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Name: Joseph Marks
SPECIALIZED STUDY: KEY WORD STUDY TEMPLATE
Instructions:
Conduct a study of the word “fellowship” from 1 Corinthians 1:9 using the techniques of
observation, interpretation, and application. Resources like The Holman Treasury of Key Bible
Words, Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words, or Mounce’s
Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words may be of benefit to you as
you work through this assignment. Access to these or similar word study resources are available
through the Jerry Falwell Library.
Step One: Observation - What could the word mean?
1. Identify: Find the correct Greek word for “fellowship” used in 1 Corinthians 1:9
a. Strong’s Number: G 2842
b. Transliteration: “koinonia” (κοινωνία)
c. Number of times is used in the New Testament: 19
d. English words represented by this Greek word: fellowship, association, community,
communion, joint participation, intercourse.
2. Study: How is the word used in this verse (1 Corinthians 1:9) and the immediate context
of the passage (1 Corinthians 1:4-9)? Summarize how Paul uses this word.
In 1 Corinthians 1:9 and the immediate context of 1 Corinthians 1: 4-9, the word
“fellowship” (Greek koinonia) is used to show joint participation, inclusivity, and
association. According to the Blue Letter Bible, the word fellowship (koinonia) is defined
as “the share which one has in anything, participation, with the genitive of the thing in
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which he shares.”1 Paul uses the word fellowship to indicate a sense of community and
companionship and that we are all beneficiaries of God’s grace and His promises.
3. Study: How does Paul use this word in his other letters? List the verses and summarize
how the word is used. Hint: Paul uses it in 6 of the letters that he writes.
In Romans 15:26, the word fellowship “contribution” is synonymous with the
word share and in this passage, it is used to show the importance and joy associated with
sharing with the poor. “For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a
certain contribution G2842 for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem” (Romans 15:26
King James Version).
In Galatians 2:9 the word fellowship “the right hands of fellowship” is used to
show acceptance. Paul and Barnabas were accepted by James, Cephas, and John to assist
them in their missions. “And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars,
perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right
hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision”
(Galatians 2:9).
In Ephesians 3:9 the word fellowship “what is the fellowship of the mystery” is
used to show the communication of the mystery of the gospel and the privileges all are
entitled to. “And to make all men see what the fellowship of the mystery is, which from
the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ.”
1 “G2842 - Koinōnia - Strong’s Greek Lexicon (NASB95),” Blue Letter Bible, accessed April 30, 2025,
https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g2842/nasb95/tr/0-1/#lexResults.
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(Ephesians 3:9).
In Philippians 1:5, 2:1; 3:10, the word fellowship is used to show “participation
and partnership” in sharing the gospel, in the Spirit, and in Christ's suffering 1:5, “For
you have been my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ from the time you
first heard it until now.” (Philippians 1:5). 2:1, If there be therefore any consolation in
Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies
(Philippians 2:1). 3:10, That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the
fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death (Philippians 3:10).
In Philemon 1:6, the word fellowship is used to show “participation in sharing the
faith” and to acknowledge and experience the good things we have in Christ. “That the
sharing of your faith may become effective by the acknowledgment of every good thing
which is in you in Christ Jesus” (Philemon 1:6).
In Hebrews 13:16 the word fellowship is used to indicate the sharing of one’s
substance to help the needy and in going so God is pleased with the sacrifices. “But do
not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased”
(Hebrews 13:16).
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4. Study: How is this word used in the other books of the New Testament. List the verses
and summarize how the word is used.
In Acts 2:42 the word fellowship is used to show joint participation in teaching, taking
communion, and in prayer. All of these are practices believers should participate in today.
“And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking
of bread, and in prayers” (Acts 2:42).
In 1 John 1:3; and 1:6: 1:7, the word fellowship is used to show communion as walking
and living in the truth of His word, talking to Him following His commandments to not walk in
darkness. 1:3, “That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have
fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.”
1:6, “If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the
truth.” 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 Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.
Step Two: Interpretation - What does the word mean?
1. Are there any usages that can be rejected immediately? If so, why? Be detailed and
specific in your explanation.
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Based on the way fellowship was used in the passages that I examined I don’t feel
that any usages can be rejected immediately. All the usages resonate with my belief of
how the word should be used to show participation, contribution, community, and
agreement with Christ.
