Community

The concept of community is deeply embedded in the biblical narrative, reflecting God's design for human relationships and His covenantal purposes. From the creation account, where God declares, "It is not good for the man to be alone" (Genesis 2:18), to the establishment of Israel as a nation, community is portrayed as essential to human flourishing and divine mission.

In the Old Testament, the Israelites are called to be a "kingdom of priests and a holy nation" (Exodus 19:6), emphasizing their collective identity and purpose. The Law given to Moses includes numerous statutes that govern communal life, underscoring justice, mercy, and mutual responsibility (Leviticus 19:18). The festivals and Sabbaths further reinforce communal worship and rest, fostering unity and shared identity.

The New Testament expands on this theme, with the Church emerging as a new community in Christ. Jesus' teachings often highlight the importance of love and unity among His followers. In John 13:34-35 , He commands, "A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you also must love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another." The early Church, as described in Acts 2:42-47 , exemplifies this communal life, characterized by shared resources, fellowship, and devotion to the apostles' teaching.

The Apostle Paul frequently addresses the theme of community in his epistles, urging believers to maintain unity and peace. In Ephesians 4:3-6 , he writes, "Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all."

Division

While community is a divine ideal, the Bible also acknowledges the reality of division, often as a consequence of sin and disobedience. The fall of humanity introduces division between God and man, as well as among humans themselves (Genesis 3:16-19). The account of Cain and Abel (Genesis 4:8) illustrates the destructive nature of sin-induced division.

Throughout Israel's history, division manifests in various forms, including tribal conflicts and the eventual split of the kingdom into Israel and Judah (1 Kings 12:16-20). Prophets like Isaiah and Jeremiah lament these divisions, calling the people back to covenant faithfulness and unity under God.

In the New Testament, Jesus acknowledges the inevitability of division due to His message. In Matthew 10:34-36 , He states, "Do not assume that I have come to bring peace to the earth; I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to turn ‘a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. A man’s enemies will be the members of his own household.’"

The early Church also faces internal divisions, as seen in the disputes over Jewish and Gentile believers (Acts 15:1-2) and the factions within the Corinthian church (1 Corinthians 1:10-13). Paul addresses these issues by emphasizing the unity found in Christ and the need for reconciliation and mutual edification.

Ultimately, the biblical narrative points to a future where division is overcome, and perfect community is restored. Revelation 7:9-10 envisions a diverse multitude from every nation, tribe, people, and language, united in worship before the throne of God, highlighting the eschatological hope of unity in God's eternal kingdom.