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 Silas
first traveled with Paul to Jerusalem on that momentous occasion
when there were “issues” that needed settling. Luke records
the co-labor of several different ones with Paul, and Paul
mentions “true yoke- fellows” in some of his writings (Acts
14:18; Phil. 4:3). I would conclude from this that the H.S.
approved of such efforts and also that the fellow laborers
benefited from the presence of each other. Such a relationship
is not without difficulties. Anytime there are people together
there are, to some degree, problems of adjusting to each other’s
personalities and the need for patience with flaws of character.
People are people, no matter who they are. However, true yoke-
fellows are indeed a blessing.
Paul
and Barnabas had a disagreement about taking John Mark with them
which produced sharp feelings. You see, Paul and John Mark didn’t
“hit- it-off” very well after Mark left them “high and dry”
in Pamphylia. Paul evidently felt justified in not wanting Mark
along, and Mark might have been able to excuse his actions in
Pamphylia — at least, to himself. So Paul chose Silas, and
Mark went on with Barnabas. This rift must have been mended
later because Paul wrote, “Take Mark, and bring him with thee:
for he is profitable to me for the ministry,” (2 Tim. 4:11).
From
experience, I can recommend two or more men working together in
preaching the Gospel. It is no easy task — if you don’t
believe it, ask those with whom I have worked. Our relationship
continued profitably because I was willing to give 60% while
they gave 40%. Of course, even as I write this, I
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am aware that
they were probably the ones giving 60%. The willingness of each
to go the extra five miles avoided any major
problem. It is the Lord’s way (Matt. 5:41).
Together,
Paul and Silas were beaten with many stripes because they had
angered the masters of a demon-possessed damsel. They sat
together, securely bound in their stocks, and sang praises and
prayed at midnight. Later, they taught the jail-keeper about
their master, Christ Jesus; and saw fruit abound from their
labor. They knew the anger of religious men, the perils of
travel and the weight of concern for the churches. But the loads
were lighter because each was a source of strength to the other.
This
is the same kind of relationship that exists in a local church
— Christians working together, making allowances for
individual weaknesses, and suffering long in the face of
provocation. Many are not willing to put forth the effort. They
find it easier to cringe in their darkened dens and lick their
self-inflicted wounds as they yelp for others to grovel with
them in their self-pity. Problems do arise, but solutions must
be sought. This takes patience — the quickest way to the lair
is not the best. The warmth of brotherly love is a just reward
for tears and diligent effort, and our loads are lighter when a
brother is helping to lift.
The
memories of toil, tears, tender compassion and triumph linger
and they are enriched because there were others to share them.
Jim R. Everett
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