It wasn't long before the early church faced threats to their fellowship. They were assaulted both from within and from without. Even when they were scattered by persecution, the Christians connected with remote churches through letters and occasional visits. Even in the midst of danger, they never forsook their brothers: "You stood side by side with [those who were publicly exposed to insult and persecution]. You sympathized with those in prison..."Hebrews.10:33 Now, that is true fellowship!
Sometimes assaults come to believers from unexpected sources - like in King David's shocking experience with betrayal:
“But it is you... my close friend, with whom I once enjoyed sweet fellowship, as we walked with the throng in the house of God.” Ps. 55:14
Jesus predicted that type of painful desertion:
"...there will be five in one family divided against each other,
three against two and two against three. Luke 12:52
Paul sensed that the Galatian church had distanced themselves from him. He wrote, "Have I now become your enemy by telling you the truth?" Galatians. 4:16 The church had pulled their affection away from Paul, no doubt because they didn't like him pointing out their sins (legalism). Before that time, they had enjoyed sweet fellowship with Paul. In fact, they had loved him so much that they were willing to do anything for him - even donate their own eyes.
At one crucial point in Paul's life, he was totally abandoned. It was a time when "lions" were opposing him. He said,
"..no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me....The Lord stood by my side and gave me strength...and I was delivered from the lion's mouth." 2 Timothy. 4:16
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