We all know about Paul’s three missionary journeys. He did not, however, travel alone; far from it. Barnabas and Mark traveled with him on the first tour (Acts 13:2,5). Paul heads out the second time with Silas (15:40). In Lystra, he invites Timothy to join them (16:1). The third journey begins from Corinth, as Paul is accompanied by Priscilla and Aquila (18:18).
Throughout these travels, others join Paul’s entourage off and on, depending on Paul’s directions. There was Erastus “who ministered to him” (Acts 19:22), Also Sopater, Aristarchus and Secundus, Gaius and Tychicus (Acts 20:4), and Trophimus, who, once he had to leave at Miletus sick (2 Tim. 4:20). We can add fellow travelers Crescens and Titus (2 Tim.4:10). Most prominent was Luke, “the beloved physician” (Col. 4:14), who would chronicle Paul’s travels.
With his second arrest, and his entourage scattered by harsh persecution, he spends his final days alone in a prison in Rome. “No one supported me, but all deserted me.” He pleads for Timothy to come to him, “only Luke is with me” (2 Tim. 4:9-16). This old soldier of the cross writes, “But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me” (2 Tim. 4:17). Do you have an entourage of Christian friends to help you spread the gospel, face adversity, and in your final days, will be by your side?
-Dennis Doughty
