Helpers along the Way
Luke: The Vocational Missionary
Which are you?
- The Backbone
- Vocational Missionary
- Financial Backer
- He first appears with Paul in Troas. You see him in Acts in the "we" passages - Acts 16:10-12
- He remained in Philippi when Paul and Silas departed - 16:40
- He ministered to Paul in his sickness - Gal 4:14
- He followed Paul to Rome - Acts 20:5, 6
- Point: Vocational Missionaries are a huge boost to the work!
- Doctors, dentists, even lawyers are needed in the mission field
Jason: Financial Backer
- Preaching Jesus turned the world "upside down" - Ac 17:1-5
- Paul made his escape - 17:6
- Jason became the financial backer to this venture - 17:6-8
- Jason 'harbored' Paul
- Paul was not to be found, so Jason became responsible
- There is another king! (7)
- To the people: a revoluton
- To the rulers: a charge of treason
- Jason gave "security" - 17:9
- usually refers to money
- Can be a promise not to return - 1 Thess 2:17-19
James: The Backbone
- The half-brother of Jesus, a pillar of the church in Jerusalem - Gal 1:19; 2:9
- Peter spoke, then James - Acts 15:7, 11
- James was one of the first to defend the Gentiles - 15:13
- He knew Scripture - vs 15
- He was willing to give his opinion, even if unpopular - vs 19
- He was involved - vs 20
- He was informed of Peter's escape from prison - 12:17
- Visited by Paul on 3rd missionary journey - 21:17, 18
- Point: God needs people with backbone!