1 Corinthians 12:16-24
12 Now about our brother Apollos: I strongly urged him to go to you with the brothers. He was quite unwilling to go now, but he will go when he has the opportunity.
13 Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. 14 Do everything in love.
15 You know that the household of Stephanas were the first converts in Achaia, and they have devoted themselves to the service of the Lord’s people. I urge you, brothers and sisters, 16 to submit to such people and to everyone who joins in the work and labors at it. 17 I was glad when Stephanas, Fortunatus and Achaicus arrived, because they have supplied what was lacking from you. 18 For they refreshed my spirit and yours also. Such men deserve recognition.
19 The churches in the province of Asia send you greetings. Aquila and Priscilla y greet you warmly in the Lord, and so does the church that meets at their house. 20 All the brothers and sisters here send you greetings. Greet one another with a holy kiss.
21 I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand.
22 If anyone does not love the Lord, let that person be cursed! Come, Lord!
23 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you.
24 My love to all of you in Christ Jesus. Amen. [1]
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What stands out for me in today’s passage is Paul’s dispersed ministry team. Paul was not a ministry loner. He was very much aware that living the mission of Christ and advancing the work of the kingdom is a team effort. And so he mentions Apollos, who will be heading to Corinth eventually. He mentions the team from Corinth who recently arrived to work with him. He mentions Aquila and Priscilla, who are currently working with him, and hosting a church in their house.
Who is on my team? Who is important to me in my walk with the Lord, in my living and pursuing His mission? At the top of my list is my wife, of course. I am also very blessed to be part of an excellent church ministry team, both our church team and our school team. But there are others in my life who are important to my spiritual well-being an health, the discipling groups Teresa and I lead for instance.
Who is on your team? Who is important to your spiritual journey, who helps you along your path of discipleship? And whose team are you on?My prayer today is for those people in my life who are a blessing to me in my walk with the Lord, who work with me in the Lord’s Vineyard, and journey with me on His ways.
What is the Word leading you to pray about today?
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[1] The New International Version. (2011). (1 Co 16:12–24). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.
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