Paul’s Mighty Men
When we had come to Jerusalem, the brothers received us gladly. 18 On the following day Paul went in with us to James, and all the elders were present. 19 After greeting them, he related one by one the things that God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry. 20 And when they heard it, they glorified God. And they said to him, “You see, brother, how many thousands there are among the Jews of those who have believed. They are all zealous for the law, 21 and they have been told about you that you teach all the Jews who are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children or walk according to our customs. 22 What then is to be done? They will certainly hear that you have come. 23 Do therefore what we tell you. We have four men who are under a vow; 24 take these men and purify yourself along with them and pay their expenses, so that they may shave their heads. Thus all will know that there is nothing in what they have been told about you, but that you yourself also live in observance of the law. 25 But as for the Gentiles who have believed, we have sent a letter with our judgment that they should abstain from what has been sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from what has been strangled, and from sexual immorality.” 26 Then Paul took the men, and the next day he purified himself along with them and went into the temple, giving notice when the days of purification would be fulfilled and the offering presented for each one of them.
Colorful Cactus | Arbor Gate, Tomball, Texas | May 2024
I am serving as vacancy pastor at a church in Friendswood – about a 150 mile round trip. The other night I met with a group of men from there who I am asking to be my prayer partners. I shared with them that when I was serving at St. John, I had a group of men (elders) who I called David’s Mighty Men. That was based on the account in 2 Samuel 23:8-39. These were elite warriors who helped David establish his kingdom. I have no need to establish my kingdom, but I need men who will stand by me and keep me focused, and protected from the wiles of the devil. They were great partners in mission there, and I hope that the men who have agreed to be Pastor’s Prayer Partners at Hope will be the same. I have no reason to think otherwise.
I had to think of that when I read this account of the men who meet Paul as he is on his way to Jerusalem, and is now in the city. Despite how God had blessed people through Paul’s ministry and mission efforts, and the reception he got with the elders and leaders in Jerusalem, Paul faced threats – from within the Jewish community.
We know all about jealousy, fear, and envy, and how that can erode ministry effectiveness. We know all about how people actually oppose the things of God. But we don’t think that opposition ought to come from within the church. Sadly, sometimes it does.
Sometimes that opposition comes because of misunderstanding or misinformation about what is happening, what was said, and how the ministry is being worked out. That seems to be the case here. But, nevertheless, there is need to quell the opposition, fear, and misinformation around Paul’s missionary work. To do that will require Paul’s Mighty Men to act in his behalf and defense.
Paul will not have 30 like David did. But he will have four who will stand in the gap with and for him. They will complete a vow and vouch for Paul’s faithfulness. There may not be a war in the same way as David fought, but there is a spiritual war going on. And the devil will use anything he can to derail God’s mission. Thank God for those who stand with their leaders and fellow servants to defend, protect, pray for, and encourage those servants of the gospel. They are a blessing!
David Bahn - Reflections 