Paul’s burden for ministry continues to increase while Aquila and Priscilla meet up to learn more about Apollos.
Acts 18:23, 26; 2 Timothy 4:5-7; Isaiah 55:10-11; Colossians 1:6; Philippians 3:12-14; 21
…
Eleven men hike their way up the twisted trail leading to a promontory that overlooks the city of Antioch below. The vegetation overgrowth concerns the younger Evodius who leads with a stick, ever prodding it into the ground in search of snakes or other nefarious creatures.
Lucius humorously observes the nervous Evodius and asks: “Everything okay up there?”
Right behind him is a snickering Ignatius who sees the bead of sweat dripping off of Evodius’ neck. “Purely adrenaline.” Ignatius thinks to himself. He knows Evodius is doing his best to keep from cowering in fear with every step and poke of the stick. And, he finds the scene hilarious.
As Barnabas trails behind Paul, he quips, “Hey, this looks familiar.”
Paul laughs. “Yeah we’ve done this once or twice before, haven’t we.”
Arriving at the top of the bluff, some of the men stretch, while others take in the view of the valley below and the far away mountains rising above the western side of the Orontes. Always prepared, Lucius passes around two water skins to share among the men.
Taking the lead, Niger calls out to the others. “Men, let us gather together.”
The men huddle.
Niger raises his hands above him and with his head aiming towards the sky, he offers: “We must give thanks to the Lord, my friends and partners in ministry.”
“Let Him be praised.” Manaen asserts.
“So be it!” Cry out the others.
Niger smiles broadly, as he looks Paul in the eyes. “My brothers, we have traversed this hill on many occasions now, and it has become a hill of commissioning.”
Lucius nods and laughs. “Yes it has.”
Niger continues: “This hill of commissioning symbolizes the light of our Lord being sent to places such as Alexandria, Damascus, Persia, Ethiopia, Cypress, Crete, Galatia, Asia, and now, as we have learned from our faithful brother, Saul, much of Greece has even heard of the wonderful salvation of our Lord.”
“So be it and may it continue!” Manaen shouts.
Smiling again, Niger addresses his maker. “Lord, as you know, a new issue faces the work you have entrusted to us as your earthly stewards. Many of our own continue to revert back to zealously practice the Law of Moses, at the expense of understanding the role of the Spirit you have so graciously given as a deposit for our future inheritance. Your Spirit is sufficient to change anyone who follows you, yet there are many who say, ‘it isn’t enough’. Even those who have believed have foolishly succumbed to the yoke of the Law, a yoke they couldn’t manage in the first place. Why have we foolishly abandoned your gift of grace? Why have we said “no” to the power of your Spirit?”
Titus nods and acknowledges. “Even some of the apostles in Jerusalem have lost sight of this.”
Paul quietly looks over at Titus, who is looking in another direction. He then ponders over what was just said, breathes a heavy sigh, and shakes his head.
Unbeknownst to Paul, Barnabas casts a long stare his way and is finally able to flag down his attention. He then gestures towards the mountain range in the west and uses his fingers as if to walk on his other palm. He points back at Paul.
Understanding his meaning, Paul slowly lets out another heavy breath and nods.
…
Priscilla cannot help but stare at the man seated across from her at the table.
Feeling the weight of her gaze, Apollos awkwardly looks over at Aquila who is slowly walking towards the two with an amphora of wine.
Catching her in her stare, Aquila dismisses the unspoken concern. “Don’t mind her.” He cracks. “She does that with any ridiculously good looking and well groomed man.”
Aquila’s comment doesn’t assuage Apollos’ discomfort.
“I tease.” Aquila quips with a laugh. “It’s not every day we host a sophisticated erudite in our humble abode.”
Apollos lets out a sigh and remarks. “Thank you, but I can assure you that…”
“Crack!” A loud thump interrupts from behind the wall.
Startled by the noise, Apollos asks, “What was that?”
Disgruntled by the familiar noise, Aquila hits the wall in protest. “Hey, you okay over there?”
A muffled voice yells back. “Sorry. Just scooted my chair too close to the wall.”
“What can we say?” Aquila retorts. “The walls in a Roman insula aren’t all that thick. Good news is that we have plenty of entertainment right here without having to leave our home.”
Apollos laughs.
“Have you ever lived in an apartment?” Priscilla asks, feeling somewhat self-conscious about her previous staring.
“Me?” Apollos asks. “Well, no. I’ve stayed in one while traveling, but no.”
Priscilla changes the subject and asks, “Where did you learn to speak like that?”
Aquila’s eyes widen as he looks over at his wife. “Well, that was blunt, wasn’t it.” He says.
Catching herself again, Priscilla explains: “I mean, I’ve never heard anyone speak like that before.”
Apollos blushes, as she continues.
“Your speech is razor sharp, not frilly like some. You’re eloquent, clearly educated, yes… but you’re remarkably clear… accessible.” She assesses.
Apollos replies with new curiosity. “That’s quite an observation. You sound as if you’ve had an extensive education yourself.”
Priscilla shifts in her seat. “If you don’t mind, tell us something about yourself. Are you married?”
