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Fellow -- “sun”
//4862
[sun]
- a primary preposition denoting union;
TDNT - 7:766,1102; prep / 1) with
The writers of the New
Testament used a wide variety of words to describe the
“body relationship” which was to characterize “the
church, which is His Body,” as well as the local church
which is a localized manifestation of that body.
One
very important preposition which was used in combination
with a number of other terms is
[sun].
This
preposition simply means “with” or “union with.”
This preposition combined
with other terms is used to denote the proper
relationship which should exist between individual
believers, believers in a local church context, and
local churches. Each level should be a manifestation of
the body of Christ both on a local and on a global
level.
It must also be noted at
this point that the basis of this unity must be true
doctrine and biblical practice.
The following list is a
brief summary of some of the terms which use a
combination of the preposition [sun] with another word
to describe the “body” relationship of the church.
Each of these terms will
be examined in greater detail and specific usage in the
New Testament will be examined to assist the reader to
determine how the writer intended this term to be
understood.
fellowheirs //4789
[sugklhronovmoV]
fellowcitizens //4847
[sumpolivthV]
fellowlaborer //4904
[sunergovV]
fellowprisoner //4869
[sunaicmavlwtoV]
fellowservant //4889
[suvndouloV]
fellowsoldier //4961
[sustratiwvthV]
laborer {with} //4866
[sunaqlevw]
Joined
together //4883
[sunarmologevw]
built together //4925
[sunoikodomevw]
knit together //4822
[sumbibavzw
]
ligaments //4886
[suvndesmoV]
yokefellow //4805
[suvnzugoV]
partner //2844 [koinwnovV]
//4789
[sugklhronovmoV]
-- from 4862 and 2818; TDNT - 3:767 & 7:787,442 & 1102;
n m /
1) a fellow heir, a joint
heir, 2) one who obtains something assigned to himself
with others, a joint participant
The emphasis of this term
in Rom. 8:17 and Eph. 3:6 is the new relationship that a
person partakes of when he/she becomes a child of God.
This new relationship is a
part of the mystery that was revealed to Paul.
Rom.
8:14-17 (NKJV) For as many as are led by the Spirit of
God, these are sons of God. 15 For you did not receive
the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received
the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, "Abba,
Father." 16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our
spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children,
then heirs--heirs of God and
joint
heirs
with Christ, if indeed we suffer with [Him], that we may
also be glorified together.
Eph.
3:3-7 (NKJV) how that by revelation He made known to me
the mystery (as I have briefly written already, 4 by
which, when you read, you may understand my knowledge in
the mystery of Christ), 5 which in other ages was not
made known to the sons of men, as it has now been
revealed by the Spirit to His holy apostles and
prophets: 6 that the Gentiles should be
fellow
heirs,
of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ
through the gospel, 7 of which I became a minister
according to the gift of the grace of God given to me by
the effective working of His power.
Heb.
11:8-9 (NKJV) By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called
to go out to the place which he would receive as an
inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was
going. 9 By faith he dwelt in the land of promise as
[in] a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and
Jacob, the
heirs
with
him of the same promise;
The writer of Hebrews uses
this term to describe the relationship of sharing of the
covenant promises by Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
1 Pet.
3:7 (NKJV) Husbands, likewise, dwell with [them] with
understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the
weaker vessel, and as [being]
heirs
together
of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be
hindered.
Peter uses this term to
describe the intimate relationship which exists between
a husband and wife. A relationship where two have
become one.
It is evident from these
passages that the emphasis of this term is the intimate
relationship which should exist between believers in the
body of Christ, [on a global scale] as a result of their
intimate relationship with God.
//4847
[sumpolivthV]
-- from 4862 and 4177;; n m / 1) possessing the same
citizenship with others, a fellow citizen
Eph.
2:19 (NKJV) Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers
and foreigners, but
fellow
citizens
with the saints and members of the household of God,
This term emphasizes the
relationship which new Gentile believers had with the
body of Christ. The old divisions were gone and now
believers enjoyed the new intimate relationship with
one another.
