Tag: Gospel

Above All

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Ephesians 1:21-23 Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: And has put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, Which is his body, the fulness of him that fills all in all. 

‘This world, but also in that which is to come.’ This is the 3rd New Testament prophecy in Ephesians (1:21). This age and the ones to come (2:7; Matt. 12:31-32; Rev. 20:1-22:5). This age refers to the period between the first and second comings (Matt. 24:14, 29-31; Rev. 19:11-21). The age to come refers to the Millennium following the second coming (1:10; Rev. 19:11-20:15; Zech. 14:1-21; Dan. 2:44-45; 7:13-27).

‘Head over all things to the church’ – The headship of Christ: All principality (1:21; Col. 2:10); all power (1:21; Col. 2:10); all might (1:21); dominion (1:21; Col. 1:16-18); every name (1:21; Php. 2:9; Heb. 1:4); this world (1:21); the world to come (1:21); all things (1:22; Heb_2:8-9); the Christian congregation (1:22-23; 4:15; 5:23-31; Col. 1:18, 24; 2:19); every person (1Cor. 11:3); of the corner (Matt. 21:42; Luke 20:17; Acts 4:11; 1Pet. 2:7); the people (Isa. 55:4); overall (Rom. 9:5; Col. 3:11); His own house (Heb. 3:6).

‘Which is his body’ Christian congregations and the body of Christ are the same (1:22-23; Col. 1:18, 24).

‘The fulness of him that fills all in all.’ The many members make the head complete, make up the body of Christ (1Cor. 12:12-13, 27), and He in turn fills all with His fullness (1:23; 3:16-21; John 1:16).

The Exceeding Greatness of His Power

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Ephesians 1:19-20 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places

‘To us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power.’ Again, and again the apostle emphasizes the doctrine of power for believers, not unbelievers (3:16-21; 6:10-18; 1Cor. 1:7; 4:18-20; 12:1-11).

‘Wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places.’ Six things that God did for Christ: He raised Him from the dead (1:20; John 21:14; 1Cor. 15:1-23). He exalted Him at His own right hand (1:20; Ps. 110:1, 5; Matt. 26:64; Mark 16:19; Acts 2:33-34; 7:55-56; Rom. 8:34; Php. 2:9-11; Col. 3:1; Heb. 1:3, 13; 10:12; 12:2; 1Pet. 3:22). He gave Him authority over all powers, good and evil, under Himself (1:21; 3:10; 6:12; Rom. 8:38; Php. 2:9-11; Col. 1:15-18; 2:10-17; 1Pet. 3:22; Rev. 1:1, 7, 18; 11:15; 19:11 – 20:10). He gave Him a name above every name except God the Father (1:21; 1Cor. 11:3; Php. 2:9-11; Heb. 1:4). He put all things under His feet (1:22; Col. 1:16-18; 2:10-17; Heb. 2:5-18; 1Cor. 15:24-28). He gave Him headship of the Christian congregations (1:22; Col. 1:18, 24; 2Cor. 11:3).

The Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation

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Ephesians 1:17-18 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints

‘That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him.’ Twelve things that Paul prayed for the Ephesians: The spirit of wisdom (1:17). The spirit of revelation (1:17). Full enlightenment of truth (1:18). The hope of His calling (1:18; cp. 3:16). The riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints (1: 7; 18). The exceeding greatness of His power to those who believe (1:19; 3:19-20). Spiritual power in the inner man (3:16). Indwelling Christ (3:16; Luke 22:3). To be rooted in love (3:17). Spiritual understanding (3:18). To know the love of Christ (3:19). To be filled with all the fullness of God (3:19).

‘God of our Lord Jesus Christ’ – He is the God of Jesus Christ as well as His Father (1:17; John 3:16; 20:17; 1Cor. 11:3), proving two separate Persons, not one (1Jn. 5:7).

‘The Father of glory’ – The author and giver of glory to all saints.

‘Spirit of wisdom and revelation’ – They already had the Spirit of sonship – the earnest of the Holy Spirit (1:13-14). Now he prays that they might receive the fullness of the Spirit of which they had only a measure (3:16-21; John 3:34).

