Topical Encyclopedia
In the context of the Bible, the concept of colleagues can be understood through the relationships and partnerships that are formed for the purpose of advancing God's work. The Bible provides numerous examples of individuals working together in ministry, supporting one another, and sharing in the labor of the Gospel.
Old Testament ExamplesWhile the term "colleagues" is not explicitly used in the Old Testament, the idea of working together is evident. Moses and Aaron serve as a prime example of colleagues in ministry. God appointed Aaron to assist Moses in leading the Israelites out of Egypt (
Exodus 4:14-16). Their partnership was crucial in confronting Pharaoh and guiding the people through the wilderness.
Another example is found in the relationship between David and Jonathan. Although not colleagues in the traditional sense of working on a shared task, their friendship and mutual support exemplify the strength found in godly partnerships (
1 Samuel 18:1-4).
New Testament ExamplesThe New Testament provides clearer examples of colleagues in ministry, particularly in the early church. Jesus Himself sent out the disciples in pairs, emphasizing the importance of working together (
Mark 6:7). This model of partnership continued in the early church.
Paul's letters frequently mention his colleagues in ministry. In
Romans 16, Paul greets numerous individuals who have worked alongside him, such as Priscilla and Aquila, whom he describes as "fellow workers in Christ Jesus" (
Romans 16:3). This highlights the collaborative nature of early Christian ministry.
In
Philippians 4:3, Paul refers to his "true companion" and other "fellow workers" who have labored with him in the Gospel. This demonstrates the communal effort required in spreading the message of Christ.
Theological ImplicationsThe concept of colleagues in the Bible underscores the importance of community and cooperation in fulfilling God's purposes.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 states, "Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor. For if one falls, the other will lift up his companion." This passage highlights the practical benefits of working together, as well as the spiritual support that colleagues can provide.
The New Testament further emphasizes the diversity of gifts within the body of Christ, as seen in
1 Corinthians 12. Each member has a unique role, and together they form a cohesive unit that can effectively carry out God's work.
Practical ApplicationFor believers today, the biblical model of colleagues encourages collaboration in ministry and service. Whether in church leadership, mission work, or everyday acts of service, Christians are called to support one another and work together for the advancement of the Kingdom. This involves recognizing and valuing the diverse gifts and contributions of each individual, fostering an environment of mutual respect and encouragement.
In summary, the Bible presents a rich tapestry of relationships that illustrate the importance of colleagues in the work of God. From the Old Testament partnerships to the New Testament collaborations, the theme of working together for a common purpose is a vital aspect of biblical teaching.
Strong's Hebrew
3674. kenath -- associate, colleague... 3673, 3674. kenath. 3675 . associate, colleague. Transliteration: kenath
Phonetic Spelling: (ken-awth') Short Definition:
colleagues.
...3675. kenath -- an associate
... 3674, 3675. kenath. 3676 . an associate. Transliteration: kenath Phonetic
Spelling: (ken-awth') Short Definition:colleagues. Word...
Library
To his Honored and BelovedColleagues
... TO HIS HONORED AND BELOVEDCOLLEAGUES. IN THE UNION THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY,. Rev.
WILLIAM ADAMS, DD, LL.D.,. Rev. HENRY B. SMITH, DD, LL.D.,. Rev....
Epistle Lii. To Fortunatus and his OtherColleagues, Concerning...
... Epistle LII. To Fortunatus and His OtherColleagues, Concerning Those Who
Had Been Overcome by Tortures. Argument."Cyprian Being...
Next hisColleagues Proceed to Deliver their Several Opinions. ...
... Chapter 4. " 6. Next hiscolleagues proceed to deliver their several opinions.?
"6. Next hiscolleagues proceed to deliver their several opinions....
Now Jonathan and hisColleagues, Having Failed of Accomplishing...
... Section 53. Now Jonathan and hiscolleagues, having failed of accomplishing
what they would have done? 53. Now Jonathan and his...
Geminius of Furni Said: "Certain of OurColleagues May Prefer...
... Book VII. Chapter 23. " 44. Geminius of Furni said: "Certain of our
colleagues may prefer heretics to themselves? "44. Geminius...
When I had Said This, Jonathan and hisColleagues Held their Peace...
... Section 58. When I had said this, Jonathan and hiscolleagues held their
peace? 58. When I had said this, Jonathan and hiscolleagues...
Of the Persecution Raised by hisColleagues.
... The Life of the blessed emperor constantine, by eusebius pamphilus. Book
I. Chapter XV."Of the Persecution raised by hisColleagues....
Epistle Xli. To Cornelius, About Cyprian's Approval of his...
... Excuses Himself for Not Having Without Hesitation Believed in the Ordination of
Cornelius, Until He Received the Letters of HisColleagues Caldonius And...
Epistle Xliv. To Cornelius, Concerning Polycarp the Adrumetine.
... But when several of ourcolleagues who had assembled into one place had determined
that, while our co-bishops Caldonius and Fortunatus were sent as ambassadors...
Let us Therefore, Seeing that we Adhere to the Example of Cyprian....
... What says Cyprian? "Ye have heard," he says, "most belovedcolleagues, what Jubaianus
our fellow-bishop has written to me, consulting my mo5....
Thesaurus
Colleagues (8 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Colleagues (8 Occurrences). Ezra 4:7 In the days
of Artaxerxes wrote Bishlam, Mithredath, Tabeel, and the
...Collateral (11 Occurrences)
Collect (24 Occurrences)
Nicodemus (5 Occurrences)
... To this faint-hearted faith corresponded his timidity of action, which displayed
itself in his coming "by night," lest he should offend hiscolleagues in the...
Judaeus
... fellow-citizens of his faith. The mission failed, Philo, with his two
colleagues, meeting rebuff, even insult. It was little likely...
Musician (112 Occurrences)
... to have been hereditary. Heman and Asaph were his twocolleagues (2 Chronicles
35:15). Noah Webster's Dictionary. (n.) One skilled...
Philo
... fellow-citizens of his faith. The mission failed, Philo, with his two
colleagues, meeting rebuff, even insult. It was little likely...
Clerk (1 Occurrence)
... Their social position was thus one of eminence, and a Greek scribe would have been
much amazed at the deference shown to hiscolleagues in Asia and at the...
Town (861 Occurrences)
... Their social position was thus one of eminence, and a Greek scribe would have been
much amazed at the deference shown to hiscolleagues in Asia and at the...
Resources
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