Meditations

On the Sabbath we went outside the city gate to the river, where we expected to find a place of prayer. We sat down and began to speak to the women who had gathered there. One of those listening was a woman from the city of Thyatira named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth. She was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message. When she and the members of her household were baptized, she invited us to her home. “If you consider me a believer in the Lord,” she said, “come and stay at my house.” And she persuaded us. Acts 16:13-15

“Lydia pleads for Paul’s group to stay. Hospitality was both a sacred duty and a privilege for the host, especially if the guest was a particularly honorable person. Insisting on a guest staying was good form and refusing an invitation could be deemed rude. Both Lydia and the jailer (Acts 16:34) demonstrate the reality of their faith by hospitality.”

Craig S. Keener in Acts (NCBC; Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2020) 393.

Looking at Lydia we see a vibrant faith verified by her zealous and generous hospitality. She obviously knew something that can only be learned by experience: hosting others is both a sacred duty and a privilege.

It gives one a glimpse of God’s abundance. Those that serve others are refreshed, refilled, and rewarded with blessing. They don’t end up empty but enriched. How might you and I show hospitality like Lydia?

I am particularly struck by Keener’s depiction that Lydia “pleads for Paul’s group to stay.” What might it look like for you to to plead for the opportunity to bless others through sharing and caring? Follow the leading of the Spirit.

Then the angel said to him, “Put on your clothes and sandals.” And Peter did so. “Wrap your cloak around you and follow me,” the angel told him. Peter followed him out of the prison, but he had no idea that what the angel was doing was really happening; he thought he was seeing a vision. They passed the first and second guards and came to the iron gate leading to the city. It opened for them by itself, and they went through it. When they had walked the length of one street, suddenly the angel left him.

Then Peter came to himself and said, “Now I know without a doubt that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from Herod’s clutches and from everything the Jewish people were hoping would happen.”

When this had dawned on him, he went to the house of Mary the mother of John, also called Mark, where many people had gathered and were praying. Acts 12:8-12

“When Peter escaped he took his way straight to the house of Mary, the mother of John Mark. From that we learn that this was the headquarters of the Christian Church. It has indeed been suggested that it was in this very house that the Last Supper was eaten and that it continued to be the meeting place of the disciples in Jerusalem. Note what the Christians were doing. They were praying. When they were up against it, they turned to God.”

William Barclay in The Acts of the Apostles (DBSS; Philadelphia: Westminster Press 1976) 95.

In the early church, Mary, the mother of John Mark, was a prayer warrior. She opened her home despite the risk, and it became the center of the Christian church. It was a house of prayer.

This is not an insignificant point. She had space in her home and made margin in her calendar. Those dedicated to prayer are not peripheral but central to Christian mission.

People ask me about my global work with GTP. Let me tell you about my mom. As today is her 80^th birthday, I want to honor my mother, Patricia “Patsy” Hoag. She prays for me every day.

If I navigate hard situations, have wisdom for difficult tasks, and find courage in crisis, it comes, at least in part, as a result of her prayers. I continue to be sustained by her encouragement and intercession.

And she extends this not just toward me and my family. For her whole life, she has opened her home and heart to others making it a pivotal place for God’s worker to fellowship and get fueled for service. Happy Birthday Mom!

And thanks, Mary, the mother of John Mark, for your example of faithful intercession coupled with generous hospitality. Imagine your home as the place where Peter would ran when miraculously delivered from chains by the angel!

Wow! God, make us people like Mary so people run to us for refuge.

In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (in Greek her name is Dorcas); she was always doing good and helping the poor. About that time she became sick and died, and her body was washed and placed in an upstairs room. Lydda was near Joppa; so when the disciples heard that Peter was in Lydda, they sent two men to him and urged him, “Please come at once!” Peter went with them, and when he arrived he was taken upstairs to the room. All the widows stood around him, crying and showing him the robes and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was still with them. Peter sent them all out of the room; then he got down on his knees and prayed. Turning toward the dead woman, he said, “Tabitha, get up.” She opened her eyes, and seeing Peter she sat up. He took her by the hand and helped her to her feet. Then he called for the believers, especially the widows, and presented her to them alive. This became known all over Joppa, and many people believed in the Lord. Acts 9:36-42

“Luke describes her as “full of good works and acts of mercy,” where the sense is that her life had been devoted to these things. Her loss was deeply felt by the Christian community…The widows were there showing him the garments that Dorcas had made while she was still with them. The participle in the middle voice implies that the widows were actually exhibiting the clothes on themselves.”

David J. Williams in Acts (UBCS; Grand Rapids: Baker, 2011).

