
The New Testament repeatedly emphasizes the togetherness of brethren in the early church. The fellowship that they shared was based upon their common faith – “those who had believed were together” (Acts 2:44). When John wrote his first epistle, he explained that “our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ,” and that they could “have fellowship with [each other]” through the proclamation of the gospel (1 John 1:3). As we have fellowship with God, we are naturally to have fellowship with the people of God.
Shortly after the church was established on the day of Pentecost, Luke recorded that those first Christians were not just meeting together but were also eating together.
“Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved” (Acts 2:46-47).
Many churches – even among churches of Christ – host what are sometimes called “fellowship meals.” These meals are hosted by a congregation and conducted as part of the church’s work. In fact, when many people hear the word fellowship, they automatically think of food. But is a church-sponsored meal what we read about in the passage above? If not, is a local church at least authorized to facilitate its members “taking their meals together” as part of its work? There are a few points I want us to consider.Continue Reading















