THE FELLOWSHIP OF SUFFERING

The apostle John, writing to the persecuted believers of the seven churches of Asia, identified himself as “your brother and companion in the suffering… that [is] ours in Jesus” (Revelation 1:9). The Greek word is translated as companion means “fellow sharer.” It is a form of the word koinonia from which we get our word “fellowship.”…

Trials and afflictions have a leveling effect among believers. It is often been said that “the ground is level at the foot of the cross.” That is, regardless of our wealth or power or station in life, we are all alike in our need for a Savior. In the same way, we are all alike in our adversity. It strikes the rich and poor, the powerful and the weak, the superior and the subordinate, all without distinction. In times of adversity we tend to set aside such notions of “vertical” relationships and relate to one another on a horizontal level as brothers and fellow sufferers. John could have rightly identified himself as an apostle of Jesus Christ, as one in a position of spiritual authority over suffering believers in Asia. Instead he chose to identify himself as a brother and companion in their suffering. 

-- Jerry Bridges in “Trusting God”

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