Paul: A Real MVPÀpẹrẹ

Recruiting Through Example

Throughout his ministry, Paul, not having a wife and children depending on him, was free to move around when and where he was needed, making himself available to any and all who would listen to the Truth of the Gospel. 

When Barnabas, who had been a big help to Paul when he was in Jerusalem and tried to join the apostles, came looking for him, Paul was happy to follow his friend back to Antioch and invest in the people there. Paul and Barnabas spent a year in Antioch, not only speaking the Truth of the Gospel, but giving people time to observe them as they obeyed God and so proved the Gospel true. Their investment paid off. Believers in Antioch were the first to be called Christians, a word that means “little Christ.” What a compliment! 

Understanding he could not possibly take the Gospel everywhere It needed to go and/or spend time with everyone who needed a godly example to follow, Paul challenged all Christians to join him on mission. They could hardly argue. Paul wasn’t asking any more of them than he would been doing himself. 

How about you? What are you willing to sacrifice to make sure the Gospel is preached? Whom are you encouraging with your words and actions to do the same? 

Does your commitment to the spread of the Gospel serve as inspiration or an excuse for others looking to follow your lead? 

What, if anything, needs to change? What would that look like?