Philippians 1:5

The Greek word for it comes from the word used for "partners" in Luke 5:10. James and John were partners with Simon in the fishing business. I believe that in the New Testament fellowship always means a relationship between people, based on Christian unity. Perhaps "joint participation" is one of the best definitions of it. When Lydia welcomed Paul and his companions into her house, she was in joint participation in the Gospel. When Paul was preaching in Thessalonica and the Philippian believers sent him gifts (Phil. 4:16), they were in joint participation in the Gospel, or "fellowship in the Gospel."

Here it is their fellowship with the gospel. Not only as a blessed message they had received themselves, but in its progress, its conflicts, its dangers and its difficulties. It does not have to mean preaching it. It means something as good, or in itself even better — their hearts fully in it and with it. Why should I hesitate to say it? Whatever honour is given to those called to spread the gospel, to have a heart in tune with the gospel is a better portion than any service as such. The Philippians' affections were bound up with the gospel in the simplest and warmest way. They identified themselves with its course from first to last. This was really fellowship with God in the spread of His own good news through the world.

It had always been so, as the apostle lets us learn. It was not a sudden burst of feeling, nor the effect of passing circumstances. It was a calm, settled, warm habit of their souls, and it had marked them out from the first.

Sometimes believers grow tired of sharing in the Gospel. Trouble comes. Bad reports spread. There are heavy demands at home. And the fellowship in the Gospel grows cold. It is usually the poor, like the Philippians, who keep that unbroken fellowship in the Gospel, the kind that never grows tired... But what is so precious is the fellowship that never gives up. It holds on when people speak badly of you and when they speak well; through dark days and bright; through poverty and plenty.

The fellowship of the Philippian saints had been very practical, for Paul was able to write to them, "Now you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only. Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again" (Phil. 4:15-16). They had received the blessings of the Gospel themselves. So the believers at Philippi worked to spread it, helping the Lord's servants in every way.

But gifts are not the only way of showing fellowship in the Gospel: there are countless other ways. Epaphras worked hard in prayer, and so may we. What a cheer an encouraging letter is! Some hold the hats of those preaching in the street. Some help with the singing. Some bring friends to the meetings. Love for the Gospel, and love for the One the Gospel is about, will find ways to share in its work.

Now that fellowship showed not only love for him, but a real work of grace in their souls. It was a work started through Paul and his companions (Acts 16:13), but truly begun by God, who will complete in His goodness what He has begun in His grace.