What other scriptures emphasize the role of trusted companions in ministry efforts? Acts 19:22—Paul Sends Ahead Trusted Companions “Then after sending two of his helpers, Timothy and Erastus, to Macedonia, Paul himself stayed for a while in Asia.” Paul’s pattern in Ephesus is simple and instructive: valuable ministry work is rarely done alone. Scripture repeatedly underscores that truth. Other New Testament Spotlights on Companionship • Mark 6:7 — “Calling the Twelve to Him, He began to send them out two by two and gave them authority over unclean spirits.” • Luke 10:1 — “After this, the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of Him…” • Acts 13:2-3 — The Spirit sets apart “Barnabas and Saul” together for the first missionary journey. • Acts 16:1-3 — Paul recruits Timothy at Lystra; from then on they travel side by side. • Acts 18:18 — Paul takes Priscilla and Aquila with him from Corinth to Ephesus. • Romans 16:3-4 — Priscilla and Aquila again, called “co-workers in Christ Jesus.” • Colossians 4:7-14 — A roll call of Paul’s helpers: Tychicus, Onesimus, Aristarchus, Mark, Justus, Epaphras, Luke, Demas. • Philippians 2:19-23 — Timothy is praised as a man who “has served with me in the work of the gospel.” • 2 Timothy 4:11 — “Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me in the ministry.” • 3 John 8 — “Therefore we ought to support such men, so that we may become fellow workers for the truth.” Old Testament Foundations • Exodus 17:10-12 — While Israel fights Amalek, “Aaron and Hur held his hands up… so that his hands remained steady till sunset.” • Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 — “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor… a cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” • 1 Samuel 14:6-7 — Jonathan’s armor-bearer answers, “Do all that is in your heart… I am with you heart and soul.” • 1 Samuel 18:1-4 — Jonathan and David form a covenant friendship that protects the future king. • Proverbs 27:17 — “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” • Ruth 1:16-17 — Ruth pledges unwavering, sacrificial loyalty to Naomi. Why the Lord Works Through Teams • Companions strengthen faith under pressure (Exodus 17; 2 Timothy 4). • Teams provide mutual accountability and guard against isolation (Proverbs 27:17; Acts 15). • Partnership multiplies gifts and effectiveness—one teaches, another encourages, another administers (Romans 12:4-8; 1 Corinthians 12). • Shared ministry models the Trinity’s own harmony and unity (John 17:21-23). • Companions offer credibility and witness: “Every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses” (Matthew 18:16). Takeaways for Today’s Servants • Seek, welcome, and invest in faithful co-laborers; ministry is a fellowship, not a solo act. • Give thanks for those who travel ahead, beside, or after you—Timothys, Lukes, and Erastuses still matter. • Remember that supporting roles carry eternal weight; Paul’s letters elevate helpers by name. • Imitate Christ, who Himself chose twelve and sent them in pairs—He has designed ministry to flourish through trusted companions. |
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