‘Eyes of your understanding being enlightened’ – The faculty of receiving knowledge – the spirit of man (1Cor. 2:11). What the eye is to the body, the spirit is to the inner man. Some manuscripts read, “the eyes of your heart.” It is through these eyes that we get to know: The hope of His calling (1:18). The riches of the glory (1:18). The greatness of His power (1:19).

We Have Obtained

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Ephesians 1:11-13 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who works all things after the counsel of his own will: That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. In whom you also trusted, after that you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that you believed, you were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise

‘Also we have obtained an inheritance’ – We also have obtained an inheritance along with all the other blessings of Ephesians 1:3-9. We now possess it in Christ by promise but it will not be ours in reality until the end of life of sowing to the Spirit (1:14, 18; 5:5; Matt. 5:5; 19:29; 25:34; 1Cor. 6:9-10; 15:50; Gal. 5:21; Col. 1:12; 3:24; Heb. 6:12; 9:15; 1Pet. 1:4; Rev. 21:7). We only get the earnest or first fruit of it now by the Spirit (1:13-14).

‘The purpose’ This purpose is stated in Ephesians 1:3-5, 12; 2:7, 10; 3:6, 10-11.

‘All things after the counsel of his own will.’ While all things are working, God’s providence is working on behalf of those who love God and who walk obediently according to His purpose.

‘We should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.’ Paul refers here to the early Christians who were the first to put our hope in Christ. ‘Mystery of his will’ – This mystery is that the Gentiles should be partakers of Christ with the Jews without circumcision and observance of the Mosaic rites and ceremonies (3:1-6).

‘Also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation.’ You also trusted in Christ when you heard the gospel (1:12-13).

‘After … believed’ Greek: having believed, or on believing, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit which was promised. All blessings, even the Spirit baptism, come through redemption and atonement (Gal. 3:13-14). How could God give to fallen, rebellious men on any other basis? This confirms beyond doubt the fact of healing in the atonement as well as all the other phases of redemption from the fall. If all results of the curse are removed by the atonement, then this certainly includes healing of sickness, which is one of the major effects of the fall. In this connection, there are specific scriptures that state that by His stripes we were and are healed (Isa. 53:4-5; Matt. 8:17; 1Pet. 2:24). Thus, healing of the body is mentioned in particular as a blessing from the sufferings of Christ. Being wounded for our transgressions and striped for our healing are stated in the same verses (Isa. 53:5; 1Pet. 2:24).

‘Sealed with that holy Spirit of promise’ – Sealed: For security (Matt. 27:66; Rev. 20:3); to hide, as the contents of a letter (Rev. 10:4; 22:10; cp. Deut. 32:34); to confirm or approve by testimony (John 3:33; 6:27; Rom. 15:28); to confirm ownership (1:13; 4:30; 2Cor. 1:22; Rev. 7:3-8). The Holy Spirit of adoption is given to everyone who repents (1:13; 4:30; Rom. 8:9, 14-16; 2Cor. 1:22) and he who has this Spirit has God’s seal that he belongs to the heavenly family.

In the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ

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Galatians 6:14-18 But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availed any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature. And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God. From henceforth let no man trouble me: for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus. Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen. To the Galatians written from Rome. 

‘God forbid that I should glory.’ The last occurrence of this phrase. Glorification must always be unto God, never to oneself.

‘Save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.’ Others may glory in circumcision, rituals, and a great show of converts to an easy religion, but I will glory only in the cross of Jesus Christ. Those former things are empty, worthless and crucified to them by the cross. Nothing avails anything, but a new creation in Christ (6:15; 2Cor. 5:17-18; Eph. 2:10; 4:23-24; Col. 3:10).

‘Rule’ [Greek: kanon] canon, rule of Christianity. This rule is that redemption is through Jesus Christ apart from circumcision, sabbath-keeping, and all the law of Moses (1:6-8; 2:15-21; 3:13-14, 19-29; 4:1-10; 5:1-7, 11; 6:12-15).

‘And upon the Israel of God.’ This Israel of God is made up of the true Jews who accept this rule along with the Gentiles (Rom. 2:29; 9:6).

‘Marks’ [Greek: stigma] Slaves were branded. So, Paul, as a slave, bore the marks of his slave service. They gloried in their circumcision mark (6:12-13), but Paul said he will glory in his marks of suffering for Jesus Christ (2Cor. 11:23-28).

