26 Bible Verses about Fellowship

In the nascent days of the Christian Church, in the bustling city of Jerusalem, a radical countercultural movement began. Acts 2:42-47 describes the first believers who, in stark contrast to their individualistic society, "devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers." They met daily, shared all they had, and embraced a fellowship of faith that transcended social norms and personal comforts. This profound interconnectedness changed the course of history.

Fellowship, as painted in this vivid historical portrait, extends beyond casual interactions or shared interests. It requires a commitment to communal living, mutual edification, and most importantly, a shared faith in God. The Bible, throughout its verses, presents this serious and challenging call to fellowship.

In a society that prioritizes individual success and self-interest, the Biblical concept of fellowship offers a countercultural alternative. These verses from the Bible offer insights into fellowship with God, amongst believers, through love and service, and with the Holy Spirit. Each verse is not merely a scriptural reference, but a challenge to practice deeper relationships, to foster unity, and to live out a transformative faith that reflects the radical fellowship of the early Christian church.

Fellowship with God

Exodus 33:11

"The Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend."

Psalm 25:14

"The LORD confides in those who fear him; he makes his covenant known to them."

Matthew 18:20

“For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”

John 17:21

"That they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me."

1 Corinthians 1:9

“God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.”

2 Corinthians 13:14

"The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all."

Philippians 3:10

"That I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,"

1 John 1:3

"That which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ."

1 John 1:6

"If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth."

1 John 1:7

"But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin."

1 John 3:24

"Whoever keeps his commandments abides in God, and God in him. And by this we know that he abides in us, by the Spirit whom he has given us."

Fellowship with Believers

Proverbs 27:17

"Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another."

Matthew 18:20

"For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”

Acts 2:42

"And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers."

Acts 2:44

"And all who believed were together and had all things in common."

Acts 4:32

"Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common."

1 Corinthians 12:12

"For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ."

2 Corinthians 6:14

“Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?”

1 Thessalonians 5:11

"Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing."

Hebrews 10:24-25

“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”

1 Peter 3:8

“Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.”

Fellowship through Love and Service

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

"Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken."

Ephesians 5:11

"Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them."

Galatians 2:9

"And when James and Cephas and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given to me, they gave the right hand of fellowship to Barnabas and me, that we should go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised."

Galatians 6:2

"Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ."

Philippians 2:1

"So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy."

Conclusion

These verses remind us of the pivotal role fellowship plays in the Christian faith, challenging us to foster a vibrant interconnectedness akin to the early believers in Jerusalem. In an age marked by individualism, we're called to live counterculturally, establishing communities defined by shared faith, mutual support, and united pursuit of God's purpose. Let these verses not merely serve as reminders but as catalysts for us to embody this radical fellowship, ultimately mirroring divine love and unity in our daily lives. May we echo the transformative power of the early church, redefining our communities through the lens of radical, biblical fellowship.

A Prayer for Fellowship

Heavenly Father,

We humbly approach Your throne of grace, seeking a deeper fellowship with You and with each other. Guide our hearts, Lord, to yearn for more of Your presence, to seek You in every moment, and to listen intently for Your still, small voice.

Create in us a new heart and spirit that aligns with Your will, loving what You love and hating what You hate. May we not be conformed to the patterns of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of our minds in You.

Help us, God, to foster genuine relationships with our brothers and sisters in Christ. May we be united in our shared faith, bound together by the love of Christ that surpasses all understanding. Encourage us to bear each other's burdens, to share in each other's joys and sorrows, and to edify one another in love.

Teach us, Lord, to embody the fellowship of the early church, a fellowship that extends beyond surface-level interactions and dives into a shared life of faith and love.

Grant us the grace to step out of our comfort zones and to embrace the radical commitment to one another that You call us to. May our lives serve as a testament to Your love and unity, demonstrating the transformative power of Your Gospel through our fellowship with one another.

In Jesus' Name, we pray,

Amen.