Topical Encyclopedia
The term "fellow-servants" is a significant title used within the Christian tradition to describe the relationship among believers, particularly in the context of their shared service to God. This term emphasizes the communal and egalitarian nature of the Christian faith, where all believers are seen as co-laborers in the service of Christ, regardless of their individual roles or status within the church.
Biblical References:1.
Revelation 19:10 : "So I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me, 'Do not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers who rely on the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.'" In this passage, the angel identifies himself as a "fellow servant" with John and other believers, highlighting the shared mission and service to God that transcends even the heavenly and earthly realms.
2.
Revelation 22:9 : "But he said to me, 'Do not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers the prophets, and with those who keep the words of this book. Worship God!'" Here again, the angel refers to himself as a "fellow servant," reinforcing the idea that all who serve God, whether angels, prophets, or ordinary believers, are united in their devotion and service.
Theological Significance:The concept of being "fellow-servants" underscores the unity and equality among believers in the body of Christ. It reflects the biblical teaching that all Christians, regardless of their specific gifts or callings, are part of the same spiritual family and are called to serve one another in love and humility. This is consistent with the teachings of the Apostle Paul, who frequently emphasized the importance of unity and mutual service within the church (e.g.,
1 Corinthians 12:12-27).
Practical Implications:In practical terms, the title "fellow-servants" encourages believers to view each other as partners in ministry, working together to advance the kingdom of God. It calls for a spirit of cooperation and mutual respect, recognizing that each person has a valuable role to play in the church's mission. This perspective fosters a sense of community and shared purpose, as believers support one another in their spiritual journeys and collective efforts to live out the gospel.
Historical Context:Throughout church history, the concept of being "fellow-servants" has been a foundational principle for Christian communities. It has inspired movements of reform and renewal, as believers have sought to return to the early church's model of shared leadership and service. This title has also been a source of encouragement for persecuted Christians, reminding them that they are not alone in their struggles but are part of a larger fellowship of believers who share in their sufferings and triumphs.
In summary, the title "fellow-servants" is a profound expression of the Christian calling to serve God and one another in unity and love. It captures the essence of the Christian community as a diverse yet harmonious body, united in its devotion to Christ and its mission to the world.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Revelation 6:11And white robes were given to every one of them; and it was said to them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellow servants also and their brothers, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
They Shall be Called the Children of God
... brother, the saints co-heir, the angels fellow-servants in that ... Positively: They
have titles of honour. ... As Christ bears the saints' names upon his breast, so ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/19 they shall be called.htm
The People on the Earth: Chapters 2-3
... him (the Beast) to make war with the saints and to ... Note how the titles of Christ
in verse 8 ("I am ... Some of the names are "blotted out." The others are confessed ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the people on the earth .htm
1 Cor. Iv. 6
... end; and making continual mention of the titles of "friend ... caring not to call it
after the saints as the ... did, they light lamps and give them names, and name ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily xii 1 cor iv.htm
This HomilyIs Intended to Shew that the Fear of Magistrates is ...
... And He names the God of the whole world after the ... hills (as others constantly elsewhere),
for the saints and angels ... of sinners, and giving her the titles of our ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily vi this homily is.htm
Concerning Salutations and Recreations, &C.
... to the inward and spiritual fellowship of the saints, they become ... of men and things
their own names is not ... Secondly, Next unto this of titles, the [1306] other ...
/.../proposition xv concerning salutations and.htm
The Introduction: Chapter 1
... What the combination of these titles says to us ... the testimony of Jesus" are other
names for this ... spirits; "Incense odours," prayers of saints; "Dragon," Satan ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the introduction chapter 1.htm
The Second vision "On Earth"
... It was said to them "that they should rest yet for a little season until their
fellow-servants also and their brethren that should be killed as they were ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the second vision on earth.htm
Dialogue ii. --The Unconfounded.
... Eran."And we give names to him from both these attributes. ... a great deal about this,
but I follow the saints who have ... From his work on The Titles of the Psalms ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of theodoret/dialogue ii the unconfounded.htm
English Version of the Second Helvetic Confession, AD 1566.
... that 'in the books of the Kings, the names and books ... although they be set out with
goodly titles, as though ... much less believe that the relics of saints are to ...
/.../english version of the second.htm
A Discourse
... None ever showed higher saints than were they in the ... The church therefore loseth
not all her titles of honour ... these four rows of pillars, as the names of the ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a discourse.htm
Resources
What is the name of God? | GotQuestions.orgIs it biblical to call the wife of a pastor, elder, or bishop the First Lady of the church? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning of “Everlasting Father” in Isaiah 9:6? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus