Fellowship Needs to Be a Priority

Commentary

We begin with the words, “Now therefore you are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens” (v. 19). Fellowship is enjoyed by those who belong to God’s family and live in His presence. Today, God no longer dwells in tem-ples made by hands but in the hearts of His people. The early Christians de-voted themselves to fellowship, making it a spiritual priority, both their joy and responsibility.

Biblical fellowship is two-dimensional. It must be vertical before it can be horizontal. We must first have a relationship with the Father through His Son, Jesus Christ, before we can enjoy fellowship with one another. Paul says, “You are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the chief Cornerstone” (vv. 20–21). In Him, and in fellowship with each other, we are being built into a spiritual house where God’s Spirit dwells (v. 22).

Fellowship is about relationship. It means sharing life together through our faith in Christ. Fellowship is first a relationship, not just an activity or event. Every activity should flow naturally from our relationship with God and His people.

Fellowship is about togetherness. Paul reminds us that we are members of God’s family, being built together for His glory. That requires time, patience, and care—both giving and receiving. We must serve others and allow them to serve us.

Fellowship is about companionship. True companionship involves communication, intimacy, and sharing. God designed us to depend on Him and one another. Real fellowship is not isolation but community, a bond strengthened by love and kept through His Spirit.

Application

Do I make fellowship with God and hospitality to His people a real priority? It is easy to stay busy or distant and forget that I need others and they need me to grow. How can I strengthen my connection with a local group of believers today? I want to take time to listen, share, pray, and build unity as part of God’s family in Christ.