Acts 20:1-6

    When the uproar had ended, Paul sent for the disciples and, after encouraging them, said good-by and set out for Macedonia. He traveled through that area, speaking many words of encouragement to the people, and finally arrived in Greece, where he stayed three months. Because the Jews made a plot against him just as he was about to sail for Syria, he decided to go back through Macedonia. He was accompanied by Sopater son of Pyrrhus from Berea, Aristarchus and Secundus from Thessalonica, Gaius from Derbe, Timothy also, and Tychicus and Trophimus from the province of Asia. These men went on ahead and waited for us at Troas. But we sailed from Philippi after the Feast of Unleavened Bread, and five days later joined the others at Troas, where we stayed seven days.

 

Other people were very important to Paul, especially other believers. These six verses mention seven men by name as Paul’s companions, and Paul lovingly fellowships with many others, too.

 

In the first verse, although it would have been tempting to get out of town as quickly as possible following a riot aimed at him, Paul took the time to send for and encourage the disciples before leaving Ephesus.

 

On his journey, Paul’s time was spent “speaking many words of encouragement to the people.”

 

When Paul left Greece, he was accompanied by seven other Christian travelers, each one mentioned by name.

 

And in the final verses, we learn that still others (“us/we”) joined Paul and his companions at Troas.

 

Paul was not a one man show. He depended on and loved others. His ministry aimed at serving and encouraging very real people, people Paul grew to care about and invite to join him in ministry.

 

Father, may I, like Paul, depend fully on You. And may I, like Paul, gratefully receive Your provision of friends and brothers – family to walk down the road of life with me. You are good.