Also Ran…
Opening Prayer
I thank You, Lord, that knowing You means being a part of a community.
Read Colossians 4:7-18
[7] Tychicus will tell you all the news about me. He is a dear brother, a faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord. [8] I am sending him to you for the express purpose that you may know about our circumstances and that he may encourage your hearts. [9] He is coming with Onesimus, our faithful and dear brother, who is one of you. They will tell you everything that is happening here. [10] My fellow prisoner Aristarchus sends you his greetings, as does Mark, the cousin of Barnabas. (You have received instructions about him; if he comes to you, welcome him.) [11] Jesus, who is called Justus, also sends greetings. These are the only Jews among my co-workers for the kingdom of God, and they have proved a comfort to me. [12] Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured. [13] I vouch for him that he is working hard for you and for those at Laodicea and Hierapolis. [14] Our dear friend Luke, the doctor, and Demas send greetings. [15] Give my greetings to the brothers and sisters at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house. [16] After this letter has been read to you, see that it is also read in the church of the Laodiceans and that you in turn read the letter from Laodicea. [17] Tell Archippus: “See to it that you complete the ministry you have received in the Lord.” [18] I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you. Scripture taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
What hints does Paul give of his teamwork approach to ministry?The closing section of Paul’s letter contains more in the way of personal greetings and news than most of the others (apart from Romans and 2 Timothy). It’s interesting to note what Paul writes about some of the people he mentions. Tychicus: someone dear to Paul, with the gift of encouragement, a faithful Christian (7,8). Onesimus: also dear to Paul, now a Christian (the subject of the letter to Philemon). Mark: now in favor again with Paul, after the events in Acts 15:36-41. Aristarchus: a faithful companion on Paul’s missionary journeys and now a prisoner with him (10). Epaphras: the one who first told the Colossians of Christ, now praying and working hard on their behalf (12,13). Along with others, these people were important to Paul. He may have been spearheading the spread of the Gospel and the development of Christian teaching, but clearly companionship in faith was vital to him. It could be said that he couldn’t have done it without them.
Apply
Who do you do ministry with? How do they support you, and how can you support them?
Closing prayer
Pray for those in your church who may work in ordinary and unnoticed ways but for whom you are thankful.
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