p. 374 | Paul’s Assistants by Editor

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Jun 19, 1884

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 10, No. 24.

Paul’s Assistants.

By Editor

REGARDING the fellow-laborers of the apostle at Rome, we find the following in “Sketches from the Life of Paul,” by Mrs. E. G. White:—

“Among the assistants of Paul in his labors were many of his former companions and fellow-workers. Luke, ‘the beloved physician,’ who had attended him in the journey to Jerusalem, through the two years’ imprisonment at Cæsarea, and upon his last perilous voyage, was with him still. Timothy also ministered to his comfort. Tychicus was his mail-bearer, taking his messages to the different churches which they had visited together. Demas and Mark also were with him.

“Mark had once been refused by Paul as unworthy to accompany him, because, when his help was much needed, he had left the apostle and returned to his home. He saw that, as Paul’s companion, his life must be one of constant toil, anxiety, and self-denial; and he desired an easier path. This led the apostle to feel that he could not be trusted, and that decision caused the unhappy dissension between Paul and Barnabas.

“Mark had since learned the lesson which all must learn, that God’s claims are above every other. He saw that there is no release in the Christian warfare. He had obtained a closer and more perfect view of his Pattern, and had seen upon his hands the scars of his conflict to save the lost and perishing. He was willing to follow his Master’s example of earnestness and self-sacrifice, that he might win souls to Jesus and the blessedness of Heaven. And now, while sharing the lot of Paul the prisoner, Mark understood better than ever before, that it is infinite gain to win Christ at whatever cost, and infinite loss to win the world and lose the soul for whose redemption the blood of Christ was shed. Mark was now a useful and beloved helper of the apostle, and he continued faithful even unto the end. In writing from Rome just prior to his martyrdom, Paul bade Timothy, ‘Take Mark, and bring him with thee; for he is profitable to me for the ministry.’

“Demas was now a faithful helper of the apostle. A few years afterward, however, in the same letter to Timothy which commends Mark’s fidelity, Paul writes, ‘Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world.’ For worldly gain, Demas bartered every higher and nobler consideration. How short-sighted, how unwise the exchange! Those who possess only worldly wealth or honor are poor indeed, however much they may proudly call their own. Those who choose to suffer for Christ’s sake, will win eternal riches; they will be heirs of God, and joint-heirs with his Son. They may not have on earth a place to lay their heads; but in Heaven the Saviour whom they love is preparing mansions for them.”