Communion

This is the verse which began my pondering of the word communion:

1Co 10:16  The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion (G2842) of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion (G2842) of the body of Christ?

Based primarily upon how the word communion is used to define the bread and wine given and received in remembrance of the Lord. A richer meaning and understanding of the word has unfolded to me as I pondered the following:

E-Sword search for the word communion:

2Co_6:14  Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion (G2842) hath light with darkness?

2Co_13:14  The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion (G2842) of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen.

Then the question becomes, what is the Greek word for each usage? Strong's # in blue.

G2842 - From G2844; partnership, that is, (literally) participation, or (social) intercourse, or (pecuniary) benefaction.

• G2844 - From G2839; a sharer, that is, associate.
• G2839 - Probably from G4862; common, that is, (literally) shared by all or several, or (ceremonially) profane.
• G4862 - A primary preposition denoting union; with or together (but much closer than G3326 or G3844), that is, by association, companionship, process, resemblance, possession, instrumentality, addition, etc.
• G3326 - A primary preposition (often used adverbially); properly denoting accompaniment; “amid” (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive case association, or accusative case succession) with which it is joined; occupying an intermediate position between G575 or G1537 and G1519 or G4314; less intimate than G1722, and less close than G4862). (Thus endeth this trail.)
• G3844 - A primary preposition; properly near, that is, (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subjectively), (with accusative case) to the proximity with (local [especially beyond or opposed to] or causal [on account of]). In compounds it retains the same variety of application.

Other verse usages of G2842:

Act 2:42  And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. 

Rom 15:26  For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem.

1Co 1:9  God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord. 

2Co 8:4  Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.

2Co 9:13  Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men; 

Gal 2:9  And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision. 

Eph 3:9  And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:

Php 1:5  For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now; 

Php 2:1  If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,

Php 3:10  That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;

Phm 1:6  That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus. 

Heb 13:16  But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased. 

1Jn 1:3  That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.

1Jn 1:6  If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: 

1Jn 1:7  But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

Day 325

J. Book of 1 Corinthians (from Ephesus) ~ cont.

2. Pattern for a prosperous church ~ cont.

d. Proper attitude toward money - 1 Corinthians 9:1-27
e. Jewish heritage reviewed - 1 Corinthians 10:1-15
f. Lord's supper requirements - 1 Corinthians 10:16-33; 11:1-34
g. Spiritual gifts - 1 Corinthians 12:1-31


"...and that Rock was Christ." (1 Corinthians 10:4) - Which put me in remembrance of the song On Christ the Solid Rock I Stand.  There is no other foundation, no other hope, nothing beyond Him.  For in Him we live and breath and have our being.
I am reminded of our brother Peter's confession when asked by our Lord, will you go away also?  "Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life."


The Israelites were an example for us, how well have we internalized the lessons?  Lusting after evil things; idolaters; fornication; tempt or tempted; murmuring?


lusting - G1938 - From G1937; a craver.  G1937 - From G1909 and G2372; to set the heart upon, that is, long for (rightfully or otherwise).


evil - G2556 - Apparently a primary word; worthless (intrinsically such; whereas G4190 properly refers to effects), that is, (subjectively) depraved, or (objectively) injurious.


idolaters - G1496 - From G1497 and the base of G3000; an image (servant or) worshipper (literally or figuratively).


fornicators - G4203 - From G4204; to act the harlot, that is, (literally) indulge unlawful lust (of either sex), or (figuratively) practise idolatry.


tempt - G1598 - From G1537 and G3985; to test thoroughly.


tempted - G3985 - From G3984; to test (objectively), that is, endeavor, scrutinize, entice, discipline.


murmuring - G1111 - Of uncertain derivation; to grumble.


Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. (1 Corinthians 10:12)  A very worthwhile admonition.  I can slip into being a Pharisee very easily - completely missing how oft I sin internally.  Lord, show us where we are missing the mark, sinning against You, whether external or internal.  Help us to fervently desire to please You.  Not just in the outward, but more importantly, inwardly.


There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also may a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.  (1 Corinthians 10:13)


Thank God!  :-)  There is much to tempt and test us, Lord, help us to seek to escape the temptations.  To be a presentable bride, wholly desirous of giving a proper estimate of You in all that we say do and think, in our presentation and representation of You.


But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils. Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table and of the table of devils.  (1 Corinthians 10:20-21)


I never paused to think about what this might mean in modern day language.  Abstractly I can imagine what it might have meant to the 1st century church.  They would have had actual 'sacrifices' going on.  The question in my mind is, what 'sacrifices' are going on today that we do see as such?  How immersed with the culture have we become that we do not even recognize that we are worshipping devils or giving some semblance of such?  How set apart and holy is the Bride?