Aquila deadpans at his wife. “No, but you are.” He snies.
Priscilla backhands Aquila across the shoulder. “Easy.” She replies. “I’m just asking.”
Apollos laughs at the humorous scene in front of him and starts to relax a little. “No, I’m not married.”
Aquila wryly looks back at Priscilla. “Don’t get any ideas here.” He looks back at Apollos and says, “Hey, if I don’t happen to wake up in the morning… Or maybe I fall off a cliff, or if I’m left for dead at the bottom of the sea, then you might want to ask her some serious questions.”
Apollos laughs again. “Are you two always like this?”
Priscilla grins. “Like what?”
“Funny.” Apollos responds.
“That’s just part of the deal of being married to this guy.” Priscilla says. “Now… getting back to you. Where are you coming from, and what has brought you here to Ephesus? I want to learn about who has mentored you and where you were educated.”
“Slow the wagon, hon.” Aquila says. “Give him room to breathe and a chance to answer.”
…
“We had better get moving, gentlemen.” Manaen calls out. “Once the sun goes over those mountains, we will have a very hard time seeing a part of the trail on our way down.”
Ignatius ribs Evodius and teases. “Uh oh. Now you won’t be able to even see what you’re poking at.”
Out of the corner of his eye, Evodius spots a long tailed lizard. He deftly and softly pinches it. In one quick motion, he sets it on Ignatius’ head.
Startled, Ignatius screams, “What did you just do?” He runs his hands through his head, sending the lizard flying several feet away.
Surprised by the screams, the other men look over at Evodius for an explanation.
He shrugs and reples, “Guess the critters like him. After all, what’s not to like?”
Hearing the laughter a short ways away, Barnabas asks, “When will you leave?”
“That obvious, huh?” Paul asks.
Barnabas grins. “More importantly, where will you go? Jerusalem? Back to Greece?”
“Unfortunately,” Paul replies, “They aren’t exactly next to each other.”
“Can’t be in more than one place at a time.” Barnabas jokes.
“So, I’ve been told.” Paul says. “What can I say? I’m a burdened man.”
“You talked about how you were similarly burdened over the believers in Thessalonica.” Barnabas says.
Both see the group well in front of them, making their way down the primitive trail.
Paul starts walking, as he contemplates Barnabas’ statement. “Very much so.”
“What did you do about it?” Barnabas asks.
Paul chuckles and replies, “You’re right. I sent Timothy to follow up and return with a report.”
“And…” Barnabas baits.
“And… I wrote to commend them and to further explain some things.” Paul says. “It’s what I needed to do. But some of these places need me to be hands on. I’m equally as concerned about returning back to Galatia and Ephesus as I am about needing to go back to Jerusalem.”
“I’m sorry.” Barnabas replies. “How many apostles are still there in Jerusalem?”
“Yes.” Paul concedes. “I’m just really nervous that some of them have lost their way.”
“So… Let me get this straight.” Barnabas condescends. “You’re saying that you need to be there–amongst all the other disciples who personally spent several years with Jesus himself–so you can teach them the right way to know Jesus? It’s almost like you want to be their savior. Here all along I thought that position was filled.”
Paul rolls his eyes in protest.
Reading his face, Barnabas continues, “Oh, maybe they got less of the Spirit than you?”
“No.” Paul replies.
Turning around to face him, Barnabas warns. “Careful not to get in God’s way, Saul of Tarsus. You’ve been blind before. Don’t let your burden cloud your judgment.”
…
“Wait, you’ve come from Rome and Corinth?” Apollos asks with surprise.
“Yes.” Both affirm.
“Then, you’re not from here? No family?” Apollos inquires.
“No.” Aquila replies. “Originally, my family was from Pontus, and we relocated to Rome when I was much younger.”
“Yet, you’re not in Rome or Corinth now.” Apollos puzzles.
Priscilla teases. “This guy’s a sharp one. Definitely a keeper.”
Apollos chuckles then blushes. “I’m confused, what would possibly bring you here to Ephesus?”
Priscilla raises an eyebrow. “We might ask you the same thing?”
Apollos raises his eyebrow over at Aquila. “You don’t get away with much, do you?”
Aquila sighs and says. “You have no idea!” He then addresses the previous question. “We were kicked out of Rome at the hands of Claudius. We relocated to Corinth.”
“Smart boy.” Priscilla pats her husband on the stomach. She then finishes his thought. “When we arrived in Corinth to start anew…” Priscilla explains, “We met somebody who…” She stops to choose her words.
Aquila smiles and cuts in. “Changed our direction?”
Priscilla nods. “Yes… that’s a nice way of saying things, isn’t it.”
Aquila smiles and explains. “There we were, minding our own business…”
Priscilla laughs.
“What?” Aquila asks. “We’re tent makers. We mind our own business.”
Rolling her eyes, Priscilla interrupts. “Move along, dear.”
“Too much?” He asks her.
Priscilla gestures, “Just a bit.”
“A man shows up one day at our kiosk.” Aquila continues. “At first, we thought he was just another Jewish refugee who made it from Rome and was needing shelter. But then he started looking closer at our structures and complimented our work in detail.”
