Contending with Paul 3

Paul's Co-Workers - Biographies & Insights

De: William Joseph Cobble

Narrado por: Virtual Voice

#1 Best Seller Rankings:

• "Christian New Testament Biographies" (United States)

• "Christian Education" (United Kingdom)

• "Christian Biographies," "Bible Study Guides," & "Christian Education" (Canada)

• "Greet Urbanus, our co-worker in Christ …" (Romans 16:9)
• "As for Titus, he is my partner and co-worker in your service …" (2nd Corinthians 8:23)
• "Epaphroditus – my brother and co-worker and fellow soldier …" (Philippians 2:25)
• "… together with Clement and the rest of my co-workers …" (Philippians 4:3)
• "These are the only ones of the circumcision among my co-workers …" (Colossians 4:11)
• "… and we sent Timothy, our brother and co-worker …" (1st Thessalonians 3:2)
• "To Philemon our dear friend and co-worker …" (Philemon 2)

“The term sunergos (fellow worker, helper, co-worker) is used in the New Testament to describe individuals who work alongside others in the ministry of the Gospel. It emphasizes collaboration and partnership in the work of God. The word conveys a sense of unity and shared purpose among believers as they labor together for the advancement of the Kingdom of God.” - Berean Strong’s Lexicon

As Paul took the Gospel into the Graeco-Roman world, who were the men and women who partnered with him? In Paul’s letters, their names are sometimes found within a verse or passage from which some biographical or historical information can be gleaned. In these places, Paul might disclose a co-worker’s role within his ongoing work, divulge the part they played in some internal controversy, or even eulogize their passing. When also found in the Book of Acts, additional clues are occasionally available that help one to further discern the “when, where, and how” of the co-worker’s involvement in Paul’s missionary endeavors.

These men and women are First Century heroes of the Christian faith, often toiling in those cities where Paul’s work had begun, or where he desired to bring his teachings. Paul will sometimes be on the periphery as these stories are told, though it is he who directs the co-workers as they move from city to city, sometimes accompanying him, sometimes delivering his correspondence, and sometimes representing him to the congregations in his absence.

From the New Testament writings, the co-workers appear as a colorful band, disparate in origins, but united towards a singular goal. Within this retinue, one finds the following:

• The first known European convert.
• A married couple who were refugees.
• A prophet.
• A Levite.
• A slaveowner.
• The first known Christian from Alexandria (Egypt).
• A married couple who were Christians prior to Paul.
• A man who Paul had circumcised.
• One who almost died - and one who did.
• Two who also worked with Peter.
• Two who are accredited with writing Gospels.
• And one who deserted the imprisoned Paul because "he was in love with this present world."

Contending with Paul 3 will examine each of these characters, and many others, providing historical context, biographical information, and insights.

These are figures who deserve to be known - and this is what the New Testament tells us about them.