The definition of the New Testament Greek word Koinonia is; A close association and participation centered around common interests, spending time together, and sharing resources.
In the many different English versions of the New Testament, the word Koinonia has been translated in different ways as seen in the following versions. Lexham English Bible (LEB), New American Standard Bible (NASB), New International Version (NIV), King James Version (KJV), English Standard Version (ESV), and New Living Testament (NLT).
Koinonia is translated, fellowship in the LEB, NASB, NIV, ESV, KJV. Partnership in the NLT. Participation in the NASB and sharing in the NIV and NLT. In the ESV it is translated as taking part and in the LEB, NASB, NIV, KJV, ESV versions contribution. Finally offering in the NLT. If you noticed there were various different uses for Koinonia in the same version of the New Testament, such as in the NIV version, which is in bold letters in the previous examples.
The Greek word Koinonia in the New Testament is not used in the Gospels. In Acts Koinonia is only used once. However, in the apostle Paul’s letters, Koinonia is used thirteen times. In the General Letters five times and in Revelation Koinonia is not used.
In the New Testament, Koinonia often describes the association of those within the Christian community based on their mutual faith. Acts 2:42 NIV, They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. In Acts 2:42, Luke recounts that the early church was devoted to Koinonia. This was practiced along with a dedication to the apostle’s teaching, the breaking of bread, and prayer, indicating that the act of gathering in community was an element of their worship.
According to 1 John, Christian Koinonia was impossible unless it was grounded in apostolic witness 1 John 1:1 NIV, That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched — this we proclaim concerning the Word of life. 1 John 1:3 NIV, 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.
For Paul, Koinonia emphasized the spiritual fellowship believers had with God and with Jesus. 1 Corinthians 1:9 NIV, God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful. Also with the Holy Spirit. 2 Corinthians 13:14 NIV, May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
It was a relationship based on the forgiveness of sins. The right hand of Koinonia extended to Paul and Barnabas by James, Cephas, and John was an acknowledgment of this sacred relationship which they shared. Galatians 2:9 NIV, James, Peter and John, those reputed to be pillars, gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship when they recognized the grace given to me.
Thus the central focus in these verses is on the interpersonal relationships—a mutual sharing of the Christians in the communion of the Father, Son and Spirit.
Paul expressed the “sharing” connotation of Koinonia when he stated his desire was to know the power of Christ’s resurrection and the Koinonia of His sufferings Philippians 3:10 NIV, “I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,”. Likely Paul wanted to know Christ, who experienced suffering, death and resurrection, because in knowing Christ, Paul “participates” or “shares in” Christ’s suffering, death and resurrection to a new life. Similarly, when Paul discusses that Christians, taking part in the Lord’s Supper, experience Koinonia or sharing in the body and blood of Christ, 1 Corinthians 10:16 NIV, Is not the cup of thanksgiving for which we give thanks a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ? He has in mind a participation that involves enjoying the benefits made possible through His death and resurrection.
The term can also express people involved in a common endeavor. Thus, Paul used it to designate the church at Philippi as partners with him in the gospel. Philippians 1:3-5 NIV, “3 I thank my God every time I remember you. 4 In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now,”. Indeed, Koinonia has the connotation of being together, but it also means participating together in the work of Christ.
In 2 Corinthians 8:4, another sense of Koinonia is demonstrated. Here Paul praises the Macedonians for their Koinonia, their actual “sharing” in the relief of the saints. The giving of material support was a sign of a deeper bond. The author of Hebrews reflects this meaning when he exhorts his readers to practice Koinonia —acts of generosity that demonstrate Christian unity and love. 2 Corinthians 8:4 NIV, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints. Hebrews 13:16 NIV, And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.
Finally, Romans 15:26 NIV, For Macedonia and Achaia were pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the saints in Jerusalem. This verse illustrates the sense of Koinonia, which means that which is readily shared—the tangible material gift of support provided by the churches of Macedonia and Achaia for the needy saints. Paul desired that the churches regard their resources as being held in common with and for their brothers and sisters in Christ.
The sharing of tangible resources powerfully illustrates the loving provision of God taught by Jesus in Luke 6:38 NIV, Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”.
Faithlife Study Bible – DAVID SEAL