//4904
[sunergovV]
-- from a presumed compound of 4862 and the base of
2041; TDNT - 7:871,1116; adj. / a companion in work,
fellow worker
The majority of times this
term is used it is Paul describing his relationship with
various people who have participated with him the
ministry.
They are those men and
women who have labored “with” him in a personal manner.
Question:
Are we ministering “with” believers on a global scale as
fellowlaborers?
Rom.
16:3 (NKJV) Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my
fellow
workers
in Christ Jesus,
Rom.
16:9 (NKJV) Greet Urbanus, our
fellow
worker
in Christ, and Stachys, my beloved.
Rom.
16:21 (NKJV) Timothy, my
fellow
worker,
and Lucius, Jason, and Sosipater, my countrymen, greet
you.
1 Cor.
3:9 (NKJV) For we are God's
fellow
workers;
you are God's field, [you] [are] God's building.
2 Cor.
1:24 (NKJV) Not that we have dominion over your faith,
but are
fellow
workers
for your joy; for by faith you stand.
2 Cor.
8:23 (NKJV) If [anyone] [inquires] about Titus, [he]
[is] my partner and
fellow
worker
concerning you. Or if our brethren [are] [inquired]
[about], [they] [are] messengers of the churches, the
glory of Christ.
Phil.
2:25 (NKJV) Yet I considered it necessary to send to you
Epaphroditus, my brother,
fellow
worker,
and fellow soldier, but your messenger and the one who
ministered to my need;
Phil.
4:3 (NKJV) And I urge you also, true companion, help
these women who labored with me in the gospel, with
Clement also, and the rest of my
fellow
workers,
whose names [are] in the Book of Life.
Col.
4:11 (NKJV) and Jesus who is called Justus. These [are]
[my] only
fellow
workers
for the kingdom of God who are of the circumcision; they
have proved to be a comfort to me.
1
Thess. 3:2 (NKJV) and sent Timothy, our brother and
minister of God, and our
fellow
laborer
in the gospel of Christ, to establish you and encourage
you concerning your faith,
Philemon 1:1 (NKJV) Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus,
and Timothy [our] brother, To Philemon our beloved
[friend] and
fellow
laborer,
Philemon 1:24 (NKJV) [as] [do] Mark, Aristarchus, Demas,
Luke,
my
fellow laborers.
3 John
1:8 (NKJV) We therefore ought to receive such, that we
may become
fellow
workers
for the truth.
//4869 [sunaicmavlwtoV]
-- from 4862 and 164; TDNT - 1:195,31; n m / 1) a fellow
prisoner
The combination of
“prisoner” and “with” portray a very intimate
relationship which was shared by Paul and those he
mentions. It is not sure if Paul was referring to an
attitude of complete subservience to God or to a literal
imprisonment, but the relationship described is clearly
very personal.
Question:
Are we sharing in the imprisonment and suffering “with”
believers on a global scale on a personal level?
Col. 4:10 (NKJV) Aristarchus my
fellow
prisoner
greets you, with Mark the cousin of Barnabas (about whom
you received instructions: if he comes to you, welcome
him),
Philemon 1:23 (NKJV)
Epaphras, my
fellow
prisoner
in Christ Jesus, greets you,
//4889
[suvndouloV]
-- from 4862 and 1401; TDNT - 2:261,182; n m / 1) a
fellow servant, one who serves the same master with
another
This combination of terms
again protrays a very personal relationship between two
slaves who serve the same master.
This word helps all
believers to keep in perspective that they are all only
slaves of an omniopent God and they do not have any
place for boasting in their own accomplishments and
possessions.
Col.
1:7 (NKJV) as you also learned from Epaphras, our dear
fellow
servant,
who is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf,
Col.
