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3 So when we could stand it no longer, we thought it best to be left by ourselves in Athens. 2 We sent Timothy, who is our brother and co-worker in God’s service in spreading the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith, 3 so that no one would be unsettled by these trials. For you know quite well that we are destined for them. 4 In fact, when we were with you, we kept telling you that we would be persecuted. And it turned out that way, as you well know. 5 For this reason, when I could stand it no longer, I sent to find out about your faith. I was afraid that in some way the tempter had tempted you and that our labors might have been in vain.

Paul was very astute in his assessments of how the Jews and the Romans would react to Jesus follower’s. They were threatened in their geographic areas, and they were also pushed on by Satan to stop the spread of “The Way”.

If we view Paul’s lessons as a guide on how to bolster both new and old Christians, then we will be successful in creating and strengthening disciples. Christianity is built on relationships. The first is having faith in Christ and developing a personal relationship with him through prayer and study of the word found in the Bible. The second is creating personal relationships with others who seek Jesus or others that are unsure but want to know about Jesus. If we create these relationships, we will have satisfying lives because we will have lived in the light.

Let us pray: Father help us to know you better so we can spread and bolster the knowledge of your kingdom. Amen

Rob Carrothers Robert.carrother@gmail.com