In the biblical context, the concept of community is deeply rooted in the nature of God and His relationship with humanity. From the beginning, God designed humans to live in community, as seen in the creation narrative. In Genesis 2:18 , God declares, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him." This foundational statement underscores the importance of relationships and communal living.

The Old Testament provides numerous examples of community life among the Israelites. The nation of Israel itself was a community chosen by God to be His people, as stated in Deuteronomy 7:6 : "For you are a people holy to the LORD your God. The LORD your God has chosen you to be a people for His prized possession, above all peoples on the face of the earth." The Israelites were called to live according to God's laws, which included provisions for justice, care for the poor, and communal worship, all of which fostered a strong sense of community.

In the New Testament, the early church exemplifies the ideal of Christian community. Acts 2:42-47 describes the believers as being devoted to the apostles' teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer. They shared their possessions and met together regularly, demonstrating a profound sense of unity and mutual support. This passage highlights the essential elements of Christian community: teaching, fellowship, worship, and service.

The Apostle Paul further elaborates on the concept of community in his letters. In 1 Corinthians 12:12-27 , he uses the metaphor of the body to describe the church, emphasizing that each member has a unique role and is vital to the functioning of the whole. Paul writes, "Now you are the body of Christ, and each of you is a member of it" (1 Corinthians 12:27). This imagery underscores the interdependence and diversity within the Christian community.

Community is also characterized by love, as Jesus commanded His disciples in John 13:34-35 : "A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you also must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another." Love is the defining mark of a Christian community, reflecting the love of Christ and serving as a witness to the world.

Access

The theme of access in the Bible primarily relates to humanity's access to God, which is a central tenet of the Christian faith. In the Old Testament, access to God was mediated through the priesthood and the sacrificial system. The tabernacle and later the temple served as the physical locations where God's presence dwelled, and only the high priest could enter the Most Holy Place once a year on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16).

However, the New Testament reveals a transformative shift in access to God through the person and work of Jesus Christ. Hebrews 10:19-22 states, "Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way opened for us through the curtain of His body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith." Through Jesus' sacrificial death and resurrection, believers have direct access to God, no longer requiring an earthly mediator.

This access is further emphasized in Ephesians 2:18 , where Paul writes, "For through Him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit." The "both" refers to Jews and Gentiles, highlighting the inclusivity of the gospel and the breaking down of barriers that once separated people from God and from each other.

Access to God also implies a personal relationship with Him, as seen in the invitation to approach God with confidence. Hebrews 4:16 encourages believers, "Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." This access is not limited to a select few but is available to all who believe in Christ, underscoring the universal nature of the gospel.

In summary, the Bible presents a rich tapestry of themes related to community and access, illustrating God's desire for His people to live in harmonious relationships with one another and to have direct, personal access to Him through Jesus Christ.