A Christian friend is one of the finest blessings of grace. Paul was never without this bounty. From the time that the Lord sent Ananias to him in Damascus, with the greeting, “Brother Saul,” until the time that he became absent from the body and present with his greatest Friend, the Apostle was not without some companion of grace, or the Lord Himself. Indeed, the Lord was always with him. There was one time when his human friends did forsake him; but he does not speak of that sadness without taking opportunity to mention the faithfulness of the Lord. These are his words, “At my first defense no one took my part, but all forsook me; may it not be laid to their account. But the Lord stood by me, and strengthened me; that through me the message might be fully proclaimed, and that all the Gentiles might hear; and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. The Lord will deliver me from every evil work and will save me unto His heavenly kingdom: to Whom (be) the glory forever and ever. Amen.”
The Apostle’s friends were not mere social acquaintances. They were men and women who had a passion for souls, because of the Lord’s love for them and their love for Him. The very names of the saints mentioned are like a breath from heaven. Think of that beautiful scene of the counseling and praying Apostle with the elders of the Ephesian Church. Think again of Priscilla and Aquila, those faithful servants of the Lord, who had expounded the way of God more accurately to Apollos, and who had meant so much to Paul in the Corinthian campaign, and possibly also in that at Ephesus. Then we are introduced to Phoebe, another real servant of the Lord. And then there was Epaphroditus, and the many other faithful co-laborers in the work of evangelism. These men and women were bound together not merely by social events, but by earnest Gospel ministry. What present-day minister can boast of more glorious title than Epaphroditus? Note this verse, “But I counted it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother and fellow-worker and fellow-soldier, and your Apostle and minister to my need” (Phil. 2:2525Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labor, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants. (Philippians 2:25)).
Our Hope.