THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE HOLY SPIRIT; II Corinthians 13:14

When we say grace-benediction, we are praying for the grace which connects us to God’s love and leads us to the fellowship of the Holy Spirit.

“The fellowship of the Holy Spirit” as expressed by Apostle Paul here can be understood from two perspectives:

1. The fellowship atmosphere that the Holy Spirit enables (horizontal).
2. The fellowship relationship that the Holy Spirit creates (vertical).

It is possible here that Paul refers to both the fellowship in the vertical sense and the fellowship in the horizontal sense. While Paul’s grace-benediction speaks of fellowship with one another as the Holy Spirit enables (the atmosphere of good interpersonal relationships amongst believers), it also points us to fellowship as in close companionship with the Holy Spirit.

The word fellowship here informs the Corinthian church and by extension today’s church, of what will help them to live in peaceful co-existence. So there will be no more lawsuits, betrayals, divisions, and fornication. Of course, he had also indicated earlier in 1 Corinthians 6:19 that the Spirit makes the body of believers his dwelling place. In any case, Christians can objectively share in the Spirit, only if the Spirit himself as the subject makes that participation possible.^[1]

Also worthy of note are the last two words of this benediction “you all.” The second person plural pronoun you is accompanied by the inclusive adjective all, thus highlighting the extent of Paul’s wish for the Corinthians ^[2] and now for us all, the present-day church. Not just on the clause “the fellowship of the Holy Spirit” but on the three clauses: the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit. The Divine grace which comes with love and fellowship is extended without exception to ALL who have put their trust in Christ.

The Holy Spirit is a Person, and we can have communion with him. We can talk to him, ask him questions and seek his help when we are conscious of his indwelling presence.^[3] He can be our partner, friend, mentor, coach, counsellor, and teacher. That is exactly what the benediction wishes the Church. Fellowshipping with the Holy Spirit keeps the church alive. Any Church that is robbed of fellowship with the Holy Spirit is a dead church. Therefore, let us bow at the bruised feet of Christ, swim in the ocean of his love and enjoy the wonderful fellowship of the Holy Spirit.

We really need to be revived by the Holy Spirit. This could only be achieved when there is a robust fellowship with him. One thing we must note about the fellowship of the Holy Spirit is that it is not for personal picnics and enjoyment, but to witness and for service.^[4] Therefore, there is every need for us to appropriate this in our relationship as members of the body of Christ. God’s Spirit dwells in us individually and also collectively; in a local congregation, in a meeting, and in the whole Body of Christ.^[5] Therefore, no matter how much of the Spirit we have within us as individuals, we equally need the collective presence of the Holy Spirit, hence, the place of fellowship amongst brethren.

Lastly, the benediction (which means to speak well) is a reminder for us to season our speeches. We should speak well, wish well, pray well, preach well, bless well, and as such, we will live well. For every time we say the benediction, whether in the church, at school, in our homes, during valediction, during visitation, etc. we are invoking the supernatural presence. Remember, where grace abounds, love and fellowship abound the more.

May the Lord bless you and keep you, may the Lord make his face shine upon you, and be gracious to you, may the Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace. Amen!

Remain blessed, till we come your way next time.

Endnotes:

1. Kruse, Colin G. The Second Epistle of Paul to the Corinthians. Tyndale New Testament Commentaries Series. Leicester: Inter-Varsity; Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1987.
2. Omanson, Roger L.; Ellington, John. A Handbook on Paul’s Second Letter to the Corinthians. New York: United Bible Society, 1993.
3. Oyedepo, David O. Understanding Divine Direction: A Scriptural Perspective. Lagos: Dominion Publishing House, 1998.
4. Kuhlman, Kathryn. The Greatest Power in the World. Florida: Bridge-Logos, 1997.
5. Hagin, Kenneth E. How You Can Be Led by the Spirit of God. Tulsa: Rhema Bible Church, 2008.

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