2. In light of context, what do you believe this word means? Explain.
Considering the context, the word fellowship means more than I originally thought. I
believe the word “fellowship” means that we are to be connected to Christ, and His people, share
in his mission of spreading the good news, and accept and include others as fellow laborers in the
kingdom of Christ. The scriptures make clear that we are to be about the business of having a
relationship with Christ communing with him, participating with one another in teaching,
suffering, taking Holy communion, praying, helping the needy, and walking in the truth of his
word thus reaping the rewards and benefits of having a relationship with him. A relationship that
leads to salvation and eternal life that only exists through him.
3. Consult secondary sources to verify your understanding of the word “fellowship.” What
do they say and how does that fit with your assessment? Be detailed and specific.
Remember, these sources are your support and should be both scholarly and academic.
Thus, refrain from using free resources like Wikipedia or GotQuestions.org for your
support.
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In consulting secondary sources to verify my understanding of the word “fellowship” the
Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary’s definition aligned with my assessment of defining
fellowship as a “bond of common purpose and devotion that binds Christians to one
another and to Christ.”2 Also like my assessment as noted in the Holman Dictionary
Koinonia was Paul’s favorite word to describe a believer’s relationship with the risen Lord and
the benefits of salvation which come through Him. On the basis of faith, believers have
fellowship with the Son (1 Cor. 1:9). We share fellowship in the gospel (1 Cor. 9:23; Phil. 1:5).3
Similarly, Easton’s Bible Dictionary also aligns with my understanding of the word fellowship
defining it as “fellowship,” With God, consisting in the knowledge of his will (Job 22:21; John
17:3); agreement with his designs (Amos 3:2); mutual affection (Rom. 8:38, 39); enjoyment of
his presence (Ps. 4:6); conformity to his image (1 John 2:6; 1:6); and participation of his felicity
(1 John 1:3, 4; Eph. 3:14–21).4
In summary, these two sources not only verify my understanding of the word fellowship but also
align with my assessment that we are connected to Christ and others, we align with his will
walking in unity, grace, and love with one another until he returns.
2 Bradley Chance, “Fellowship,” in Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary, ed. Chad Brand et al. (Nashville,
TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2003), 564.
3 Ibid, 564.
4 M. G. Easton, Illustrated Bible Dictionary and Treasury of Biblical History, Biography, Geography,
Doctrine, and Literature (New York: Harper & Brothers, 1893), 255.
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Step Three: Application - How do I apply the meaning of the word to my life?
1. How do I apply the meaning of this word to the four relationships of life? Provide three
points of application. Your answer here should begin with one of the items listed under
the various relationships addressed in this chapter 10.
A. Relationship with God:
A fellowship to enjoy.
Explain: Of all of the fellowships there are to share and enjoy the one that I share with
Christ is the most important. Our fellowship with our family, friends, coworkers, even church
members can prove to be inconsistent, one-sided, rocky, unrewarding, and not enjoyable.
However, a fellowship with Christ is consistent, rewarding, everlasting dependable, and
enjoyable because he embodies all these attributes. Although we are created to enjoy fellowship
with others, we sometimes miss the mark. I am grateful for the fellowship, communion,
participation, and association that I have with others but what I am most grateful for is the
fellowship that I enjoy with Christ.
B. Relationship with myself:
A(n) example to follow.
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Explain: I cannot think of a better example of fellowship to follow than the teaching of
Christ that instructs us how we should be in fellowship and interact with one another. I am aware
of how he intended for us to interact with our neighbors, loving them as we love ourselves, and
being kind, generous, and patient, and as Matthew 7:12 says ‘So, in everything, do to others what
you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets” (Matthew 7:12). My
approach to fellowship with be in line with what the scripture and Christ teaches and will be my
guideline and example to follow.
C. Relationship with others:
A(n) error to avoid.
Explain: I have to say sometimes it is hard to walk in “fellowship” with everyone and
sometimes I get angry at people who I feel are not good examples of how to walk in fellowship,
participation, communion, and unity especially if they are leaders. I sometimes allow my anger
to fester because I feel that leaders should be a better example to those who are leading. This
causes me to not want to work with people and forget about the real purpose of why I am
serving. I must realize that everyone has different motives. My anger and passion will not change
how someone else views leadership and true fellowship. I must avoid the error of being angry
and wanting to shut down or quit because of other's attitudes toward fellowship. Even as I was
pondering about this error to avoid God spoke to me this scripture. For the Scripture states, “Be
angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger” (Holy Bible, English Standard
Version, Ephesians 4:26) because God’s mission is about God, what I am doing with what He
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gave me not being angry at others for what I feel they are not doing. This is an error that I must
avoid and not allow others to hinder my walk and my God-given purpose.
