Acts 2:42 provides a snapshot of the early Christians who were living in Jerusalem after the resurrection. Here it is: “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.”

Let’s focus on the word “fellowship.” What does it really mean?

The Louw-Nida lexicon defines it like this: “an association involving close mutual relations and involvement.” That “association” is based on our common commitment to Jesus. As a result there are “close mutual relations” (between people) and “involvement” (not only with one another but with the ongoing message and mission of Jesus).

Let’s be honest. Sometimes this happens, and sometimes it doesn’t. When people are active and involved they tend to make meaningful connections. When they aren’t, they don’t. 

Steve Dabbs says: “People grow better together.”* I like it not only because it rhymes, but because it works on a variety of levels.

Together we encourage one another, pray for one another, and help one another. Sometimes you are the one who is blessed, and other times you are the one who does the blessing.

But there’s more. True fellowship involves accountability. It’s easy to stray. It’s easy to get involved with things which will actually bring more darkness into our lives. Satan loves secrets. And sin thrives in secret. With deepening fellowship, we become increasingly honest about where we’re at, what we need to confess, and the help we need in order to grow.

Some people in a congregation will experience this, some won’t. Some people make connections easily and are happy to share. Others find relationships difficult and, for whatever reason, are tentative about opening up. People are different, have different challenges, and I acknowledge that. 

But the point is to see the growing richness and possibility of fellowship. Church isn’t just about believing; it’s about belonging. 

Together we seek devotion to Jesus and to his way of life; that’s the direction we’re headed as a community. There is encouragement, prayer, help, disagreement, laughter, tears, blessing, accountability and growth.

“People grow better together.”

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Notes and extra content:

–*Steve says this in our podcast called “How do demons gain access to people?” Find it on ‘The Pulse Podcast with Matthew Ruttan’ or by clicking here.

–The Up Devotional is published 5 days a week (Monday-Friday) and returns on November 25, 2024.

–Bible quotes are from the NIV.