Acts 20 - Relationships

The Apostle Paul's life and ministry was about relationships. Acts 20:4 lists the names of several people who were traveling with him. Even when he decided to go overland and meet up with the ship later, he took several people with him. I think by that time, I would have been looking for some alone time.

Paul's last words to the Ephesians also reveal the importance of relationships to his ministry. Acts 20 ends with Paul reminding them of the time he had spent with them. He then warns them about false teachers that will come, commends them to the Lord, and prays for them. Then, "They all began to weep loudly, and hugged Paul and kissed him." (Acts 20:37) Not only had Paul preached to them, he had invested in their lives.

We were designed for community. Relationships are a fundamental part of who God is. They are foundational to our humanity having been created in God's image. They are therefore essential to ministry. For some of us people are energizing. For others people can be draining. But we were never designed to hide away from people and be alone. "It is not good that the man should be alone" (Gen 2:18). Relationships were important to Jesus. They were important to Paul. They are important to us as well. May our relationships and interaction with people always reflect our God.