Paul's Associates

You will probably recognize some of these names, but as you read this list, you might realize that they all had something in common.

Stephen, Ananias, Barnabas, John Mark, Simeon Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen, Peter, James, Judas Barsabas, Silas, Timothy, Luke, Lydia, Phillipian jailer, Jason, Dionysius the Aeropagite, Damaris, Aquila & Priscilla, Titius Justus, Crispus, Apollos, Erastus, Sopater of Berea, Aristarchus, Secundus, Gaius, Tychicus, Trophimus, Phillip the evangelist, Agabus, Mnason of Cyprus, Phoebe, Epaenetus, Mary of Rome, Andronicus, Junias, Ampliatus, Urbanus, Stachys, Apelles, household of Aristobulus, Herodian, household of Narcissus, Tryphaena, Tryphosa, Persis, Rufus, Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas, Philologus, Julia, Nereus, Olympas, Sosipater, Tertius, Quartus, Sosthenes, Stephanas, Fortunatus, Achaicus. Epaphroditus, Euodia, Syntyche, Clement, Epaphras, Onesimus, Aristarchus, Jesus Justus, Demas, Nympha, Silvanus, Crescens, Titus, Carpus, Onesiphorus, Eubulus, Pudens, Linus, Claudia, Zenas the lawyer, and Philemon.

All these people knew the Apostle Paul.  Some were his companions as he traveled and ministered.  Some were co-workers that had their own ministries, but they kept a close association with Paul.  Some were just helpers that might have had only one opportunity to assist Paul by letting him stay in their homes for a few days, or giving him a meal.  Stephen's intercession at his martyrdom brought Paul into the Kingdom.  Ananias interceded for Paul to boost him into ministry.  Barnabas stood up for, and beside, Paul when the Church wasn't ready to accept his conversion.

Paul is often looked up to as an example of ministry because he had such an impact and took the Good News into unreached territory.  But we see many today that seek to exalt themselves through their 'ministry."  Paul was not a lone wolf.  Throughout his ministry, he connected to other people.  He didn't do it all alone.

i remember one TV preacher that used to host a program where he would interview and converse with other preachers.  Then, he changed his program.  No more guests.  No more promoting other ministries.  I immediately saw this as a warning sign.  Sure enough, one of the major TV networks exposed him as a fake and a phony out to get money from his supporters.

Paul had no problem associating with, and working with others.  He knew he couldn't do it all alone.  He recognized that he needed other people.  He did this easily, because his ministry was about people.

Where are the Pauls of today?