As we reflect upon Apostle Paul’s second missionary journey, we notice that he was accompanied by a number of faithful co-workers. Some of these individuals are familiar figures in Scripture, while others quietly supported him behind the scenes. Let us take a moment to recognize and appreciate each one of them.
The first person is Silas. According to Acts 15, he served as a leader and prophet in the church in Jerusalem. He was gifted in encouraging and strengthening fellow believers. Paul chose Silas to depart with him from Antioch to edify and fortify the churches. What impressed me most was that when he and Paul were imprisoned in Philippi, they prayed and sang hymns to praise God despite their suffering. Silas also served as a trusted messenger for the Apostle Peter, delivering his letter to the believers: “With the help of Silas, whom I regard as a faithful brother, I have written to you briefly…” —1 Peter 5:12.
The second is Timothy. Paul met Timothy in Lystra. He was highly regarded by the believers in the area and subsequently accompanied Paul on his missionary journeys. Paul referred to him as his true spiritual son. In the epistles of 1 and 2 Timothy, Paul encouraged him to take up the baton of shepherding the churches: “Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” —1 Timothy 4:12.
The third is a couple, Priscilla and Aquila, who shared both a trade and a calling with Paul. Tentmakers by profession, they began working with Paul in Corinth and later journeyed with him to Ephesus. There, they played a pivotal role in supporting Apollos by explaining the way of God to him more accurately, thus equipping him to proclaim the gospel using the Scriptures to affirm that Jesus is the Christ.
Lastly, we recognize the one who quietly but faithfully supported Paul behind the scenes—Luke, the physician and author of both the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles. He was not merely a historian, but under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, he meticulously recorded the works of Jesus Christ and the apostles. We can also infer that God used Luke’s medical knowledge to care for Paul’s physical well-being during their journeys. Despite all the hardships Paul endured, he could deeply feel that God’s grace was truly sufficient for him.
Dear brothers and sisters, we are never alone in the work of the gospel. God often brings alongside us the co-workers we most need, so that the message of salvation may be proclaimed far and wide.
(Translated by Chet/Mabel Siew)