and to my dear ... and Timothy our
brother, unto Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellowlabourer, (Root in KJV ...
/l/labourer.htm - 8k

Dear (120 Occurrences)
... Romans 16:9 to Urban, our fellowlabourer in Christ, and to my dear ... and Timothy our
brother, unto Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellowlabourer, (Root in KJV ...
/d/dear.htm - 37k

Justus (3 Occurrences)
... (3.) A Jewish Christian, called Jesus, Paul's only fellow-labourer at Rome, where
he wrote his Epistle to the Colossians (Colossians 4:11). Int. ...
/j/justus.htm - 12k

Fellowlabourers (2 Occurrences)

/f/fellowlabourers.htm - 7k

Fellow-laborers (2 Occurrences)
Fellow-laborers. Fellow-laborer, Fellow-laborers. Fellowlabourer . Multi-Version
Concordance ... (WBS). Fellow-laborer, Fellow-laborers. Fellowlabourer . ...
/f/fellow-laborers.htm - 7k

Regards (43 Occurrences)
... 2 Corinthians 8:23 Whether as regards Titus, he is my companion and fellow-labourer
in your behalf; or our brethren, they are deputed messengers of assemblies ...
/r/regards.htm - 18k

Demas (3 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary A companion and fellow-labourer of Paul during his
first imprisonment at Rome (Philemon 1:24; Colossians 4:14). ...
/d/demas.htm - 8k

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