Topical Encyclopedia
In biblical terms, the concept of "fellows" often refers to companions, associates, or those who share a common purpose or bond. The term is used in various contexts throughout the Scriptures, highlighting the importance of fellowship and unity among believers and within the community of faith.
Old Testament UsageIn the Old Testament, the Hebrew word often translated as "fellow" is "רֵעַ" (rea), which can mean friend, companion, or neighbor. This term underscores the relational aspect of human interactions as ordained by God. For instance, in
Zechariah 13:7, the prophet speaks of a close relationship between the shepherd and his fellow: "Awake, O sword, against My shepherd, against the man who is My companion," declares the LORD of Hosts. "Strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered, and I will turn My hand against the little ones."
The concept of fellowship is also evident in the communal life of Israel, where the people were called to live in harmony and support one another.
Leviticus 19:18 commands, "Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against any of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD."
New Testament UsageIn the New Testament, the Greek word "μέτοχος" (metochos) is sometimes used to denote a fellow or partner, particularly in the context of sharing in Christ's mission and sufferings.
Hebrews 1:9, quoting
Psalm 45:7, refers to Christ's companions: "You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, Your God, has anointed You above Your companions with the oil of joy."
The early church exemplified the ideal of fellowship among believers, as seen in
Acts 2:42: "They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer." This passage highlights the communal aspect of the Christian life, where believers are called to support and encourage one another in faith.
Theological SignificanceTheologically, the concept of fellows or fellowship is deeply rooted in the nature of God as a relational being. The Trinity itself is a perfect example of fellowship, with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit existing in eternal communion. Believers are invited into this divine fellowship through faith in Jesus Christ, as expressed in 1
John 1:3: "We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son, Jesus Christ."
Fellowship among believers is not merely social but is a spiritual bond that reflects the unity and love of the Godhead. It is through this fellowship that the church is strengthened and equipped to fulfill its mission in the world.
Practical ImplicationsIn practical terms, being a fellow or part of a fellowship involves mutual support, accountability, and encouragement. Believers are called to bear one another's burdens (
Galatians 6:2) and to spur one another on toward love and good deeds (
Hebrews 10:24). This communal aspect of the Christian life is essential for spiritual growth and perseverance in faith.
The biblical concept of fellows extends beyond mere friendship to encompass a shared commitment to living out the teachings of Christ and advancing His kingdom on earth. As such, fellowship is both a privilege and a responsibility for every believer, reflecting the love and unity that God desires for His people.
Strong's Hebrew
251. ach -- a brother... 1), companions (1), countryman (10), countryman's (2), countrymen (10), fellow
(2), fellow countryman (3), fellow countrymen (2),
fellows (1), kinsman (3
...2270. chaber -- united, associate, companion
... Word Origin from chabar Definition united, associate, companion NASB Word Usage
companion (3), companions (7),fellows (1), united (1)....
1121. ben -- son
... 5), colt (1), colts (1), common (2), descendants (14), descendants of the son (1),
deserves (2), exiles* (5), father* (1), fellow* (3),fellows (2), fertile* (1...
376. ish -- man
... every (1), every man (38), every man's (7), every one (8), everyone (16), everyone*
(3), expert (1), farming* (1), father* (1), fellow (3),fellows (2), friend...
Library
The University of Arabia.
... He had three relationships, to God, hisfellows, and himself.... Utter dependence by
every man upon God would make perfect harmony with hisfellows....
Thomas and Jesus
... a corner by himself, and so to exaggerate all his idiosyncrasies, to distort the
proportion of truth, to hug his despair, by separating himself from hisfellows...
The Seven Sleepers
... that they should be fetched, and then Malchus, which was their servant and ministered
to them meat and drink, returned in great dread to hisfellows, and told...
Are You Willing to be a Servant?
... It is the very heart of that new relationship which the disciple is to take up to
God and to hisfellows if he is to know fellowship with Christ and any degree...
So Then the Father is Lord and the Son is Lord...
... is for ever and ever: thou hast loved righteousness and hated unrighteousness:
[180] therefore God hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thyfellows...
Our Drawing Power.
... village. Man is attractive to hisfellows.... Everywhere men acknowledge the
attractiveness that theirfellows have for them. Every...
Acts of Sharbil, who was a Priest of Idols, and was Converted to...
... the Record office, [3154] all the gods having been brought together, and decorated,
and sitting in honour, both Nebu and Bel together with theirfellows....
Appendix
... 3. And We do hereby ordain, grant and declare that the number of Professors,Fellows
or Student Tutors and Students, shall be indefinite and that the said...
Of the Things Pertaining to Christ and the Church, Said Either...
... Thou hast loved righteousness, and hast hated iniquity: therefore God, Thy God,
hath anointed Thee with the oil of exultation above Thyfellows....
God's Requirements and God's Gift
... In a very deep sense no man renders to hisfellows all that hisfellows have
a right to expect of him, who does not render to them mercy....
Thesaurus
Fellows (30 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Fellows (30 Occurrences).
... It is like unto children sitting
in the markets, and calling unto their
fellows, (KJV ASV WBS).
...Fellow (166 Occurrences)
... above thyfellows"; of habhrah (Ecclesiastes 4:10 Daniel 7:20); of rea`, "companion,"
"friend," "another" (Exodus 2:13 Judges 7:13, 14, 22); re`ah (or ra`yah...
Worthless (103 Occurrences)
... 9:4 And they gave him seventy pieces of silver out of the house of Ba'al-be'rith
with which Abim'elech hired worthless and recklessfellows, who followed him....
Base (127 Occurrences)
... 1:28): "base things of the world." (g) (agoraios): "belonging to the market-place,"
loafers, worthless characters (Acts 17:5): "certain lewdfellows of the...
Tob (5 Occurrences)
... escaped from his brethren after his father's death (Judges 11:3), and perfected
himself in the art of war, making forays with "the vainfellows" who joined him...
Adventurers (2 Occurrences)
... Judges 9:4 They gave him seventy pieces of silver out of the house of Baal Berith,
with which Abimelech hired vain and lightfellows, who followed him....
Scoundrels (2 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 21:10 Set two men, basefellows, before him, and let them testify against
him, saying,'You cursed God and the king!' Then carry him out, and stone him...
Lewd (37 Occurrences)
... Acts 17:5 But the Jews which believed not, moved with envy, took unto them certain
lewdfellows of the baser sort, and gathered a company, and set all the city...
Associates (26 Occurrences)
... horn which came up, and before which three fell, even that horn that had eyes, and
a mouth that spoke great things, whose look was more stout than itsfellows....
Vain (141 Occurrences)
... Judges 9:4 They gave him seventy pieces of silver out of the house of Baal Berith,
with which Abimelech hired vain and lightfellows, who followed him....
Resources
Why are there contradictory accounts regarding the death of Saul in 1 and 2 Samuel? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is a yokefellow in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about self-hatred? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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