The exploration of the 70 inspired me to look at other names in the early church in the New Testament to see how their ordinary lives exhibit an extraordinary testimony of devotion to Jesus Christ.

Take Dorcas for instance. Many would label her insignificant. Her focus was serving widows. In antiquity, widows were forgotten women, and they had few rights. Most suffered a lonely and impoverished existence.

But not the widows around Dorcas. They were styling because of her generosity. What wares do you make that you could share with others? Clothing? Cookies? Whatever you make, devote yourself to sharing it generously.

God sees our devotion, especially the care we show to the least among us.

Stay in that house, eating and drinking what they give you; for the laborer is worthy of his wages. Do not keep moving from house to house.’” Luke 10:7

Hippolytus of Rome gives us the oldest extant list of the 70 (Luke 10:1-7). Today’s post highlights his account of 51-60.

“61. Tychicus, bishop of Chalcedon.

62. Carpus, bishop of Berytus in Thrace.

63. Evodus, bishop of Antioch.

64. Aristarchus, bishop of Apamea.

65. Mark, who is also John, bishop of Bibloupolis.

66. Zenas, bishop of Diospolis.

67. Philemon, bishop of Gaza.

68, 69. Aristarchus and Pudes.

70. Trophimus, who was martyred along with Paul.

Hippolytus of Rome in On the End of the World, 49.

As I stated previously, for some of these names, it is impossible to note whether they are the ones mentioned by Paul or Luke in the writings of the New Testament, but it is interesting to note that these names do seem to play key roles in Christian mission.

For example, we find a mention of a Tychicus is Ephesians 6:21 and Colossians 4:7. Paul left a cloak with Carpus, and asked Timothy to collect it with his books and parchments in 2 Timothy 4:13.

Aristarchus, Mark, and Justus are mentioned in Colossians 4:10-11. Philemon is a Colossian convert and co-worker of Paul. He has his own letter in which Paul urges him to free a slave, Onesimus.

Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke are mentioned in Philemon 1:24. Peter refers to John Mark as “my son” (1 Peter 5:13), even though they are not blood-related.

Zenas is a lawyer whom Paul tells Titus to send along with Apollos, seeing “that they lack nothing” in Titus 3:13. I love that a lawyer is a part of the story near the death of Paul. It seems that Paul wants to spend time with his lawyer on his way to Rome to meet the emperor.

Trophimus, lastly, comes into view as a Christian from Ephesus in Asia who travels with Paul for a while. He’s mentioned with Tychichus in Acts 20:4 and also in 21:29. Paul left him ill in Miletus in 2 Timothy 4:20. Hippolytus adds that he was martryed with Paul.

What is unmistakably evident is that mission was back then and is today a team effort. Also, no task is more or less important whether you are delivering a coat and books or a gospel message.

Also, sacrifice is evident. To see that “someone lacks nothing” means that sometimes our role is to resource God’s servants who are on mission with whatever we have. Teamwork. Sacrifice.

And one more thing from Hippolytus. To use “my son” language of a Christian brother surfaces the notion that when we work together on mission, we are family. Teamwork. Sacrifice. Family.

Thanks Hippolytus for this list and for reminding us to work together, even to the point of giving our lives—generously and sacrificially—as a family who aim only to bring glory to the Lord Jesus Christ.

If a man of peace is there, your peace will rest on him; but if not, it will return to you. Luke 10:6

Hippolytus of Rome gives us the oldest extant list of the 70 (Luke 10:1-7). Today’s post highlights his account of 51-60.

“51. Cephas.

52. Sosthenes, bishop of Colophonia.

53. Tychicus, bishop of Colophonia.

54. Epaphroditus, bishop of Andriace.

55. Caesar, bishop of Dyrrachium.

56. Mark, cousin to Barnabas, bishop of Apollonia.

57. Justus, bishop of Eleutheropolis.

58. Artemas, bishop of Lystra.

59. Clement, bishop of Sardinia.

60. Onesiphorus, bishop of Corone.”

Hippolytus of Rome in On the End of the World, 49.

It must be noted as we draw near to the end of this list of the 70 that some names are common.

It is really impossible to locate whether or not a person in this list is the same as those listed in the New Testament. It seems however that this section of the list would become co-workers of the Apostle Paul in the region of Asia Minor.

Sosthenes was an official of the Jewish synagogue at Corinth. Paul calls him a “brother” in 1 Corinthians 1:1 and Acts 18:17. This may be the same guy.

We find Tychicus as a co-worker and messenger in Ephesians 6:21 and Colossians 4:7. This name also comes up as number 61 linked to a different city so it is hard to pinpoint which Tychicus is in view.

