Friendship – Day 20

We have looked at a couple of the Apostle Paul’s friendships over the past couple of weeks. There was Barnabas, with whom he disagreed, but respected and continued to love nonetheless. There was Aquila and Priscilla, a godly couple who worked with him, both at making tents and at making the gospel known across the land. Then, of course, there is Timothy.

Paul personally trained Timothy for the ministry. We read here that they shared each other’s feelings, some versions of the Bible use the phrase ‘like-minded’. There was no one else that Paul trusted enough to send to the church in Philippi. Paul did not have to worry that Timothy would say something that would contradict him. He did not have to worry about Timothy undermining his efforts on behalf of the Philippian believers. Timothy was like-minded. His passion for Christ was like Paul’s and they would be in good hands under Timothy’s care.

Timothy became one of Paul’s most significant collaborators. For years, these two friends were inseparable and their ministry benefitted from their alliance. Timothy was a trusted confidant and six of Paul’s letters mention him as a co-sender. When God brings spiritual friendships together, he always has something bigger in mind than just benefitting the circle of friends.