The list of Paul’s friends and ministry companions in Colossians 4 is quite impressive. Tychicus, Onesimus, Aristarchus, Mark, Barnabas, Justus, Epaphras, Luke, Demas, Nympha, and Archippus. I count 11 names, each representing an important relationship Paul had formed. 

 

Ministry is a relationship business. Paul’s RQ—his relationship quotient—was as large as his IQ. Someone has counted nearly one hundred names that are associated with Paul’s ministry throughout the book of Acts and in his New Testament epistles. In Romans 16 alone, Paul drops in 26 names.

 

Each name is a reminder that we are not alone in the Lord’s work, and that we need each other. Real biblical community is found in your local church.

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“Every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good.”

Romans 8:28 MSG