The concept of fellowship within the Christian community is central to understanding the teachings of the New Testament. The Apostle Paul, in particular, speaks at length about the importance of unity, mutual support, and inclusion in the body of Christ.
One of the most profound expressions of this fellowship is the “table of fellowship,” which symbolizes not just communion with God but also the relationships believers share with one another. Paul’s letters to the early churches often emphasized the breaking of bread as a symbol of Christian unity.
In this post, we will explore 15 Bible verses related to Paul’s teachings about the table of fellowship, focusing on its deep spiritual significance, the role it plays in the church, and its call for believers to come together in love and unity.
1. 1 Corinthians 10:16-17
“The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ? Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread.”
Explanation: Paul explains that the Lord’s Supper is a profound act of fellowship with Christ and with each other. The bread and the cup are symbols of the body and blood of Christ, and by partaking together, believers are united in Christ’s body. This verse highlights the spiritual unity created through communion at the table of fellowship.
2. Acts 2:42
“And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.”
Explanation: After Pentecost, the early Christians devoted themselves to four key practices: teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer. The breaking of bread symbolizes more than just eating together; it is an act of communion, representing unity in the faith. Paul’s teachings build on this idea of fellowship as a vital part of the Christian life.
3. Galatians 2:9
“And when James and Cephas and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given to me, they gave the right hand of fellowship to Barnabas and me, that we should go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised.”
Explanation: In this verse, Paul speaks about the unity among the apostles and the fellowship they shared. The “right hand of fellowship” was a gesture that recognized the legitimacy of Paul’s ministry. Fellowship in this context means mutual acceptance and support among believers, regardless of background or tradition.
4. 1 Corinthians 11:23-26
“For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, ‘This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.’ In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.’ For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.”
Explanation: This passage records Paul’s teaching on the institution of the Lord’s Supper. It highlights the importance of remembrance and the proclamation of Christ’s sacrifice through the act of communion. For Paul, the table of fellowship is not only an act of communion with Christ but also a way to publicly proclaim the gospel.
5. 1 Corinthians 10:21
“You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons. You cannot partake of the table of the Lord and the table of demons.”
Explanation: Paul warns against participating in both the fellowship of Christ and the fellowship of the world. This verse emphasizes the importance of commitment to Christ and the exclusivity of the table of fellowship, which symbolizes full participation in God’s kingdom and His righteousness.
6. Ephesians 2:19-20
“So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone.”
Explanation: Paul speaks to Gentile believers, reminding them that they are now part of the same household of God. Through Christ, the dividing walls between Jews and Gentiles have been broken down, and all believers are invited to the table of fellowship. This passage underscores the inclusivity and unity that should define the church.
7. Romans 15:7
“Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.”
Explanation: In this verse, Paul encourages believers to welcome one another with the same grace and acceptance that Christ showed to them. This spirit of hospitality and unity is central to the table of fellowship, where all believers—regardless of background—are invited to join together in Christ.
8. 1 John 1:3
“That which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ.”
Explanation: Fellowship with one another is rooted in fellowship with God. John highlights that the proclamation of the gospel creates a bond of fellowship among believers and with God the Father and Jesus. The table of fellowship, therefore, is not only about horizontal relationships but also about the vertical relationship we share with God.
9. 1 Corinthians 1:9
“God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.”
Explanation: Here, Paul emphasizes that believers are called into fellowship with Jesus Christ. This invitation to fellowship is foundational to the Christian faith and is realized in part through the act of communion, which symbolizes our union with Christ and with one another.
10. Philippians 2:1-2
“So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.”
Explanation: Paul calls the Philippians to unity, love, and harmony, all essential aspects of the fellowship Christians share in Christ. A unified heart and mind are necessary for genuine fellowship, which is expressed in actions like the breaking of bread and sharing in Christ’s love.
11. Colossians 3:15
“And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.”
Explanation: The peace of Christ, which is central to the Christian faith, is to rule in believers’ hearts, fostering unity. As members of one body, believers are called to live in harmony, which is a key part of the fellowship that the table represents.
12. Acts 20:7
“On the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul talked with them, intending to depart on the next day, and he prolonged his speech until midnight.”
Explanation: This verse demonstrates the early church’s practice of gathering on the first day of the week (Sunday) to break bread together. Paul’s teachings during this time emphasize the significance of fellowship, as it was an opportunity for believers to come together for worship, teaching, and communion.
13. Galatians 2:11-14
“But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned. For before certain men came from James, he was eating with the Gentiles; but when they came he drew back and separated himself, fearing the circumcision party. And the rest of the Jews acted hypocritically along with him, so that even Barnabas was led astray by their hypocrisy.”
Explanation: Paul rebukes Peter for withdrawing from Gentile believers, showing that fellowship at the table should not be divided by cultural or ethnic differences. Paul’s confrontation emphasizes that the table of fellowship must be a place of inclusivity, reflecting the unity of the body of Christ.
14. Hebrews 10:24-25
“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”
Explanation: Paul (or the author of Hebrews) encourages believers to gather regularly, not neglecting fellowship, and to encourage one another. The table of fellowship is a place for mutual support and encouragement, where Christians can strengthen each other in their faith.
15. 2 Corinthians 13:14
“The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.”
Explanation: This final verse encapsulates the essence of Christian fellowship: the grace of Jesus, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit. All three persons of the Trinity are involved in the unity believers share, and this fellowship is reflected in the communal acts of worship, such as the breaking of bread.
Conclusion
The Bible emphasizes the importance of fellowship in the Christian life, with Paul’s teachings offering deep insights into the spiritual significance of the table of fellowship. Whether through the Lord’s Supper, the breaking of bread, or the mutual support of believers, fellowship represents the unity and peace found in Christ.
As Paul teaches, fellowship is not just about sharing a meal but about being united in faith, love, and purpose.
Reflecting on these verses, consider how the table of fellowship has shaped your relationship with other believers and with Christ. How do you experience the unity and grace that come from participating in God’s kingdom together?
Share your thoughts and favorite verses in the comments below—we’d love to hear from you!