01/22/2014 KOINONIA – DAY BY DAY
Acts 2:44-47 And all who believed were together and had all things in common; and they sold their possessions and goods and distributed them to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they partook of food with glad and generous hearts, praising GOD and having favor with all the people. And the LORD added to their number day by day those who were being saved. [Revised Standard translation]
SUMMARY
"Koinonia" is a transliteration of the Greek word "κοινωνία." A transliteration involves the conversion of letters from one writing system to another. For example, a transliteration may involve changing Greek letters into Latin letters or Latin letters into letters in the English alphabet. "Koinonia" means communion, joint participation or a gift jointly contributed. Koinonia expresses the unity and spirit of fellowship that the early church experienced as a body "in CHRIST." As a result of the HOLY SPIRIT, it was as if this group of believers were of "one mind," "one heart" and "one spirit." They were generous (without contention), giving (without envy or division) and joyful (happy to help each other out).
The SPIRIT of Koinonia was infectious. It was as if everyone was "in love" at the same time. As a result of this joyful, giving, worshipping group spirit, the LORD, because HE WAS THE CENTER OF THEIR JOY, added to their number day by day. It was a wonderful time to be a Christian! It did not matter that the church was being persecuted from outside. That Rome was still politically in charge. Or, that many considered Christianity a "rogue" religion. These Christian believers had an "other worldly" joy---a JESUS joy for each other that overflowed into all of their daily interactions.