By Charles Wages
Communion is, and should be, a vital part of every believer’s life. However, just like every aspect of God’s Word and every part of our worship, it needs serious and spiritual consideration. Surely every believer would concur with this and be energized to participate and practice.
Our only true and reliable source for an understanding of this most important truth is the Word of God. Let’s consider what communion really means and how it affects our lives. The word “communion” itself has a variety of meanings, yet all closely related.
First, it is interesting and very important that the same original word or root word for “communion” and “communicate” is the same in meaning (koinonia). Vine’s Expository Dictionary defines it as “having in common, partnership, fellowship recognized and enjoyed. Thus, it is used of the common experience and interests of Christians.” The word is used in Acts 2:42-45 where it reads,
“And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. And all that believed were together, and had all things common; And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.” (Acts 2:42-45)
It is interesting and informative to note in this particular passage that the apostles had fellowship together in the apostles’ teaching, and breaking of bread, and prayers. Also, we are told that many wonders and signs were done by the apostles, and then later they “had all things common; and sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men as every man had need.” What sweet communion or fellowship! They enjoyed one another and had fellowship in the twelve apostles’ teaching, at that time, the eating of the necessary food, prayers, and performed many wonders and signs! “What a fellowship. What a joy divine.”
Isn’t it wonderful that believers today can have sweet communion or fellowship around the Word of God, “rightly divided” as the apostle Paul wrote in 2 Timothy 2:15?
This brings us to communion that communicates. Consecrated or holy communion is fully realized and utilized as we share or have fellowship in telling or helping others see the “rightly divided” Word. It is almost inconceivable to think that something so wonderful, so divine, shouldn’t be communicated to others, especially “others of the household of faith” (Gal. 6:10). The communicating of the Word to the unsaved is of utmost importance. Though sweet communion or fellowship cannot be had with unbelievers, yet we have the joyous privilege of sharing the gospel of God’s grace with all! We are informed and admonished in Hebrews 13:16,
“But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.”
It is noteworthy to recognize that communication (koinonia) is used in conjunction with (logos) which refers to the Word! It is of great benefit to read the words of Ephesians 4:29,
“Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.”
In conclusion, Consecrated or holy communion should be, and can be an ongoing day by day activity of every believer. The element that is absolutely necessary is the Word of God. We should not only partake of it ourselves, but communicate it, study it, and have sweet fellowship in the process! Remember Jeremiah of old said,
“Thy words were found and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me joy and rejoicing of mine heart; for I am called by thy name, O Lord God of hosts.” (Jer. 15:16)
(Note: We have more to eat than Jeremiah or the Apostles!)
