The term "fellowman" refers to one's neighbor or fellow human being, emphasizing the relational and communal aspects of human existence as depicted in the Bible. The concept of fellowman is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative, where the treatment of others is a reflection of one's relationship with God.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word often associated with fellowman is "rea," which means neighbor or friend. The Law given to Moses underscores the importance of treating one's fellowman with justice and compassion. Leviticus 19:18 commands, "Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against any of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD." This commandment highlights the ethical responsibility towards others, forming the basis for social harmony and justice within the community of Israel.

The prophets also emphasize the treatment of fellowman as a measure of true piety. For instance, Micah 6:8 states, "He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?" Here, justice and mercy towards others are integral to walking with God.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the Greek word "plēsion" is used to denote neighbor or fellowman. Jesus Christ expands on the Old Testament teachings, placing love for fellowman at the heart of His message. In Matthew 22:37-39 , Jesus declares, "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'" This teaching elevates the love of fellowman to a divine command, second only to the love of God.

The parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) further illustrates the concept of fellowman. Jesus uses this parable to redefine the boundaries of neighborly love, showing that compassion and mercy should extend beyond ethnic and social barriers. The Samaritan's actions demonstrate that true love for fellowman is active and sacrificial.

The apostle Paul reiterates this teaching in his epistles. In Romans 13:9-10 , he writes, "The commandments, 'Do not commit adultery,' 'Do not murder,' 'Do not steal,' 'Do not covet,' and any other commandments, are summed up in this one decree: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' Love does no wrong to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law." Paul emphasizes that love for fellowman is the essence of the law, fulfilling its requirements through genuine care and respect for others.

Practical Implications

The biblical mandate to love one's fellowman has profound implications for Christian ethics and daily living. It calls for believers to engage in acts of kindness, justice, and mercy, reflecting God's love in their interactions with others. This love is not merely an emotion but a deliberate choice to seek the welfare of others, even at personal cost.

In the Christian community, the love for fellowman fosters unity and mutual support. The early church exemplified this in Acts 2:44-45 , where "all the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they shared with anyone who was in need." This communal lifestyle was a testament to their commitment to love and serve one another.

Conclusion

The biblical concept of fellowman is a call to live out the love of God in tangible ways, transcending cultural, social, and personal barriers. It is a central tenet of the Christian faith, urging believers to embody the love of Christ in their relationships with others.

The First Commandment --On the Honor and Invocation of Saints
... them for others through their intercession. Again men are honored by the
praises of their fellowman. A great general is honored ...
/.../kinkead/baltimore catechism no 4/lesson 31 the first commandmenton.htm

From the Second to the Fourth Commandment
... are speaking truly. This is one of the most solemn acts that men can perform
in the presence of their fellowman. All the nations ...
/.../kinkead/baltimore catechism no 4/lesson 32 from the second.htm

Chapter xxii.
... But no one can bestow anything upon a fellowman with a single heart, unless he so
bestow it that he expects no temporal advantage from him, and does it with ...
/.../augustine/our lords sermon on the mount/chapter xxii 2.htm

Whether the Justification of the Ungodly is the Remission of Sins?
... thus justice is placed amongst the virtues"-either as particular justice, which
directs a man's acts by regulating them in relation to his fellowman"-or as ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the justification of the.htm

Faith Rewarded.
... There is such a thing as the power of God being present to heal, though men may
not hear the voice of their fellowman. These four men were real workers. ...
/.../moody/to the work to the work/chapter iv faith rewarded.htm

On Prayer
... any moment. Do we tempt God and do to Him what we dare not to do to our
fellowman because He is so merciful? Let us be careful. He ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/kinkead/baltimore catechism no 4/lesson 28 on prayer.htm

Letter cxxiii. To Ageruchia.
... be made light of as a merely human utterance, he claims for it the authority of
the Holy Spirit, so that we are listening not to a fellowman making concessions ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter cxxiii to ageruchia.htm

Concerning Free-Will
... But the other did not subdue his anger, nor pity his fellowman, nor would he see
his own image in the being before him; but, like a wild beast, made ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/methodius/concerning free-will/concerning free-will.htm

Turning-Points
... Whenever your heart is softened to affection toward parent, or child, or your fellowman,
then Christ is speaking to you, and showing you the things which ...
/.../kingsley/town and country sermons/sermon viii turning-points.htm

Marvel Not
... And one might even press the analogy a little further, and add, if a few minutes'
conversation with a fellowman overturned the stubborn mountain of your mind ...
//christianbookshelf.org/drummond/the ideal life/marvel not.htm

Fellowman (3 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Fellowman (3 Occurrences). Romans 13:8 Owe nothing
to any one except mutual love; for he who loves his ...
/f/fellowman.htm - 7k

Fellow-members (1 Occurrence)
Fellow-members. Fellowman, Fellow-members. Fellow-partaker . Multi-Version
Concordance ... Fellowman, Fellow-members. Fellow-partaker . Reference Bible.
/f/fellow-members.htm - 6k

Fellow-levites (1 Occurrence)
Fellow-levites. Fellow-labourers, Fellow-levites. Fellowman . Multi-Version
Concordance ... (See RSV). Fellow-labourers, Fellow-levites. Fellowman . ...
/f/fellow-levites.htm - 6k

Evil (1503 Occurrences)
... See TEMPTATION. 1. Moral Evil: By this term we refer to wrongs done to our
fellowman, where the actor is responsible for the action. ...
/e/evil.htm - 47k

Intercession (12 Occurrences)
... Intercession is thus to be regarded: (1) as the spontaneous act of man for his
fellowman; (2) the official act of developed sacerdotalism; (3) the perfecting ...
/i/intercession.htm - 52k

Love (703 Occurrences)
... 1. Source of Man's Love: Whatever love there is in man, whether it be toward God
or toward his fellowman, has its source in God-"Love is of God; and every one ...
/l/love.htm - 65k

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