The Works of the Flesh Part 1

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Galatians 5:19-21 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. 

‘Works of the flesh are manifest, which are these …’ There are seventeen works of the flesh noted here: Adultery. [Greek: moicheia] unlawful sexual relations between men and women, single or married (5:19; Matt. 15:19; Mark 7:21; John 8:3). Fornication. [Greek: porneia] same as adultery above besides all manner of other unlawful relations (Matt. 5:32). Uncleanness. [Greek: akatharsia] whatever is opposite of purity; including sodomy, homosexuality, lesbianism, pederasty, bestiality, and all other forms of sexual perversion (5:19; Matt. 23:27; Rom. 1:21-32; 6:19; 2Cor. 12:21; Eph. 4:19; 5:3; Col. 3:5; 1Thess. 2:3; 4:7; 2Pet. 2:1-22). Lasciviousness. [Greek: aselgeia] licentiousness, lustfulness, unchastity, and lewdness. Translated “lasciviousness” (5:19; Mark 7:22; 2Cor. 12:21; Eph. 4:19; 1Pet. 4:3; Jude 1:4); “wantonness” (Rom. 13:13; 2Pet. 2:18); and “filthy” (2Pet. 2:7). Lasciviousness is the promoting or partaking of that which tends to produce lewd emotions, anything tending to foster sex sin and lust. That is why many worldly pleasures have to be avoided by Christians – so that lasciviousness may not be committed. Idolatry. [Greek: eidololatreia] image-worship (5:20; 1Cor. 10:14; Col. 3:5; 1Pet. 4:3). Idolatry includes anything on which affections are passionately set; extravagant admiration of the heart (Eph. 5:5; Col. 3:5). Witchcraft. [Greek: pharmakeia] sorcery, the practice of dealing with evil spirits; magical incantations and casting spells and charms upon one through drugs, medications and potions of various kinds (5:20; Rev. 9:21; 18:23; cp. Rev. 21:8; 22:15.). Enchantments were used to inflict evil, pains, hatred, sufferings, and death, or to bring good, health, love and other blessings. Hatred. [Greek: echthra] enmity (Luke 23:12; Rom. 8:7; Eph. 2:15-16; Jas. 4:4); hatred (5:20). Bitter dislike, abhorrence, malice and ill will against anyone; tendency to hold grudges against or be angry at someone. Variance. [Greek: eris] Dissensions, discord, quarrelling, debating; and disputes. Emulations. [Greek: zeloi] envies, jealousies; striving to excel at the expense of another; seeking to surpass and outdo others; uncurbed rivalry spirit in religion, business, society, and other fields of endeavour. Translated “zeal” (John 2:17; Rom. 10:2; 2Cor. 7:11; 9:2; Php. 3:6; Col. 4:13); “fervent mind” (2Cor. 7:7); “envy” (Acts 13:45; Rom. 13:13; 1Cor. 3:3; 2Cor. 12:20; Jas. 3:14-15); “jealousy” (2Cor. 11:2); “indignation” (Acts 5:17; Heb. 10:27); and “emulation” (5:20). Wrath. [Greek: thumos] “wrath” (5:20; Luke 4:28; Acts 19:28; 2Cor. 12:20; Eph. 4:31; Col. 3:8; Heb. 11:27; Rev. 12:12; 14:8, 10, 19; 15:1, 7; 16:1; 18:3); “indignation” (Rom. 2:8); and “fierceness” (Rev. 16:19; 19:15). Turbulent passions; domestic and civil turmoil; rage; determined and lasting anger. Strife. [Greek: eritheia] “strife” (5:20; 2Cor. 12:20; Php. 2:3; Jas. 3:14, 16); “contention” (Php. 1:16; Rom. 2:8). Disputations; jangling; strife about words; angry contentions; contest for superiority or advantage; strenuous endeavour to equal or payback in kind the wrongs done to one.

Travail in Birth Again Part 2

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Galatians 4:19-20 My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you, I desire to be present with you now, and to change my voice; for I stand in doubt of you. 