4:7 (NKJV) Tychicus, a beloved brother, faithful
minister, and
fellow
servant
in the Lord, will tell you all the news about me.
Rev.
6:11 (NKJV) Then a white robe was given to each of them;
and it was said to them that they should rest a little
while longer, until both [the] [number] [of] their
fellow
servants
and their brethren, who would be killed as they [were],
was completed.
Rev.
19:10 (NKJV) And I fell at his feet to worship him. But
he said to me, "See [that] [you] [do] not [do] [that]! I
am your
fellow
servant,
and of your brethren who have the testimony of Jesus.
Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of
prophecy."
Rev.
22:9 (NKJV) Then he said to me, "See [that] [you] [do]
not [do] [that]. For I am your
fellow
servant,
and of your brethren the prophets, and of those who keep
the words of this book. Worship God."
//4961
[sustratiwvthV]
-- from 4862 and 4757; TDNT - 7:701,1091; n m / 1) a
fellow soldier, 2) an associate in labours and conflicts
for the cause of Christ
All believers are engaged
in the same battle against the same enemy and the
sharing of resources and manpower is simply a matter of
good battle tactics.
Question:
Do we in the United States call on believers from other
countries to assist us with material and human resources
for the battle?
Phil.
2:25 (NKJV) Yet I considered it necessary to send to you
Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker, and
fellow
soldier,
but your messenger and the one who ministered to my
need;
Philemon 1:2 (NKJV) to the beloved Apphia, Archippus our
fellow
soldier,
and to the church in your house:
//4866
[sunaqlevw]
-- from 4862 and 118; TDNT - 1:167,25; v / 1) to strive
at the same time with another
The Christian life
requires a great commitment and dedication. All
believers are called on to “labor together with” other
believers in the battle.
This laboring together
with can only take place when there is a personal
relationship developed whereby there is a sharing of
joys and struggles.
Phil.
1:27 (NKJV) Only let your conduct be worthy of the
gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or
am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand
fast in one spirit, with one mind
striving together
for the faith of the gospel,
Phil.
4:3 (NKJV) And I urge you also, true companion, help
these women who
labored with me
in the gospel, with Clement also, and the rest of my
fellow workers, whose names [are] in the Book of Life.
//4883
[sunarmologevw]
-- from 4862 and a derivative of a compound of 719 and
3004 (in its original sense of laying); TDNT -
7:855,1114; v / 1) to join closely together, 2) to frame
together, 2a) parts of a building, 2b) the members of
the body
Paul uses a number of
terms in Ephesians to describe the interconectedness of
the human body as an image of how the body of Christ is
to have the same intimate relationship.
Each member of the body
supports the other members and has a vital role to play
in the functioning of the body.
Eph.
2:19-22 (NKJV) Now, therefore, you are no longer
strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the
saints and members of the household of God, 20 having
been built on the foundation of the apostles and
prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief
corner[stone], 21 in whom the whole building,
being
joined together,
grows into a holy temple in the Lord, 22 in whom you
also are being built together for a dwelling place of
God in the Spirit.
Eph.
4:15-16 (NKJV) but, speaking the truth in love, may grow
up in all things into Him who is the head--Christ-- 16
from whom the whole body,
joined
and knit together by what every joint supplies,
according to the effective working by which every part
does its share, causes growth of the body for the
edifying of itself in love.
//4925
[sunoikodomevw]
-- from 4862 and 3618; TDNT - 5:148,674; v / 1) to build
together or with others, 1b) to put together or
construct by building, out of several things to build up
one whole, 1b1) of the human body
The church is a whole
built from many members. Each member has a
responsibility to minister to the body and to support
the body in the way God has designed for that member.
Eph.
2:22 (NKJV) in whom you also are
being
built together
for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.
//4822
[sumbibavzw
] -- from 4862 and bibazo (to force,
causative [by reduplication] of the base of 939); TDNT -
7:763,1101; v / 1) to cause to coalesce, to join
together, put together,
This is another term which
illustrates the intimate relationship which should exist
between individual members of the body of Christ.
