Acts 18: Companions in Ministry
JUST RECENTLY, I visited my childhood pastor and his wife. As I left them, my heart was full of gratitude. Gratitude not only for the Wrights, but also for the others past and present who have prepared me for outreach. I am thankful for those who have prayed for me, been my friends, walked along with me, listened to me, loved me and cared about my walk with God and my service to others, who have encouraged me and corrected me. I enjoy thinking about the people who have touched my life and who have been companions in ministry. I am not alone in this need for companionship. In this study we will look at some of the people in Paul's life who were his companions in ministry.
Warming Up to God
Close your eyes and think about one person who profoundly affects your life. Tell God how grateful you are to know such a wonderful friend and thank God for loving you through that person.
Read Acts 18. »
Discovering the Word
- List the people in Paul's life that you see in this passage.
- What did Silas and Timothy contribute to Paul's life and ministry (v. 5)?
- In verses 18-23 what do you learn about Paul's relationships?
- Describe Apollos (vv. 24-26).
- How was Apollos' ministry affected by his relationship with Aquila and Priscilla (vv. 27-28)?
Applying the Word
- When has someone encouraged you with good news of God's work elsewhere, entered into your ministry, shared themselves or their home with you, or supported you financially or in other ways?
- What keeps you from allowing others to enter into your life and ministry in such ways?
- As you review this passage, what ways do you recognize in which you need to develop, build and nurture relationships that will contribute to your spiritual growth and outreach?
Responding in Prayer
Who are your companions in ministry? Thank God for their presence in your life as good gifts from him.
For Further Study
ChurchNext by Eddie Gibbs