Fellows

Good Morning,

In the book of Philemon, one word that stands out in the Christian life is used four times – fellow. Used in a context of camaraderie, Paul tells of his faithful brethren.

vs. 1 …dearly beloved, and fellowlabourer, 

vs. 2 …Archippus our fellowsoldier, 

vs. 23 …my fellowprisoner in Christ Jesus 

vs. 24 …Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellowlabourers 

The word fellowlabourer in verse 1 and 24 describes the importance of hard work in the ministry.  These people Paul wrote about were not just Sunday-morning Christians, they worked in the ministry.  Men work long and hard for wealth and success in their career, so why not work hard for the eternal rewards and the glory of the Saviour? 

Verse 2 speaks of a fellow soldier, making it clear that the ministry is a war.  Ephesians speaks of the armor of the Lord. Paul writes to Timothy about waring a good warfare and fighting the good fight. The warfare Paul alluded to many times in his writings reminds us that we will be assaulted and beaten physically or emotionally.  When the attack of the wicked one comes, we should remind ourselves that Peter warned about the adversary who walks seeking whom he might devour.  When evil enters our world, we need to understand that we are not the first or the last person to face the angry barbs of words or laws.  

Verse 23 speaks of being a prisoner.  We may use that term in our culture in a figurative or emotional sense, but I doubt that is what Paul was referring to. Paul spent too much time in jail not to be speaking literally. There are times when the faithful Christian will suffer under the godless rulers.  Endless writings over the centuries have told the stories of millions of believers who suffered torture, prison, and horrible death for the faith.   One pastor from China said that to pastor in their country will gain each man an average of eleven years of prison throughout his ministry. 

These special associates of Paul were recorded in a letter to Philemon in admonition to all the ages; Christ is worthy of our labor and being disciplined and devoted to Him.  These men, found in one of the shortest books in the Word of God, tell us that prison life due to honorable living is well worth the cost. 

We follow a crucified Saviour, not yet a crowned and glorious King.  The throne and royal reign will come.  For today, we serve, labor, and suffer for He Who is more than worthy.

Pastor