This relationship is the
source of vitality and life for the church.
Maybe one reason the
church in America is facing such struggles is that it is
not being nourished by the body global.
Eph. 4:15-16 (NKJV) but, speaking the
truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is
the head--Christ-- 16 from whom the whole body, joined
and
knit
together
by what every joint supplies, according to the effective
working by which every part does its share, causes
growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.
Col. 2:1-2 (NKJV) For I want you to know
what a great conflict I have for you and those in
Laodicea, and [for] as many as have not seen my face in
the flesh, 2 that their hearts may be encouraged, being
knit
together
in love, and [attaining] to all riches of the full
assurance of understanding, to the knowledge of the
mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ,
Col. 2:19 (NKJV) and not holding fast to
the Head, from whom all the body, nourished and
knit
together
by joints and ligaments, grows with the increase [that]
[is] from God.
//4886
[suvndesmoV]
-- from 4862 and 1199; TDNT - 7:856,1114; n m / 1) that
which binds together, a band, bond, 1a) of ligaments by
which the members of the human body are united together,
Every member of the body
of Christ is as bound together as is each member of our
human body. Every member has a relationship with every
other member and all members suffer when one member
suffers.
Eph.
4:3 (NKJV) endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit
in the
bond
of peace.
Col. 2:19 (NKJV) and not holding fast to
the Head, from whom all the body, nourished and knit
together by joints and ligaments, grows with the
increase [that] [is] from God.
Col.
3:14 (NKJV) But above all these things put on love,
which is the
bond
of perfection.
“yokefellow”
//4805
[suvnzugoV]
-- from
4801;
TDNT - 7:748,1099; adj. / 1) yoked together; 1a) of
those united by the bond of marriage, relationship,
office, labor, study, business, or the like; 1b) of a
yoke fellow, consort, comrade, colleague, partner
The “yokefellow”
relationship described by this term gives the imagry of
two believers or two groups yoked together to accomplish
a specific goal or work.
This relationship is the
heart of the “partnering” relationship which must exist
between local churches on a global scale.
Phil
4:3 (NKJV) And I urge you also, true
companion,
help these women who labored with me in the gospel, with
Clement also, and the rest of my fellow workers, whose
names [are] in the Book of Life.
[source for “yokefellow]
//4801
[sunzeuvgnumi]
--
from 4862 and the base of 2201;; v / 1)
to fasten to one yoke, yoke together, 2) to join
together unite, 2a) of the marriage tie
Matt.
19:6 (NKJV) "So then, they are no longer two but one
flesh. Therefore what God
has
joined together,
let not man separate."
//2844
[koinwnovV]
-- from
2839;
TDNT - 3:797,447; n m / 1) a partner, associate,
comrade, companion 2) a partner, sharer, in anything
The last term in this
study comes from a different family of words from which
we get the biblical teaching concerning fellowship and
communion.
The emphasis of these
words is the common bond all believers share with
one-another.
2 Cor. 8:23 (NKJV) If [anyone] [inquires]
about Titus, [he] [is] my
partner
and fellow worker concerning you. Or if our brethren
[are] [inquired] [about], [they] [are] messengers of the
churches, the glory of Christ.
Philemon 1:17 (NKJV) If then you count me
as a
partner,
receive him as [you] [would] me.
1 Pet.
5:1 (NKJV) The elders who are among you I exhort, I who
am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of
Christ, and also a
partaker
of the glory that will be revealed:
[source for partner]
//2839
[koinovV]
-- probably from 4862; TDNT - 3:789,447; adj / 1)
common, 2) common i.e. ordinary, belonging to generality
, 2a) by the Jews, unhallowed, profane, Levitically
unclean
Question:
Do you have this type of relationship with the body of
Christ on a global scale?
Question:
Does your church have this type of relationship with
local churches on a global scale? |
