Definition

Noun: 1. Christian fellowship or communion: A deep spiritual communion and shared participation, either between believers and God or among members of a Christian community. It emphasizes a close, spiritual bond and mutual sharing. 2. The early Christian community: Specifically refers to the communal life, sharing, and unity practiced by the first Christians as described in the New Testament.

Usage

Koinonia is a formal, theological term. It is primarily used in religious and academic contexts to describe a profound, spiritual connection. - It functions as a singular, uncountable noun. - It is often used with verbs like have, experience, foster, and share.

Examples

• The small group prayed for a deeper koinonia with God and with one another.
• The book of Acts describes the koinonia of the early church, where believers shared all things in common.
• Their weekly meetings were more than just social gatherings; they were times of genuine koinonia.

Advanced Usage

• "Koinonia in the Gospel": Refers to a partnership or shared participation in the work and message of the Christian faith.
  • Their financial support was an expression of their koinonia in the Gospel.
• "Table fellowship/koinonia": Highlights communion expressed through sharing a meal together, often in a religious context.
  • The Eucharist is a sacred meal of table fellowship.

Variants and Related Words

• Communion (n): A close relationship with deep sharing; also a synonym for , especially in religious contexts.
• Fellowship (n): Friendly association, especially among people sharing common interests. is a deeper, more spiritually charged form of fellowship.
• Community (n): A group of people living in the same place or having a particular characteristic in common. describes the qualitative nature of a spiritual community.

Synonyms

• Communion
• Fellowship
• Partnership (in a spiritual sense)
• Shared life

Related Phrases

• Break bread together: To share a meal, often implying fellowship and unity.
  • The early Christians made a point to break bread together regularly.
• One in spirit: To be united in thought, purpose, or feeling.
  • Despite their differences, the congregation sought to be one in spirit.

Noun

1. Christian fellowship or communion with God or with fellow Christians; said in particular of the early Christian community