“Turns out.” Priscilla continues. “He too was a tent maker.”
Apollos looks at both of his hosts. “Okay…”
Aquila continues. “He was needing work and offered to help in exchange for food and housing. We didn’t have much, and business was struggling at the time. But things began to change and having him there to help us was a Godsend.”
“But then…” Priscilla interjects.
Waving in acknowledgement, Aquila says, “Yes, yes. I’m getting to this.”
“What happened?” Apollos asked.
“Sabbath happened.” Priscilla explains. “Messiah happened. Saul of Tarsus happened.”
On the edge of his seat, Apollos lights up and asks, “What do you mean?”
“She means that this man who came asking for a job was none other than Saul of Tarsus.” Aquila explains to an unrealizing Apollos. Noticing his confusion, Aquila continues. “Saul of Tarsus. Surely you’ve heard of him. Surely you know his story. Almost every synagogue from Syria to Rome knows who he is by now.”
“I don’t know of the man.” Apollos responds.
“You know.” Priscilla says. “The one who met Jesus, the risen Messiah?”
“Risen Messiah?” Apollos asks. “What are you talking about?”
With mouths agape, Priscilla and Aquila look at each other in complete bafflement.
Patting her hand on Aquila’s arm, Priscilla says, “Honey, you had better get some more wine. I think we’re going to be here for a while.”
…
Acts 18:23, 26; 2 Timothy 4:5-7; Isaiah 55:10-11; Colossians 1:6; Philippians 3:12-14; 21
We’re going to stop here for today:
Priscilla and Aquila meet up with Apollos–a very polished and compelling guest speaker from Alexandria who recently taught in their synagogue and was advocating for the preparation of Messiah. More specifically, he was calling the congregation to get right with God, much like John the Baptist had while preaching out in the desert. Sensing that he didn’t have the full picture, Priscilla and Aquila invite him over for a meal and conversation.
Much to their surprise, they discover that Apollos knows little about Messiah and how he had already come on the scene. He has much to learn about who Jesus is, and what he has accomplished in both his ministry and resurrection.
Meanwhile, Paul returns to Antioch of Syria after completing his second mission trip. In reconnecting with the leaders of his sending church, Paul becomes even further burdened to head back out to the mission field to address a looming threat. With so many young churches being composed of Jewish and Jewish converted followers, Paul is deeply concerned about the temptation of these fledgling churches, which are scattered throughout modern day Greece and Turkey, reverting back to the Law of Moses. But, he’s equally concerned about the churches throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria doing the same thing.
How does one guy ensure that all of these churches stay in tact?
While we don’t know if Barnabas had this conversation with Paul, we can appreciate the wisdom coming from somebody like a Barnabas who at some point has served alongside of us in the ministry trenches. Who else would have better understood Paul’s concerns? Likewise, who better to understand ours?
Barnabas was one of the few who would understand what Paul was facing during his mission travels, for he accompanied Paul in his first endeavor. He was with Paul when they confronted the sorcerer in Cypress, when they fled for their lives out of Antioch of Pisidia and when they were nearly killed in Lystra. Barnabas also well understood the dynamics of the church in Jerusalem, as he was one of the first to fund the efforts of the disciples early on (Acts 4:36-37). Moreover, Barnabas knew all of the players in the Jerusalem church. He personally knew the apostles and possibly even knew Jesus at some level. Barnabas is the one who was responsible for introducing Paul to the leaders in Jerusalem shortly after Paul’s conversion experience (Acts 9:26-27). If anybody knew Paul, it was Barnabas.
Ministry is a burden. It’s a good burden, but it’s a burden nonetheless. So many things can go wrong. So many problems can emerge. In many cases, there is often so little to show for it. Yet, God plays the long range game and determines final outcomes. At the end of the day, we can take heart that:
We have fought the good fight!
So we tell others about Christ, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all the wisdom God has given us. We want to present them to God, perfect in their relationship to Christ. That’s why I work and struggle so hard, depending on Christ’s mighty power that works within me.
— Colossians 1:28-29
But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you.
As for me, my life has already been poured out as an offering to God. The time of my death is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing.
— 2 Timothy 4:5-7
Our ministry has not been done in vain.
The rain and snow come down from the heavens and stay on the ground to water the earth. They cause the grain to grow, producing seed for the farmer and bread for the hungry. It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it.
— Isaiah 55:10-11
This same Good News that came to you is going out all over the world. It is bearing fruit everywhere by changing lives, just as it changed your lives from the day you first heard and understood the truth about God’s wonderful grace.
— Colossians 1:6
God is in charge. Our job is to simply press onward.
I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.
He will take our weak mortal bodies and change them into glorious bodies like his own, using the same power with which he will bring everything under his control.
— Philippians 3:12-14; 21
May you be encouraged by this wherever you may find yourselves burdened to serve. Know that God is with you each step of the way, and take heart that he will finish in you what he first began.
In view of your participation in the gospel from the first day until now. For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work among you will complete it by the day of Christ Jesus.
— Philippians 1:5-6
Let’s move forward together!