Epaphroditus is the human care package mentioned in Philippians 2:25 and sent to Rome to minister to Paul. When Paul sends him back to them, likely with the letter to the Philippians, he asks them to give him a hero’s welcome.

Mark is mentioned preaching in Cyprus with Barnabas in Acts 15:39, but unfortunately Acts says nothing more about him after this. But Colossians 4:10 does tells us that Mark was “the cousin of Barnabas.”

Justus was another name for Jesus. He was a converted Jew from “among the circumcision” and greeted by Paula as a co-worker in Colossians 4:11. Artemas, if it is the same person, was Paul’s messenger to Titus in Titus 3:12.

Clement is mentioned as a fellow worker to Paul in Philippians 4:3. Lastly Onesiphorus, is a faithful supporter to the ministry of Paul. Paul mentions him in 2 Timothy 1:16 and 4:19.

Paul mentions all these people in his writings. It reminds each of us that we are players on a grand stage working out a great story together—God’s story—in a part of the world where He has placed us.

We might think we are not making a difference, but one day we are a messenger or a co-worker, the next day an overseer of God’s growing work. The only way this happens is if each of us plays our part.

We must work together. Perhaps that’s the lesson here? A small group of generous people who are willing to give their lives for the gospel can change the world, but only if they work together!

Whatever house you enter, first say, “Peace be to this house.” Luke 10:5

Hippolytus of Rome gives us the oldest extant list of the 70 (Luke 10:1-7). Today’s post highlights his account of 31-40.

“41. Philologus, bishop of Sinope.

42. 43. Olympus and Rhodion were martyred in Rome.

44. Lucius, bishop of Laodicea in Syria.

45. Jason, bishop of Tarsus.

46. Sosipater, bishop of Iconium.

47. Tertius, bishop of Iconium.

48. Erastus, bishop of Panellas.

49. Quartus, bishop of Berytus.

50. Apollo, bishop of Caesarea.”

Hippolytus of Rome in On the End of the World, 49.

We find some of these names in Paul’s letter to the church in Rome. Almost certainly many of them ministered in Rome and at least two, Olympus and Rhodion were martyred there.

Paul describes Philologus as a “saint” in Romans 16:15. He refers to Lucius, Jason, and Sosipater as “kinsmen” in Romans 16:21. Erastus and Quartus are mentioned in Romans 16:23.

For today’s post, let’s zoom in on Tertius. Tertius is credited as the writer or scribe who helped Paul write the letter to the Romans in Romans 16:22. Think of him in modern times as Paul’s publisher.

He probably helped Paul for weeks or even months to build the complex argument of Romans. Then, imagine writing it down by hand on papyri. What a sacrifice, but think of the return!

I came to faith in Jesus from by following the Romans Road: Romans 3:23. Romans 5:8. Romans 6:23. Romans 10:9-10. Countless other people have become Christians too, in part, thanks to Tertius.

What gift do you have that you could put to work to advance God’s kingdom?

Carry no money belt, no bag, no shoes; and greet no one on the way. Luke 10:4

Hippolytus of Rome gives us the oldest extant list of the 70 (Luke 10:1-7). Today’s post highlights his account of 31-40.

“31. Herodion, bishop of Tarsus.

32. Agabus the prophet.

33. Rufus, bishop of Thebes.

34. Asyncritus, bishop of Hyrcania.

35. Phlegon, bishop of Marathon.

36. Hermes, bishop of Dalmatia.

37. Patrobulus, bishop of Puteoli.

38. Hermas, bishop of Philippi.

39. Linus, bishop of Rome.

40. Caius, bishop of Ephesus.”

Hippolytus of Rome in On the End of the World, 49.

Nine bishops and a prophet. Let’s look closely at the prophet today. He’s mentioned in Acts 11:28 and 21:10. God’s work flourishes when there are overseers but prophets are also important to help people understand and align their lives with God’s perspective.

When I do a spiritual gifts test I find myself in the prophet category. Think of me as like a John the Baptist. With my GTP work, that means I am calling ministry workers around the world to put their house in order and make way for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

While the meetings have wrapped up in Mexico City (pictured above on the canals of Xochimilco), and the rolling out of the plans has just begun, it’s been an “upper room” experience. Thanks for your prayers. Reply if you want a copy of my trip report. I hope you support or engage with us in the work of GTP in Latin America and the world.

Go; behold, I send you out as lambs in the midst of wolves. Luke 10:3

Hippolytus of Rome gives us the oldest extant list of the 70 (Luke 10:1-7). Today’s post highlights his account of 21-30.

“21. Amplias, bishop of Odyssus.

