A Clay Jar

Encouraging, comforting, and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory. (1 Thess. 2:12 NIV)

The Fellowship Offering

Leviticus 7:11

Published on:

Last Updated on:

These are the regulations for the fellowship offering anyone may present to the LORD

Leviticus 7:11 NIV

I suspect that most people who try to read Leviticus find it bewildering and either just skim through it or give up. And in no place is this truer than the opening chapters with all the regulations for sacrifices. Many believers today lump all these sacrifices together and express gratitude that, because of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, we no longer have to offer animal sacrifices.

But these sacrifices are not all the same. And Jesus’ death on the cross did not replace all of them. Indeed, the sin and guilt offerings are no longer needed–Jesus has fulfilled them. But I believe that the fellowship offering (peace offering in many translations) still has application to us today.

This sacrifice was not about making peace with God. Instead, it was a voluntary offering made by the worshipper, expressing gratitude to God. It was a fellowship offering.

A Fellowship Meal with God

In a sense, this sacrifice was a meal where you have invited God to join you. A portion of the sacrifice was offered to God. A portion went to the priest who facilitated the sacrifice. The rest was eaten by the one offering the sacrifice, along with anyone who was ceremonially clean.

It would be impossible for me today to offer this sacrifice as described in Leviticus. But I can still participate in the spirit of the fellowship offering. The fellowship offering was:

  • Voluntary, beyond what was expected of me.
  • It was given out of gratitude or thanksgiving to God.
  • A fellowship meal attended by God, the priests, the one making the offering, and anyone else they invited.

We can, at least in part, follow the spirit of the fellowship offering when we share meals together as a community of believers. Especially when we recognize and celebrate God’s presence and participation in the meal with us.

How else might believers today make a fellowship offering to God?

Related Posts

The Exaltation of Jesus – Philippians 2:5-11

This early hymn is one of exaltation for Jesus, one who was fully God, who became fully man, and who died as a sacrifice for our sin.

They Devoted Themselves – Acts 2:42

What can we learn from the earliest church? They devoted themselves to the Word, to prayer, and to fellowship. What would happen if we did that today?

I Always Thank My God for You – 1 Corinthians 1:4

But we can, and should, thank God for all of those who have received the grace of God given in Christ Jesus, despite our differences.

Thanking God for You – Philippians 1:3-6

I have been a believer for 50 years now. God has brought many fellow believers into my life. And I thank God for each of you.

Additional Related Posts

If you have found value in this post, please consider sharing it with your friends.

Subscribe to A Clay Jar

If you have found value in this post, please consider subscribing to A Clay Jar so that you don't miss any other posts. 

Just an old clay jar that God continues to see fit to use in his kingdom's work. I am retired, married with 2 children, and 4 grandchildren. I have followed Jesus for many years. And I love to share what He has given me from His word.

A Note to Readers

The views expressed here are solely mine and do not necessarily reflect those of any other person, group, or organization. While I believe they reflect the teachings of the Bible, I am a fallible human and subject to misunderstanding. Please feel free to leave any comments or questions about this post in the comments section below. I am always interested in your feedback.

Leave a Comment