Read:
In our modern world, we can do most things on our own when it comes to travel. You can book your tickets online, check in at the airport or hotel with an app, rent a car, or call a rideshare. There are even apps that will translate foreign signs right on your phone!
It wasn’t that way for travelers in the ancient world. Travel was difficult, expensive, and often dangerous. People often traveled with companions—safety in numbers! Before setting out, friends and family loaded them up with provisions. A business associate welcomed them at their destination. If they had never met before, the person who had connected them—like a network—- a letter the traveler could present as proof that they were who they said they were.
This gives us a new perspective on Paul’s missionary journeys. Paul taught the Word of God throughout Asia, but he was never alone and couldn’t have done it by himself. An army of people surrounded him at every stage to make sure his mission was successful.
In the final section of his letter to the Romans, Paul mentions some of these people:. Phoebe had helped him and may have even been the one to travel to Rome to deliver the letter. Priscilla and Aquilla had lived in Rome before knowing Christ , met Paul in Corinth, and were now back in Rome leading a church in their home. Paul lists a dozen people, all of whom helped him or led churches to help others fully follow Jesus.
Today, there are still many people who follow Jesus and many who haven’t yet heard about him. That’s why we serve together—because God gave each of us a unique way to reach others, and we can’t do it alone.
Pray: Dear God, thank you for placing people in the Church who help carry out the mission you’ve given us. Show me how I can jump in and be part of what you’re doing! Amen.