D. Relationship with Satan:
A(n) person to resist.
Explain: I tend to try and nurture and be in fellowship with people who have clearly
shown me that they have no intention of participating and agreeing with me. I am very
passionate about the work that I do for Christ. I have found that some people make it about
themselves and there is no sense of community, agreement, unity, or true fellowship. I realize
that Satan can use people sometimes unwittingly to distract and sidetrack us. I pray daily that
God does not allow me to be caught off guard by the actions of those who are not genuine or try
to lay snares for me. I will make it my business to resist those who do not have my best interest
at heart. If it was up to me, I wouldn’t even be in the same room with some people, but I trust
that God will show me how to resist and deal with people in a way that honors him.
2. Identify How You Will Practice What You Have Learned: What will you do this week to
apply these principles to your life? Based on your study of the word “fellowship,” write
five concrete actions or attitudes you can work on this week. These actions or attitudes
need to be specific to this study and should not be so general that they fit with any
number of studies word studies. Avoid generalities like “I will pray more” or “I will
study the Bible for ½ hour every day this week.” These five concrete actions or attitudes
you will work on this week need to have an obvious and stated connection to your study
of the word “fellowship.”
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1. Enjoy my fellowship with Christ: Studying this passage about fellowship
has made me stop and appreciate the fellowship that I have with Christ. I
realize that I may have been taking this awesome privilege for granted. This
study has made me aware of all the ways that God is in fellowship with me he
made me a “joint heir” I can talk to him daily, and he allows me to participate
in his mission of spreading the gospel and share in his glory. Christ Romans
8:17 reminded me. “Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God
and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we
may also share in his glory.” (Romans 8:17) I will make it my business to
enjoy my fellowship with Christ and be thankful that he even allows me that
awesome privilege to live in communion with the Creator of all things.
2. Trust God to show me areas that I need to improve: There may be ways
that I can improve in fellowship. I have found out upon examining the word
that there are several ways in which to fellowship. If I am lacking in any area,
I trust that God will show me where I can improve. My daily prayer is that
God helps me to be what he wants me to be. To walk in love and as the
scripture says in 1 Peter “Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy,
brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind” (1 Peter 3:8).
3. Lead by example: Titus 2:7 says, “In everything set them an example by
doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness” (Titus 2:7).
I have more than 25 years of management experience. So, this has been my
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leadership style where I modeled the behavior that was expected of my team.
Even as a mom, I taught my son to do as I do by being an example of what a
good person is and how to treat others and be in fellowship with them. In
ministry, I pray that God will continue to lead me as I attempt to follow his
example of how to be in fellowship with others in a way that is pleasing to
him.
4. Nurture my fellowship with Christ.
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Bibliography
B&H Editorial Staff, Holman Illustrated Bible Handbook (Holman Bible Publishers, 2012).
Brand, C. O., Draper, C. W., & England, A. W. (2003). Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary.
Holman Bible Publishers.
Dockery, David S. Holman Concise Bible Commentary. Nashville, TN: Holman Bible
Publishers, 2010.
G2842 - Koinōnia - Strong’s greek lexicon (NASB95). Blue Letter Bible. (n.d.).
https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g2842/nasb95/tr/0-1/#lexResults
Instructor’s Feedback:
May 2 at 5:08pm
Hello Joseph!
Wonderful start to the work on this assignment.
Y
You show great and developing skill at a word study through observation and interpretation and
then making relevant and specific application. Good start on the work on "koinonia" and its
occurrences of the 19 times. There are 1 occurrence Acts, 13 occurrences in the Pauline
Letters/Epistles, and 5 times in the General Letters/Epistles in 17 verses.
Y
Great explanation in your Interpretation as it pertains to "koinonia" here in this verse as the
context and the interpretation here. The translation of the word from Greek to English being
fellowship, participation, sharing in, communion, contribution. Good work.
Y
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Be sure to read the announcement that I posted for week 8.
Y
Great footnoting resources you have used. This is always required.
Y
I want to encourage you to keep running after Jesus and pointing to Him.
Y
Praying daily for you.
Y
Blessings!
Y
Professor Wilkins
-.Matthew Wilkins
Grade: 89/100