22. Urban, bishop of Macedonia.

23. Stachys, bishop of Byzantium.

24. Barnabas, bishop of Heraclea.

25. Phygellus, bishop of Ephesus. He was of the party also of Simon.

26. Hermogenes. He, too, was of the same mind with the former.

27. Demas, who also became a priest of idols.

28. Apelles, bishop of Smyrna.

29. Aristobulus, bishop of Britain.

30. Narcissus, bishop of Athens.”

Hippolytus of Rome in On the End of the World, 49.

While the pattern of the 70 serving as bishops continues, notice the mention of Demas. It says he “became a priest of idols.” Who is this and what does this mean?

First, scholars believe this is the Demas of Colossians 4:14, Philemon 1:24, and 2 Timothy 4:10. That last text tells us Demas fell in love with this present world and deserted Paul and his companions.

What about you? Are you in love with this present world? Jesus resisted three key temptations and John urged us to avoid the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life.

In plain terms, the idols that the early church urged fellow workers to avoid were pleasures (comfort and experiences), possessions (money and things), and power (pride and control).

Are you tempted by pleasures, possessions, and power? Are there any changes you need to make in life so you are not a “a priest of idols” and instead a faithful priest for Jesus?

As we think about the plans that are coming together for Latin America, it will require the blessing of God, faithful work from key servants, and generous giving from God’s people.

The cure for these vices in the early church was fasting, giving, and sacrificial service. At GTP, we are praying for people to join us in these disciplines and collaborate with us in the work.

Our aim is not to try to control this work but to nurture a movement. Perhaps fast once a week and pray for GTP. Make a gift today. And let me know if you want to serve with us by way of reply.

And He was saying to them, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest. Luke 10:2

Hippolytus of Rome gives us the oldest extant list of the 70 (Luke 10:1-7). Today’s post highlights his account of 11-20.

“11. Parmenas, bishop of Soli.

12. Nicolaus, bishop of Samaria.

13. Barnabas, bishop of Milan.

14. Mark the evangelist, bishop of Alexandria.

15. Luke the evangelist.

These two belonged to the seventy disciples who were scattered by the offence of the word which Christ spoke, “Except a man eat my flesh, and drink my blood, he is not worthy of me.” But the one being induced to return to the Lord by Peter’s instrumentality, and the other by Paul’s, they were honored to preach that Gospel on account of which they also suffered martyrdom, the one being burned, and the other being crucified on an olive tree.

16. Silas, bishop of Corinth.

17. Silvanus, bishop of Thessalonica.

18. Crisces (Crescens), bishop of Carchedon in Gaul.

19. Epaenetus, bishop of Carthage.

20. Andronicus, bishop of Pannonia.”

Hippolytus of Rome in On the End of the World, 49.

At first glance, we see a pattern developing as 9 of 10 would serve in the role of “bishop” and oversee God’s Church in a city. They appear as one team with each one playing a regional role.

From my GTP travels to Alexandria, Egypt, I have found that Mark’s presence is still felt and his impact continues to be celebrated. The church is about 2,000 years old there too!

In our GTP meetings in Mexico City, we are starting to map faithful activities we will ask regional workers to do. Pray with us for unity of the Spirit to continue to bind us together as one team.

Now after this the Lord appointed seventy others, and sent them in pairs ahead of Him to every city and place where He Himself was going to come. Luke 10:1

 Hippolytus of Rome gives us the oldest extant list of the 70 (Luke 10:1-7). Today’s post highlights his account of 1-10.

“1. James the Lord’s brother, bishop of Jerusalem.

2. Cleopas, bishop of Jerusalem.

3. Matthias, who supplied the vacant place in the number of the twelve apostles.

4. Thaddeus, who conveyed the epistle to Augarus.

5. Ananias, who baptized Paul, and was bishop of Damascus.

6. Stephen, the first martyr.

7. Philip, who baptized the eunuch.

8. Prochorus, bishop of Nicomedia, who also was the first that departed, believing together with his daughters.

9. Nicanor died when Stephen was martyred.

10. Timon, bishop of Bostra.”

Hippolytus of Rome in On the End of the World, 49.

What struck you in this first list? One filled “a vacant place” while another “conveyed an epistle.” Five are overseers or bishops. That tells me that board members matter!

One of these 10 was martyred. His story inspired everyone. Two baptized key people. Their lives influenced those they touched personally. Imagine if your role is to inspire others to be worldchangers?

In our GTP meetings in Mexico City we are mentioning the names of many ministry workers in South and Central America, much like the 70. Each one has influence to multiply stewards and help ministries follow standards.

Pray specifically for us to discern where God is working and how to mobilize them to collaborate. God, please guide our service to them by the Holy Spirit in the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.