Articles
Fellowship in the Gospel
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I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now (Phil. 1:3-5).
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In William Shakespeare's Henry V, the King must lead troops into battle who are badly outnumbered and isolated in enemy territory. His St. Crispin's Day speech--popularly known as the "band of brothers" speech--contains these lines designed to inspire his men:
“We would not die in that man's company
That fears his fellowship to die with us.”
Henry knew that the key to victory lay in his men sticking together in the coming battle. Cowards were welcome to leave; he would even pay their way back to England. It was imperative that every man stand shoulder to shoulder with his brothers-in-arm, even unto death if necessary.
Philippi was a Roman colony populated by a large number of retired Roman soldiers, men who understood this concept of unit cohesion. If even a few of the Philippian disciples had a military background, they would have caught instantly the meaning of Paul's words, "fellowship in the gospel." Brotherhood was a big deal to these men.
We know that the Philippians financially supported Paul in his work (4:15-18); their aid was certainly part of their fellowship. But fellowship in the gospel involves more than just sharing material things.
It involves an allegiance to a common cause based on the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. That commitment changes our outlook on everything in life. This shared worldview inspires a closeness that few others can appreciate.
It involves a unity that is rare in a world dominated by selfishness. Among ourselves we have peace. When differences arise, the gospel equips us with the tools to work through them and maintain harmony. We are a band of warriors deep in enemy territory; discord is unthinkable.
It involves a joyful outlook on life, even in the face of dire circumstances. We share an optimistic spirit that sustains us through the hardships of life. We know the outcome of the war already, and refuse to give in to discouragement or fear. If we must die for our faith, we will do so with eager anticipation of what lies beyond--and encouraged by the brothers who stand alongside us.
Henry and his band of brothers won the Battle of Agincourt (1415), despite overwhelming odds against them. We, too, can win the spiritual battle in which we are engaged, if we will cling tightly to our King and our brethren in the fellowship of brothers.
--David
