Who or What is a “Mjoli” in the Bible?

The term mjoli can be understood as a coworker or partner in ministry—someone who shares the same work, mission, or calling as you. Whether you’re a teacher, preacher, or farmer, your mjoli is the fellow laborer who works alongside you in the same field. This concept emphasizes partnership, unity, and mutual responsibility among believers.

This idea is deeply rooted in Scripture, which repeatedly calls God’s people to work together in harmony and love, recognizing that we are all part of God’s kingdom work.

Biblical Foundation:

Matthew 18:23-35 (NIV) – The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant

23 “Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants.

24 As he began the settlement, a man who owed him ten thousand talents was brought to him.

25 Since he was not able to pay, the master ordered that he, his wife and children and all that he had be sold to repay the debt.

26 The servant fell on his knees before him. ‘Be patient with me,’ he begged, ‘and I will pay back everything.’

27 The servant’s master took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go.

28 But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants (mjoli) who owed him a hundred denarii. He grabbed him and began to choke him. ‘Pay back what you owe me!’ he demanded.

29 His fellow servant fell to his knees and begged him, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay it back.’

30 But he refused. Instead, he had the man thrown into prison until he could pay the debt.

31 When the other servants saw what had happened, they were outraged and went and told their master everything that had happened.

32 Then the master called the servant in. ‘You wicked servant,’ he said, ‘I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to.

33 Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?’

34 In anger, his master handed him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed.

35 “This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart.

Theological Insight:

This parable highlights the principle of mercy and forgiveness that must characterize relationships among believers (mjoli). Just as God forgives us our enormous debt through Christ’s sacrifice (Colossians 2:13-14), we are called to extend that same grace and mercy to those who serve alongside us. The “mjoli” relationship, therefore, is not merely professional but spiritual—a bond of mutual compassion, forgiveness, and support.

Philippians 4:3 (NIV)

3 “Yes, I ask you also, true companion (mjoli), help these women, who have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life.

Theological Insight:

Here, Paul uses the term “true companion” to describe a fellow worker who is deeply committed to the Gospel mission. This shows that mjoli implies not only partnership in work but also shared faith and dedication. Paul emphasizes unity and cooperation in the body of Christ, encouraging believers to support one another faithfully.

Additional Relevant Scriptures:

Colossians 1:7 (NIV): “You learned it from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant (mjoli), who is a faithful minister of Christ on our behalf.

Colossians 4:7 (NIV): “Tychicus will tell you all the news about me. He is a dear brother, a faithful minister and fellow servant (mjoli) in the Lord.

Revelation 19:10 (NIV):  … ‘I am a fellow servant (mjoli) with you and with your brothers and sisters who hold to the testimony of Jesus.

Revelation 22:9 (NIV): But he said to me, ‘Don’t do that! I am a fellow servant (mjoli) with you and with your brothers and sisters who hold to the testimony of Jesus.

These passages reinforce the concept of mutual service and partnership in God’s work across the entire New Testament.

Application for Believers Today:

As Christians, saved by the grace of Jesus Christ, we are called to be mjoli to one another. This means we are partners in ministry, called to:

Love one another genuinely (John 13:34-35).

Serve one another humbly (Galatians 5:13).

Forgive one another completely (Ephesians 4:32).

Build God’s kingdom together with unity and strength (1 Corinthians 3:9).

Our shared mission transcends denominational lines and religious traditions; it is rooted solely in the teachings of the Bible and the example of Christ.

Please share this encouraging message with others, so together we can strengthen the body of Christ worldwide!

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