Weekly Devotional

The Power of a Friend

Paul was accompanied and guided by the Holy Spirit. But was that his only support? No! He traveled and worked with different partners and friends throughout his ministry.

Written by Hope on 28/10/2013

The Lord now chose 72 other disciples and sent them ahead in pairs to all the towns and places He planned to visit. Luke 10:1

"I also tell you this: if two of you agree here on earth concerning anything you ask, My Father in heaven will do it for you." Matthew 18:19

Next to Jesus, the Apostle Paul is the most prominent character in the New Testament. His story is told in the book of Acts, and his instructional letters (epistles) to his spiritual children make up about half the New Testament books. Being an educated Jewish man and a Roman citizen, Paul had many privileges, including freedom to travel. This enabled him to spread the Gospel across the Roman Empire, preaching and teaching to establish new churches everywhere.

Did He Do It Alone?

Of course, Paul was accompanied and guided by the Holy Spirit. But was that his only support? No! He traveled and worked with different partners and friends throughout his ministry.

First, one day while Christian prophets and teachers in Antioch "were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, 'Dedicate Barnabas and Saul for the special work to which I have called them.' So after more fasting and prayer, the men laid their hands on them and sent them on their way" (Acts 13:2-3). As a team, Paul and Barnabas effectively shared the Gospel and established several churches.

As Paul began his second missionary journey, his team included Timothy, a young disciple whose mother was a Jewish Believer. "They went from town to town, instructing the Believers to follow the decisions made by the Apostles and elders in Jerusalem. So the churches were strengthened in their faith and grew larger every day" (Acts 16:4-5).

Silas was yet another ministry companion, and suffered imprisonment with Paul. Through this trial, the Lord used Paul and Silas to lead others, including the jailer, to salvation. And when Paul and Silas rejoined their team, "they met with the Believers and encouraged them once more" (Acts 16:40).

Are You Alone?

Saint Paul was one of the most gifted evangelists ever. Time after time, God provided him with "faithful helpers who served with [him] in the Lord’s work" (Colossians 4:7). If the Lord allowed Paul to rely on partners, you can be sure it can be good for you! Ask the Lord to send someone to join you in the ministry He has for you.

Prayer, Care, and Share Jesus

“Support From a Friend”

Scripture: Luke 10:1

Have you ever heard the saying “two heads are better than one”? Whether you’re discipling, sharing the gospel or praying, doing those things with a friend who is also a believer can often be powerful when God is using you. Even the 72 disciples in Luke 10 were sent out in pairs to share the gospel. But remember, even when you’re not doing these things with a friend, you’re never alone because the Holy Spirit is with you (Acts 2).

There is power in agreement and accountability. We encourage you to meet or talk regularly with another follower of Jesus who prays, cares for, and shares Jesus with others. This support could take the form of helping each other in discipling a new believer, or praying together for others.

Jesus even explains in the Bible the power of agreement in Matthew 18:19, where He says that if two people agree on something and ask for it, it will be done for them by His Father in heaven.

You can even tell your friend about the Prayer Care and Share Jesus guide, and how it has helped you live out and share your faith based on teachings in the Bible. Teaching someone about it might even be helpful to you!


Pray this week:

That God will enable and empower you to boldly do His work.


Do you have at least one friend who you are accountable to, for the choices you make in life? If you don't have a friend in real life yet, you can talk to someone online, anonymously. Send us a message.

Find a Friend

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