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.
THE KOINONIA EXPERIENCE
What is wonderful about these verses is that they provide helpful information about what the Koinonia experience is as well as what it is not.
WHAT KOINONIA IS NOT:
- IT IS NOT A NUMBER - If someone were to ask: "Exactly how many days did it take to experience "Koinonia?" or "How many people had to be in the group before "Koinonia" occurred?" The best answer would probably be that "Koinonia" is not a number." Some of the members of the group, like Peter, were "older" disciple of Christ while others were "brand new," some only "one day old." Sometimes there was "Koinonia" in small settings, as when they met in small groups in each others' homes for meals and Communion. Sometimes larger groups experienced "Koinonia" when they worshipped together in the temple. So, Koinonia was not about a specific number.
- IT IS NOT A SELF-DESTRUCTIVE, OTHER-DESTRUCTIVE OR BLAME-CENTERED PROCESS
Peter, a man who we know had many "short-comings," and who denied Christ three times could have easily "exempted himself" from the Koinonia experience if he had focused on what he had done in the past, focused on his past fears or how disappointed he had been about himself. Similarly, in the atmosphere of persecution, so soon after the crucifixion of CHRIST, many believers could have easily chosen to spend their time blaming one another for "what happened," "blaming themselves," or complaining about the organizations and institutions around them. But the book of Acts describes a community that did not focus on the past. Instead, the Koinonia community was intent on the well-being of others and learning more about GOD. They enjoyed one another. They were "glad," "joyful," [Living Bible translation] and "generous at heart." - IT IS NOT EGO-CENTRIC– This was not a "me first" group of believers. They did not put a lock on their hearts, their minds or their resources to keep others out. The Koinonia fellowship of believers joined with other believers. There were teaching sessions. They met together regularly. They shared with each other and were open to other people joining the group. And, GOD "added to their number." No one needed to "do it alone." No one was left out. Koinonia fellowship and worship in the Temple was like night and day. The temple leaders, the Pharisee, whose name came from the Hebrew word "parash," which means to "separate," would have never eaten mingled with "common people." The Pharisee washed their hands frequently, had special plates and eating ceremonies and only allowed a chosen few to ever enter their homes. The Pharisee wanted people to look up to them. They did not want to mingle with the people. They wanted to judge, not serve. They had little or no love for the people. Koinonia was definitely not "the same" old religion.
WHAT KOINONIA IS:
1. KOINONIA IS GOD-CENTERED --
a. There was scripture study.
b. There was Communion.
c. There was worship.
d. There was prayer.
e. There was fellowship
2. KOINONIA IS A LIFESTYLE –
a. DAY BY DAY – According to Luke, day by day, the people devoted themselves to a
code of conduct (i.e. the apostles' doctrine, fellowship, breaking of bread -- See
Acts 2:42), which included studying the WORD of GOD, communion with each
other, fellowship with each other, praying for one another, loving GOD and loving
others as JESUS had taught.
b. Each person worked to make Koinonia a joyful, generous, thankful, growthful
and loving experience.
PHYSICAL HEALTH
Like Koinonia, achieving physical health is not a number. It is not a specific number on a scale, a suit size, a dress size or a specific age. Becoming healthy is not a matter of doing "X" number of push-up, "Y" number of trips around the block or "Z" number of stretches or raw meal preparations. No one can get a "health" certificate from a doctor or a trainer that will declare them "healthy forever." It just doesn't work that way. Like Koinonia, good physical health and good nutrition are a "lifestyle."
Fitness guru, Jack LaLanne, encouraged people to eat healthy, exercise every day and stay active, as he did. He put it this way:
"It's a lifestyle, it's something you do the rest of your life." "How long are you going to keep breathing? How long do you keep eating? You just do it."
"Fitness Guru Kept Verve To The End," "Jack LeLanne 1914-2011;" Contra Costa Times Newspaper, Monday, January 24, 2011. At age 96, Jack Lelanne's daily workout routine consisted of two hours of weightlifting and an hour in a swimming pool. For him good health and good nutrition were just a lifetime habit.
Scientists and psychologists who have performed research on how long it takes an activity to become a habit state that there is no magic number. How long before something becomes a habit just depends on the person. In general, habits depend on a number of variables--- how often a pattern of behavior is repeated, the complexity of the activity, the background of the individual, etc. Each individual is unique.
Some who have written about "habits" and "motivation" point out the importance of connecting with others. One writer has suggested that it is important to provide "feedback loops" to help motivate habit forming activities. "Feedback loops" include such things as:
- Meeting or talking with a friend (who preferably has the same goal);
- Joining a group that promotes your goal (e.g. a gym, "Eat Raw of Wednesday Group," an exercise activity group (e.g. Zumba, yoga, pump classes, spin classes, Pilates classes, etc.)
- Writing your goals down and keeping track of your progress with others; or
- Meeting with a professional (e.g. a doctor, a trainer, a nutritionist or a coach).
"How Feedback Loops Maintain Self-Motivation," See, www.LucReid.com.
EXPERIENCING KOINONIA TODAY
Like our physical walk, our spiritual walk WITH GOD is also not a number. It is not about being in the church for any specific number days or years. Nor is it about how one person measures up against others; but rather, it is about how great we are at caring for "the least" of those around us in need. Our Christian service, our walk with GOD, fellowship is "daily"---on and off the job, day by day by day. Every day is an opportunity to experience Koinonia.
So, while you are creating some physical habits, create some spiritual habits too! Pray for others. Pray for strangers--for commuters on trains or buses, passengers in cars, teachers, students, children or other people you pass on the street. Pray for co-workers or people going to work. Pray for those confined in facilities (e.g., hospitals, jails, prisons, mental institutions, nursing homes). Pray for those at home and abroad. Pray for fun filled, joyful, loving churches and Christians. Pray and root for everyone's success as a body in CHRST! We are all in this together.
Today, create the habit of joyfulness and peaceful communion!
Experience Koinonia every day and, BE BLESSED!
