Koinonia
Sidenote: Sorry about not so many posts lately, been busy, and have been focusing more on in-person approach to things rather than through “technology” haha…
Wikipedia says this about the Greek concept of “Koinonia”:
Koinonia is the anglicisation of a Greek word (κοινωνία) that means communion by intimate participation. The word is used frequently in the New Testament of the Bible to describe the relationship within the early Christian church as well as the act of breaking bread in the manner which Christ prescribed during the Passover meal [John 6:48-69, Matthew 26:26-28, 1 Corinthian 10:16, 1 Corinthians 11:24]. As a result the word is used within the Christian Church to participate, as Paul says, in the Communion of - in this manner it identifies the idealised state of fellowship and community that should exist, this we call - Communion.
1 Saumel 18:1-4
After David had finished talking with Saul, Jonathon became one in spirit with Daivd, and loved him as himself. From that day Saul kept David with him and did not let him return to his father’s house. And Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself. Jonathan took off the robe he was wearing and gave it to David, along with his tunic, and even his sword, his bow and his belt.
Background knowledge: Jonathon is King Saul’s son, the heir to the thrown of Isreal. Jonathon’s father has money, power, and soon he should inherit this fortune.
The relationship built between Jonathon and David is more than the common buddy of today. They are ultimately one. They made a promise to each other to treat each other as he would treat himself. Later on in 1 Samuel 19, King Saul wants David killed and send Jonathon after him. But Jonathon sends them the opposite way. He purposly goes against his father to preserve the koinonia built between David and himself.
Jonathon gives David his sword. Giving someone else your sword meant something. Its not just a gift, it was a part of them. Jonathon also gave this poor “barrio” boy his robe and tunic, something that was probably very noble and expensive.
So Koinonia can be considered fellowship between believers, but more specifically it is the growing between each other. A level of deepness that one is willing to participate. This “status” does not come naturally, it requires a level of vulnerability and effort to establish. I personally am working on this concept. I realize that having this Koinonia with others will allow me to grow closer to Christ and follow his ways because of the accountability and eagerness to grow. It also prevents one from slacking - distancing one’s self from God. By midweek, right before you’re about to give in again to temptation, your buddy reminds you of the plan God has for you, returning you back on your path.
So I end here by making a “Rob Bell closure.” May you come to realize what this word/concept of koinonia is and what benefits it will create in your life by achieveing this closeness because ‘As Iron sharpens Iron, Man sharpens Man’.
April 10th, 2008 at 9:28 pm
yeeeeeessssssss.
i love all ur blogs.
koinonia is an amazing gift from God. so glad we’re given the oppurtunity to experience such intimate fellowship with our brothers and sisters in christ!
April 11th, 2008 at 7:18 pm
Entirely true. Everybody really does have somebody at the same spiritual stage of growth with them, not to mention God is there too. Its a matter of weathor or not a person has opened their eyes to this. I’m thankful for the Koinonia I share with some descrete people, siblings in christ that poke me and say, “Think about it!” I offer my blade to others, but few take me up on the offer. I have not given my blade but to those few, and they have cherished it and I have cherished their presence as well. I only wish others had this bond and could let it grow as Orli wishes to - including myself, for I hate feeling vulnerable. Thank you for posting this Orli!