There are fifteen proofs that people can be born again more than once from the following Biblical facts: [1] All people had eternal life in Adam until he sinned. If he had not sinned, all people would have lived forever (Gen. 2:17; Rom. 5:12-21). The new birth of John 3:1-8 is a rebirth or a restoration to original life by the cancellation of the death penalty (Isa. 59:2; Matt. 1:21; John 3:16; Eph. 2:1-9). If this can thus happen once, it can happen again and again if necessary. [2] The gospel teaches forgiveness more than once – even 490 times (Matt. 18:21-22). Would God command people to do this, if He would not do it Himself? [3] If any believer sins, he has an advocate with the Father (1Jn. 2:1-2). What is this advocate for if not to restore backsliders to God? [4] If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us (1Jn. 1:9). [5] Peter was once converted, confessing Jesus as the Son of God and the Christ, which brings the new birth (1Jn. 5:1; Matt. 16:16). He even had the power to preach and heal and had the Spirit in him (Matt. 10:1-20). Jesus predicted his backsliding and reconversion (Luke 22:31-34), proving that a converted man can and must be reconverted if he sins as Peter did in Matthew 26:69-75. [6] James taught a reconversion after one sin and incurs the death penalty again (Jas. 5:19-20). [7] Paul taught that God can graft men in again (Rom. 11:18-24). [8] Paul taught that men who have even overthrown the faith of others can come to repentance again (2Tim. 2:17-26). [9] Paul taught a rebirth again of backsliders (4:19), those who had fallen from grace (1:6-8; 3:1-5; 4:19; 5:4). [10] Paul taught us to restore a sinning brother (6:1). How could this be if it is impossible or unnecessary? [11] In Hebrews 6:1 Paul teaches the laying again of the foundation of repentance if necessary. Only apostates cannot be renewed to repentance (Heb. 6:4-9; 10:26-29). The reason is that they have thrown away all faith in the only sacrifice that can renew them. Backsliders who still have faith in Christ can be renewed regardless of how low in sin they are. [12] Jesus taught a reconversion (Rev. 2:4-5, 16, 21-26; 3:3, 15, 16). [13] In Luke 15:1-32, Jesus taught us that a sheep, coin, or boy could become lost and found again. It would be illogical to argue they could be lost and found but once, or that, once being found, they could never be lost again. It would be still more unreasonable to argue that if any one of them was lost and never found again that it was never found. What would be the process and result of finding them any number of times should they be lost? The same thing is possible of people who go back to sin any number of times. [14] David was renewed again after he sinned (Ps. 51:1-14). [15] God taught Israel time and again that He would restore them if they would meet conditions (Isa. 1:16-18; Jer. 3:13-15; 4:1-4; 18:1-10; Hos. 6:1-3; 10:12-13; 2Chron. 7:14).

There is nothing made but what can be revived, restored, recast, refinished, rebuilt, reanimated, refashioned, and remade be proper and skilled workmen. Shall we say the Almighty God is the only one who cannot do His work over and over again if it needs to be done? Shall we say man alone cannot be forgiven, restored to favour, and recreated more than once?

‘I desire to be present with you now, and to change my voice; for I stand in doubt of you.’ I would like to be present with you to know the extent of your backslidings, to alter my tone and soften my rebukes, for I stand in doubt of you.

Justified by the Faith

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Galatians 2:15-21 We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles, Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid. For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor. For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God. I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ lives in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain. 

‘Jews by nature’ – Descendants of the Jewish nation; having Jewish parents.

‘Not sinners of the Gentiles’ – Not Gentile sinners brought up without the knowledge of God and the law.

‘Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ.’ Many modern religionists do not know this yet (Rom. 1:16-17; 3:24-31; 5:1-11; 8:1-4; 10:9-10; Acts 13:38-39; Gal. 3:11-28; 2Cor. 5:14-21; Eph. 2:8-9; 1Jn. 1:9).

‘But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin?’ If while we acknowledge that we must be justified by faith in Christ, we find ourselves to be sinners through such justification, and we are compelled to go back to the law for that justification, then Christ, instead of being a minister of righteousness and salvation, is the minister of sin and condemnation. God forbid.

‘For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor.’ Paul states here that if he acts like a Jew, and enjoin the observance of the law upon Gentiles, which he had repeatedly asserted and proved to be abolished by the death of Christ (Eph. 2:14-15; Col. 2:14-17; 2Cor. 3:6-15; Heb. 7:11 – 10:18), then he build again the things he destroyed and thus make himself a transgressor, undoing his justification by faith in Christ.

