Passing the Baton
In the New Testament, we see Paul surrounded by different people in Discipleship relationships. Barnabas was a disciple-maker who took a special interest in Paul, Silas was his companion and friend, and Timothy was his “son in the faith.” Each of these relationships teaches us about the importance of intentional, Christ-centered relationships in the church.
Barnabas: An encourager to Paul
Barnabas, whose name means “Son of Encouragement,” was Paul’s first advocate. After Paul’s conversion, the early church was hesitant to trust him due to his past persecution of Christians. But Barnabas took a risk, introduced Paul to the apostles, and vouched for him (Acts 9:27). Barnabas modeled grace and encouragement, affirming Paul’s calling and guiding him in ministry. Later, they embarked on missionary journeys together, during which Barnabas displayed his patience and forgiving spirit, even when disagreements arose. His dedication to mentoring others also extended to John Mark, whom he continued to support despite past failures. Barnabas exemplifies the role of a mentor: someone who is willing to guide, believe in, and equip others for ministry.
Silas: The Iron-Sharpening Friend
Silas was Paul’s co-laborer and friend, chosen to join him after his separation from Barnabas. Together, Paul and Silas faced persecution, imprisonment, and hardship on their missionary journeys. They encouraged one another in the faith, even singing hymns together in prison (Acts 16:25). Their friendship illustrates Proverbs 27:17: “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” Silas was more than a colleague; he was a spiritual brother, providing companionship, accountability, and support. Silas reminds us that we need friends who are strong in the faith and willing to walk with us through trials.
Timothy: Paul’s son in the faith
Paul’s relationship with Timothy was one of a spiritual father and son. Paul invested deeply in Timothy, calling him a “beloved and faithful child in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 4:17). He mentored Timothy by teaching, encouraging, and equipping him to lead. Timothy, humble and teachable, took to heart Paul’s words and became a leader in the church. Paul’s letters to Timothy emphasize the importance of passing on sound doctrine and guarding the gospel truth. This relationship highlights the call to disciple those younger in the faith, equipping them to continue the work of the gospel.
In today’s church, these kinds of relationships remain vital. I often told our Youth ministry when I was the Youth Pastor to:
Seek out a “Barnabas” in your life—someone more mature in faith who can guide and encourage you.
Surround yourself with solid Christian friends like a “Silas,” a friend with whom you can share life, pray, and grow in your faith with.
And even though some of them were young, they should still be seeking out ways to serve with those younger than them or disciple someone like a “Timothy.”
Discipleship can happen in multiple ways and in multiple directions. As Christians spend time together sometimes it is difficult to see who is actually discipling who! Either way, we are told to continue to pass on the faith to others and make disciples. Who are you discipling? Who is a Barnabas in your life? Who is on our minds to share the gospel with?
Let us “make more and better disciples of Jesus through intentional relationships” together!
Caleb
“Quote of the Week:
Christianity without discipleship is always Christianity without Christ.”