Topical Encyclopedia Fellowship in the Christian context refers to the spiritual and communal bond shared among believers, rooted in their common faith in Jesus Christ. This concept is deeply embedded in the New Testament, where the Greek word "koinonia" is often used to describe the intimate and participatory relationship among Christians. Fellowship is not merely social interaction but a profound sharing of life, faith, and purpose.The early church exemplified fellowship in Acts 2:42, which states, "They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer." This passage highlights the integral components of Christian fellowship: teaching, communal meals, and prayer. Fellowship is both a gift and a responsibility, as believers are called to encourage, support, and edify one another in their spiritual journey. 1 John 1:3 emphasizes the vertical and horizontal dimensions of fellowship: "We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son, Jesus Christ." This verse underscores that true fellowship among believers is rooted in their shared relationship with God through Christ. Fellowship also involves mutual accountability and love, as seen in Hebrews 10:24-25: "And let us 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." Here, the communal aspect of fellowship is linked to spiritual growth and perseverance. Revelation Revelation in the biblical sense refers to the disclosure of divine truth and knowledge that was previously hidden. It is the means by which God communicates His will, character, and redemptive plan to humanity. Revelation is both general and special. General revelation refers to the knowledge of God available to all people through nature and conscience, as described in Romans 1:20: "For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—His eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse." Special revelation, on the other hand, is God's specific communication through supernatural means, including Scripture, prophecy, and the person of Jesus Christ. Hebrews 1:1-2 articulates this: "On many past occasions and in many different ways, God spoke to our fathers through the prophets. But in these last days, He has spoken to us by His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, and through whom He made the universe." The Book of Revelation, the final book of the New Testament, is a unique form of special revelation. It is an apocalyptic text that unveils the ultimate victory of Christ and the consummation of God's kingdom. Revelation 1:1 introduces the book as "The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants what must soon take place." Revelation is foundational to Christian faith, as it provides the basis for understanding God's nature, human sinfulness, and the path to salvation. The Bible, as the written Word of God, is the primary source of special revelation, serving as the authoritative guide for faith and practice. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 affirms the divine inspiration and purpose of Scripture: "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work." Subtopics Fellowship with the Wicked Forbidden Fellowship with the Wicked: Punishment of Fellowship: General Scriptures Concerning Fellowship: The Evil of Fellowship With the Wicked Exemplified by Ahaziah Fellowship: The Evil of Fellowship With the Wicked Exemplified by Israel Fellowship: The Evil of Fellowship With the Wicked Exemplified by Jehoram Fellowship: The Evil of Fellowship With the Wicked Exemplified by Jehoshaphat Fellowship: The Evil of Fellowship With the Wicked Exemplified by Judas Iscariot Fellowship: The Evil of Fellowship With the Wicked Exemplified by Rehoboam Fellowship: The Evil of Fellowship With the Wicked Exemplified by Solomon Fellowship: The Evil of Fellowship With the Wicked Exemplified by the Israelites Fellowship: Those Who Avoided Fellowship With the Wicked: Church of Ephesus Fellowship: Those Who Avoided Fellowship With the Wicked: David Fellowship: Those Who Avoided Fellowship With the Wicked: Jeremiah Fellowship: Those Who Avoided Fellowship With the Wicked: Joseph of Arimathaea Fellowship: Those Who Avoided Fellowship With the Wicked: Man of God Fellowship: Those Who Avoided Fellowship With the Wicked: Nehemiah Related Terms |