Acts 20:1-6 - Lesser known ministers

Scripture:

 

Acts 20:1-6
After the uproar had ceased, Paul sent for the disciples, and when he had exhorted them and taken his leave of them, he left to go to Macedonia.

 

2 When he had gone through those districts and had given them much exhortation, he came to Greece.

3 And there he spent three months, and when a plot was formed against him by the Jews as he was about to set sail for Syria, he decided to return through Macedonia.

4 And he was accompanied by Sopater of Berea, the son of Pyrrhus, and by Aristarchus and Secundus of the Thessalonians, and Gaius of Derbe, and Timothy, and Tychicus and Trophimus of Asia.

5 But these had gone on ahead and were waiting for us at Troas.

 

6 We sailed from Philippi after the days of Unleavened Bread, and came to them at Troas within five days; and there we stayed seven days.
NASU

 

 

Thoughts:

 

One thing I find fascinating as I read through Acts, is all of the "behind the scenes" characters (verse 4).  The book is clearly focused on the ministry of Paul at this point, but little details pop up about his fellow ministers, or perhaps ministry helpers is more accurate.

 

For one thing, these guys get drawn into the crossfire.  For example, when a riot breaks out over Paul (Acts 19:21-41), his friends get drawn into a terrifying experience:

 

Acts 19:29

29 The city was filled with the confusion, and they rushed with one accord into the theater, dragging along Gaius and Aristarchus, Paul's traveling companions from Macedonia.
NASU

 

Truly, it's the Lord that determines the parts we each play in ministry.  Some God uses center stage, like Paul.  Most are not so easily identified, finding roles behind the scenes.  But each is just as essential to accomplish the goal of reaching the lost and building up the church.

 

As we begin a new year, whatever our part in God's plan, let's do it in such a way to bring pleasure to Him.  Let's give to Him an offering which, by His enabling, we won't be ashamed.

 

 

Prayer:

 

Lord, thank You for saving me.  Thank You that You have plans to involve me in that which is really important:  Your will!  Give me the wisdom to serve You as You direct and enable me.  In 2008, when I look back on this year, I want to see all I got to be a part of, because I said "yes" to Your leading. 

 

Amen

Scripture quotations taken from the NASB.