‘For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God.’ Through paying the penalty of the broken law, Paul states he died to the law and that it has no claim upon him. That is, when the law executed Christ in his place, he died in Christ to the law. When Christ arose, Paul arose with Him that he might live unto God (2:19-20).

‘I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless, I live; yet not I, but Christ lives in me.’ The death of Christ on the cross showed Paul that there was no salvation by the law. Paul states he was crucified with Him and he lives with Him. It is not his life, it is Christ’s life that Paul is partaking in. The life he now lives in the flesh is one of faith in Christ, who loved him and made it possible for him to live by faith.

‘Frustrate’ [Greek: atheteo] set aside; disregard. Paul did not render useless the grace of God. If righteousness, justification, or salvation come by law observance, then the death of Christ was useless. Since they do not come by the law at all, but by the death of Christ, then His death was a necessity and the law is useless as a means of salvation.

Pervert the Gospel of Christ

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Galatians 1:7-10 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed. For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ. 

‘Pervert’ – Going back under the law and substituting it for the gospel is perverting the gospel of Christ (5:4).

‘Gospel of Christ’ – How the Gospel is referred to in Galatians: As the grace of Christ (1:8); a revelation (1:11-12); being not of or from man (1:11); that which justifies (2:16); giving the Spirit (3:2); working miracles (3:5); redeeming from the curse of the law (3:13); being of faith (3:22-25); redeeming those under the law (3:13); making us sons, not servants (1:4); bringing liberty (1:4; 5:1, 13); giving the new birth (4:21-31); abolishing circumcision (5:2); cancelling the law (5:18); the law of Christ (6:2).

‘Preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.’ The gospel had not only been preached to them, but they had received it and its benefits. Therefore, any removal from grace (1:6) or fall from grace (5:4) was backsliding from the gospel.

Eight outstanding doctrines taught in Galatians: Christians can fall from grace and be removed from Christ (1:6-8; 2:21; 3:1-5; 4:8-11, 19; 5:4, 19-21; 6:1-8). Paul’s gospel was a revelation from God (1:11 – 2:14). Justification is by faith alone without law works (2:15-3:29). Christians can live victoriously over sin (2:20 – 3:5; 5:16-6:8). The Spirit is for all believers (3:1-5, 13-14). The law of Moses is completely abolished (3:10-29; 4:21-31; 5:1). Backsliders must be reborn and return to grace (1:6-8; 2:17-21; 3:1-5, 10-12; 4:19; 5:1, 4, 7, 5:16-26; 6:1-8). All who go back to keeping the law are under obligation to observe the whole law or be cursed (3:1-5, 10-12; 4:21 – 5:4).

Be Perfect

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2Corinthians 13:11-14 Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you. Greet one another with an holy kiss. All the saints salute you. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen. The second epistle to the Corinthians was written from Philippi, a city of Macedonia, by Titus and Lucas. 

‘Perfect’ [Greek: katartid’zo] to complete thoroughly, that is, repair (literally or figuratively) or adjust: – fit, frame, mend, (make) perfect (-ly join together), prepare, restore. From James 1:4 we see six perfect things: Perfect work of patience (Jas. 1:4); perfect knowledge (Php. 3:15); perfect gifts (Jas. 1:17); perfect law of liberty (Jas. 1:25); perfect faith by works (Jas. 2:22); the perfect man by restraint (Jas. 3:2).

‘The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost.’ Another clear reference to the Trinity of three separate Persons in the Godhead: The grace of Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father (John 1:17; 1Jn. 5:7). The love of God the Father (John 3:16; 1Cor. 13:1-13; Rom. 5:8). The communion (fellowship) of the Holy Spirit (Php. 2:1; Rom. 8:14-16).

‘Communion’ [Greek: koinonia] communion (1Cor. 10:16; 2Cor. 6:14; 13:14); communicate (Phm. 1:6; Heb. 13:16); fellowship (Acts 2:42; 1Cor. 1:9; 2Cor. 8:4; Gal. 2:9; Eph. 3:9; Php. 1:5; 2:1; 3:10; 1Jn. 1:3, 6-7); contribution (Rom. 15:26); and distribution (9:13).