The Fellowship Sacrifice, also known as the Peace Offering, is a significant aspect of the sacrificial system outlined in the Old Testament, particularly within the Levitical laws. This offering is distinct from other sacrifices such as the burnt offering or sin offering, as it emphasizes communal participation and thanksgiving to God.

Biblical Foundation

The primary instructions for the Fellowship Sacrifice are found in the book of Leviticus. Leviticus 3 provides detailed regulations on how the offering is to be made, specifying that it can be from the herd or flock, either male or female, but must be without blemish. The offering is characterized by the presentation of fat and certain organs to the Lord, which are burned on the altar as a pleasing aroma to God. Leviticus 3:1-5 states: "If one's offering is a fellowship sacrifice, and he offers an animal from the herd, whether male or female, he must present it without blemish before the LORD. He is to lay his hand on the head of his offering and slaughter it at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting. Then Aaron's sons the priests shall sprinkle the blood on all sides of the altar."

Purpose and Significance

The Fellowship Sacrifice serves multiple purposes. It is an expression of gratitude and thanksgiving to God, acknowledging His provision and blessings. It also symbolizes peace and reconciliation between the offerer and God, as well as among the community of believers. The shared meal that often accompanies the sacrifice underscores the communal aspect of worship and fellowship with God.

Leviticus 7:11-15 further elaborates on the nature of the offering: "Now this is the law of the fellowship sacrifice that one may present to the LORD: If he offers it in thanksgiving, then along with the sacrifice of thanksgiving he is to offer unleavened cakes mixed with oil, unleavened wafers coated with oil, and well-kneaded cakes of fine flour mixed with oil. Along with his peace offering of thanksgiving, he is to present an offering with cakes of leavened bread. From the cakes he must present one portion as a contribution to the LORD; it belongs to the priest who sprinkles the blood of the peace offering. The meat of the sacrifice of his peace offering of thanksgiving must be eaten on the day he offers it; none of it may be left until morning."

Theological Implications

The Fellowship Sacrifice highlights the importance of holiness and purity in approaching God, as the offering must be without blemish. It also reflects the covenant relationship between God and His people, where peace and fellowship are central themes. The act of sharing the sacrificial meal signifies unity and harmony within the community, as well as with God.

New Testament Fulfillment

In the New Testament, the concept of peace and fellowship with God is fulfilled through Jesus Christ. Ephesians 2:14-16 states, "For He Himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has torn down the dividing wall of hostility by abolishing in His flesh the law of commandments and decrees. He did this to create in Himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace, and reconciling both of them to God in one body through the cross, by which He extinguished their hostility." Christ's sacrifice on the cross is the ultimate peace offering, reconciling humanity to God and establishing eternal fellowship with Him.

Practical Application

For contemporary believers, the principles underlying the Fellowship Sacrifice encourage a life of gratitude, community, and reconciliation. Christians are called to live in peace with one another and to offer their lives as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God (Romans 12:1). The communal aspect of the Fellowship Sacrifice is mirrored in the practice of the Lord's Supper, where believers gather to remember Christ's sacrifice and celebrate their unity in Him.