Bible Thoughts

September 5, 1999

The people at Ephesus were not friendly to the apostle Paul and those with him. Two men were seized(arrested?) who had accompanied Paul to the city. Later, the town clerk, after the heathen supporters had shouted for two hours, calmed them down, warning of the danger of being accused of inciting a riot. When the "uproar ceased," Paul left the city and several accompanied him, including Aristarchus and Gaius.

Can you imagine what it would have been like to be in the company of the great apostle of Jesus Christ? To hear his words and the wisdom he received from God? To talk with him, to eat with him, and to share his journeys? Such association would have an impact on any God-fearing person.

One must remember, however, that it was not always easy on those who were with Paul. Note how the apostle described his journeys, "Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day have I been in the deep; in jouneyings often, in perils of rivers, in perils of robbers, in perils from my countrymen, in perils from the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; in labor and travail, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness"(II Corinthians 11:24-28). Gaius and Aritstarchus became aware of those dangers when they were with him in Ephesus. Those who would journey with Paul had to be ready to face the perils and hardships that he faced.

And yet, imagine being able to hear the words of truth from this man, even though some said his speech was "of no account"(II Corinthians 10:10). And, they stated, his bodily presence is "weak." By his own admission, he had an infirmity of the flesh and had asked the Lord(three times) to remove it, but God chose not to do so(II Corinthians 12:8). Paul does not state the exact nature of the affliction, but it may have caused some to be wary of one so handicapped.

Those who were interested in the truth of God's word, listened to the apostle as he spoke forth words of truth and right. These dedicated souls were willing to spend their time to hear the messages of the apostle and to profit from the association with this humble servant of God. It is always profitable to be around righteous people. To share with them the words of truth, the joy of salvation, and the happiness that comes from being a Christian will be profitable to any companion of righteous people.

Christians need to seek the company of faithful Christians to strengthen and increase their faith. Surely, those companions of Paul were stronger and more determined because they were with him. Not just the suffering they were called upon to endure, but the example of Paul as well as his attitude and words, would inspire them to greater service. When one is with faithful disciples today, their faith is made stronger, their hope shines brighter, and the cause of Christ experiences spiritual growth. Seek companions among those who respect the way of Jesus Christ; walk with them in the avenues of life; and support each other in the greatest cause on earth.

We cannot be with the apostle Paul in person today. We can, however, be with him in spirit through studying the words he left for all generations that follow. We can open our New Testaments and take a journey with Paul.

Righteous associations build people up in the faith; evil associations tend to corrupt and erode one's faith.

Those with whom we have close association will tend to influence us, whether we realize it or not. Sure, there are times when we must be around people who have no respect for the cause of righteousness. However, Christians are careful in such circumstances to make sure they are not

influenced in the wrong way. The Christian may even guide the person toward the truth through righteous conduct. The aim of the disciple should be to influence one's associates who are not Christians, not the reverse.

The influence of the Christian will have either a positive or negative affect. Those who observe the speech and actions of disciples will, under most circumstances, be more careful of their speech and behavior knowing the Christian lives by the standards of God's word. Others will be "turned off" by the behavior they see in a Christian. Some will end the association because they are not interested in the moral standards chosen by the Christian. Whatever may be the outcomes of the friendship, those who follow the Lord will speak and act in a manner that honors Jesus Christ and His word.

Young people, you need to be careful in choosing your friends. Ask yourself, is this the kind of friend that I want? Will this friend help me to be a better person? Does this friend try to influence me in proper behavior, or--does the friend make suggestions that will cause me to do something that is wrong? Do they have interests that it would be proper for a Christian to share? And, as you make lifelong friends, be sure they will assist you in becoming a better person in your journey through life. Choose your friends carefully; you will never regret it.