One koinonia we must not ignore is listed with two other qualities as the highest goal of a Christian’s life. The fellowship of His suffering.

I have never suffered in this way. But when I was in Communist Romania many years ago, I remember the sweetness of the communications, the love, the fellowship, with those who were indeed suffering, and greatly. It was a different world. The aroma of Christ was so delicate and beautiful that it was only with tears that I came back to my own nation, whose church was caught up in a lot of things that had nothing to do with the Kingdom of God. Paul wanted it all. To know Christ! To know His power! To know the joy of togetherness with that Christ when suffering for His Name. Does life have anything better than these three?

Paul makes one other mention of koinonia in Philemon, verse 6. He talks about the koinonia of Philemon’s faith. Paul wants that entity to become effective. Through Philemon’s knowledge. Sounds like he is using the “communication” connotation rather than that which is signified by the English “fellowship.” Sounds like Paul wants him to be telling others, including his escaped servant, about his faith in Jesus, using the knowledge he has been gaining about the ways of Jesus.

It’s a good word, koinonia. It doesn’t mean simply getting together for a meal. That’s not what the early church engaged in. It wasn’t an outing at the local Coliseum for a major sporting event. It wasn’t a hunting or fishing trip, an ice cream social or a gab session. It was a coming together of those who already were “together” by the infused Holy Spirit. They came together in His name. These weren’t social sessions, to gossip about what was going on in the world. To share news events. Or business deals. These were love feasts, not the love of food, as today, but the love of God and each other. These Christians could not stay apart. They were members of a shared interest that compelled them to be together. Indeed how could they stay away from their brothers and sisters, with this fire burning within? There was the anticipation and delight similar to two lovers meeting in a secret place, to share one another’s company. They just had to be together.

Grudgingly showing up for a one-hour meeting of routine observances, then hurrying back to the delight of the world… this is not fellowship. This is work. This is duty. This is surface religion. It does nothing good for anyone.

Brother John sums up koinonia in his first letter, in the very first chapter.

1 John 1:3. …that you may have fellowship with us… the apostles. The leaders. The ones who were here before you got there. You may now fellowship with Christ’s Life in the world, the church. This fellowship is actually connected thereby to the Father of all.

1 John 1:6. …fellowship with Him (God), lived out by walking in the Light of His Word.

1 John 1:7 …fellowship with one another, the rest of the saints of God. You are part of a huge visible and invisible family.

How’s the fellowship at your church? Once a week meetings, at the end of which you hear those sad words, “See you next week” ? An occasional social event, that begins and maybe even ends with a quick prayer? Going over to the brother’s house to watch a great football game? (Muting the commercials of these ungodly events, of course).

Or is it deeper than that? People who are in love with each other and following each other’s needs and problems? Constant prayer and strategizing for the winning of the lost who shall soon be in Hell without your intervention? Real Spirit-filled worship and prayer that brings the Father Himself into every meeting? Frequent, even daily, consideration of the Body and Blood of Jesus via the crackers and juice?