Topical Encyclopedia
In the biblical context, the concept of partnership is often associated with collaboration, mutual support, and shared purpose. The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings that highlight the importance and value of partnerships, both in spiritual and practical aspects of life.
Old Testament Examples1.
Moses and Aaron: One of the earliest examples of partnership in the Bible is the relationship between Moses and Aaron. God appointed Aaron to be Moses' spokesperson, as Moses felt inadequate in speech (
Exodus 4:14-16). This partnership was crucial in leading the Israelites out of Egypt and through the wilderness.
2.
David and Jonathan: The friendship between David and Jonathan is a profound example of a covenant partnership based on mutual respect and loyalty. Despite Jonathan being the son of King Saul, who sought David's life, Jonathan and David formed a bond that transcended familial and political tensions (
1 Samuel 18:1-4).
New Testament Examples1.
Jesus and His Disciples: Jesus' relationship with His disciples is a model of spiritual partnership. He called them to follow Him, learn from Him, and eventually carry on His mission (
Matthew 4:19). This partnership was foundational for the establishment of the early Church.
2.
Paul and Barnabas: In the early Church, Paul and Barnabas were partners in missionary work. They were set apart by the Holy Spirit for the work of spreading the Gospel (
Acts 13:2). Their partnership was instrumental in the growth of the early Christian communities, despite later disagreements (
Acts 15:36-39).
Theological Insights1.
Fellowship and Unity: The New Testament emphasizes the importance of fellowship and unity among believers. In
1 Corinthians 1:9, Paul writes, "God, who has called you into fellowship with His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful." This fellowship extends to relationships among believers, encouraging them to work together for the common good (
Philippians 1:5).
2.
Spiritual Gifts and the Body of Christ: The Apostle Paul uses the metaphor of the body to describe the Church, highlighting the interdependence of its members (
1 Corinthians 12:12-27). Each believer is given spiritual gifts to serve and build up the body, illustrating the necessity of partnership in fulfilling God's purposes.
3.
Partnership in Suffering and Joy: The Bible also speaks of sharing in both suffering and joy as part of Christian partnership. In
Philippians 1:7, Paul expresses gratitude for the Philippians' partnership in his trials, stating, "It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, because I have you in my heart; for in my chains and in my defense and confirmation of the gospel, you are all partners in grace with me."
Practical Applications1.
Marriage: Marriage is a covenant partnership designed by God.
Genesis 2:24 states, "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh." This partnership is meant to reflect the unity and love between Christ and the Church (
Ephesians 5:31-32).
2.
Business and Work: The Bible also addresses partnerships in business and work.
Proverbs 27:17 states, "As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another," emphasizing the value of collaboration and mutual improvement in various endeavors.
3.
Community and Service: Believers are called to partner in serving others and advancing the Kingdom of God.
Hebrews 10:24-25 encourages believers to "spur one another on toward love and good deeds," highlighting the importance of community and collective action.
In summary, the biblical concept of partnership encompasses a wide range of relationships and collaborations, all aimed at fulfilling God's purposes and reflecting His character through unity, love, and mutual support.
Greek
3352. metoche -- sharing... Cognate: 3352 -- a close relation between
partners, ie people sharing something
held in common (used only in 2 Cor 6:14); joint-activity. See 3353 ().
...2644. katallasso -- to reconcile
... 2644 ("decisively changed, reconciled") is applied to marriagepartners (1 Cor
7:11), but usually in the redemptive sense of a sinner reconciling to the Lord....
4859. sumphonos -- calling out together, ie agreeing
... identify " and 5456 , "voice," which is the root of the English term, "") - properly,
be of (voice the same opinion); between marriage-partners to temporarily...
2844. koinonos -- a sharer
... Word Origin from koinos Definition a sharer NASB Word Usage partaker (1), partakers
(1), partner (2),partners (2), sharers (4). companion, partaker, partner....
3353. metochos -- sharing in
... Word Origin from metecho Definition sharing in NASB Word Usage companions
(1), partakers (4),partners (1). fellow, partaker, partner....
Library
When Jonathan and hisPartners had Received this Letter...
... Section 46. When Jonathan and hispartners had received this letter? 46.
When Jonathan and hispartners had received this letter...
Arguments Drawn Even from Heathenish Laws to Discountenance...
... Discountenance Marriage with Unbelievers. The Happiness of Union BetweenPartners
in the Faith Enlarged on in Conclusion. Let us further...
When I had Written Thus, and Given the Letter to be Carried by The...
... But when Jonathan and hispartners had failed in this their first attempt, they
sent me another letter, the contents whereof were as follows: "Jonathan, and...
Jesus Calls Four Fishermen to Follow Him.
... and their nets were breaking [that is, the nets began to snap when they tried to
lift them out of the water] ; 7 and they beckoned unto theirpartners in the...
B. The Second Period. Chs. 5:1 to 6:11
... the nets.6 And when they had done this, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes;
and their nets were breaking; 7 and they beckoned unto theirpartners in the...
The Best Partnership.
... Money The Best Partnership. Give money goodpartners, and there is no
end to what it can do. Let prayer and sacrifice and money...
The Recall of the Fishermen.
... And when they had done this, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes; and their
nets were breaking; and they beckoned unto theirpartners in the other boat...
And Therefore There was no Need that There Should Everywhere Exist...
... Christ, anointed them also with the "oil of gladness." But inasmuch as He loved
righteousness and hated iniquity above those who were Hispartners, [4677] He...
How the Temple was Built While the Cutheans Endeavored in Vain to...
... and to Jeshua, and to the heads of the families, and desired that they would give
them leave to build the temple with them, and to bepartners with them in...
Letter cxxvii. To Principia.
... While they mourn for the husbands they have lost they rejoice at their own deliverance
and freedom to choose freshpartners"not, as God wills, to obey these...
Thesaurus
Partners (9 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Partners (9 Occurrences).
... (See NAS). Luke 5:7 They beckoned
to their
partners in the other boat, that they should come and help them.
...Partnership (4 Occurrences)
... a family or a state. 2. (n.) A division or sharing amongpartners; joint
possession or interest. 3. (n.) An alliance or association...
Partner (8 Occurrences)
Zabdi (17 Occurrences)
... we make of you." (WEY). Luke 5:10 and so were Simon'spartners James and
John, the sons of Zabdi.) (WEY). John 21:2 Simon Peter was...
Zebedee (11 Occurrences)
... Luke 5:10 and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who werepartners
with Simon. Jesus said to Simon, "Don't be afraid....
Zeb'edee (11 Occurrences)
... Luke 5:10 and in like manner also James and John, sons of Zebedee, who werepartners
with Simon; and Jesus said unto Simon, 'Fear not, henceforth thou shalt be...
Fellowship (114 Occurrences)
... 6. (n.) The rule for dividing profit and loss amongpartners; -- called
also partnership, company, and distributive proportion....
Tribulations (11 Occurrences)
... Hebrews 10:33 partly both with reproaches and tribulations being made spectacles,
and partly having becomepartners of those so living, (YLT NAS)....
Polygamy
... is attempt- "To steal the livery of the court of heaven To serve the Devil in."
Polygamy is a general term and might mean a multiplicity ofpartners in the...
Promiscuous (2 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (a.) Having sexual relations frequently and lacking
standards in the choice ofpartners. 2. (a.) Distributed...
Resources
What should I look for in an accountability partner? | GotQuestions.orgHow can married Christians avoid emotional affairs? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is a covenant marriage? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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