Over the last several posts, we have talked about the life of the apostle Paul and all that he accomplished despite all the opposition he had to face. We are often amazed at the accomplishment of Paul and marvel at his perseverance, tenacity, and zeal. Yet, he was only able to achieve such through the help of others. We don’t always focus on this aspect of Paul but often look at him as a lone wolf who by his on grit and fortitude, with the help of the Holy Spirit, of course, achieve so much. But he literally had an army of helpers throughout his work of spreading the good news of Jesus Christ. Let’s take a look at some of them. I have found the following 70 individuals who supported Paul in some form or fashion:

Barnabas (Ac 4:36): He was a Levite from Cyprus with the name Joseph. The apostles called him Barnabas, meaning Son of Encouragement. He was the one who saw the potential in Saul of Tarsus, took him to see the apostles in Jerusalem after Paul’s conversion and when it was heard that Gentiles were becoming believers in Antioch in Syria went to get him and spent a year with Paul there teaching and preaching. Antioch sent both he and Paul on Paul’s first missionary journey. He intended to go with Paul on his second journey, but Paul did not want to take John Mark who had deserted them shortly after starting their previous journey. This created a split between the two and Barnabas went on his own missionary journey with his nephew John Mark. Later, Paul and John Mark made amends and Mark worked with Paul several times, it is likely that Barnabas and Paul also made amends but there is nothing in Scripture implying such, even though likely.

John Mark (Marcus; Ac 12:12): While he abandoned Paul and Barnabas on his first missionary journey, he became someone useful to Paul. We find him with Paul in Rome during his house arrest and sent his greetings to the church at Colossae. It seems that Paul may have sent him to Colossae, and this was an introduction to the church for his visit. When Paul was incarcerated the second time, he asked Timothy to send for Mark as well. He may have been with Peter at the time where he recorded many stories of Jesus from Peter’s first-hand account. While in Rome, Mark wrote his gospel, maybe from the encouragement from Paul.

Lucius (Ac 13:1): He was a prophet and teacher who was a founding member of the church in Antioch of Syria and one of the first to begin preaching Jesus Christ to Gentiles there. He was from Cyrene, a city in Northern Africa (Libya today). He apparently traveled with Paul as well as he is mentioned sending greetings to the church at Rome in Paul’s letter to them which he wrote from Corinth.

Simon, called Niger (Ac 13:1): He was a prophet and teacher who was a founding member of the church in Antioch of Syria teaching Jesus Christ to Gentiles there. He may have come with Lucius as he, too, was from Africa, and likely had very dark skin. He may have been a product of being converted into Jerusalem at Pentecost or from someone who had been there. He helped to send Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary journey.

Manaen (Ac 13:1): He was a prophet and teacher who was a founding member of the church in Antioch of Syria teaching Jesus Christ to Gentiles there. He was also a Gentile and had grown up with Herod Antipas. It is unclear how he became a believer. He helped to send Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary journey.

Silas (Ac 15:22): He was a Roman citizen and was either from Jerusalem or lived there when he accompanied Barnabas to go to Antioch in Syria, along with Judas (also called Barsabas) when the church in Jerusalem had heard how Gentiles were becoming believers and investigate what was going on. He was also considered a prophet and supported and encouraged the church in Antioch when they saw what was being done there. When Paul and Barnabas split, Silas agreed to go with Paul on his second missionary journey. Silas stayed with Timothy in Berea after Paul had to leave due to some Jews causing trouble for Paul. Both then joined Paul once they received word to accompany him in Athens. At some point, Silas also helped Peter for a time, but we don’t know exactly how.

Timothy (Ac 16:1): He was the son of a Jewish mother and a Gentile father in Lystra and was evidently converted by Paul on his first missionary journey as Paul found him highly respected by all upon his arrival on his second missionary journey. Paul asked him to accompany him and had him circumcised since he was half-Jewish and could better help minister to Jews if he was circumcised. He traveled with Paul to many places and helped to preach and teach about Jesus Christ. He became a leader of the church in Ephesus and went to minister to Paul when Paul was in Roman prison the second time shortly before Paul’s death. Paul wrote two letters to Timothy: the first to encourage him in his ministry at Ephesus and the second requesting Timothy to come to him in Rome.

Jason (Ac 17:5): He was a Jew who housed Paul when he came to Thessalonica on his second missionary journey. When some jealous Jews tried to find Paul at his house, he wasn’t there so they dragged Jason before city officials trying to say that Jason had aided and abetted men who were causing trouble in their city. To appease the crowd, the officials arrested Jason but then allowed him to post bond and let him go. Apparently, Jason also traveled with Paul because he was in Corinth with Paul when Paul wrote his letter to the Roman church.

Priscilla and Aquila (Ac 18:2): Paul called them “co-workers in Christ.” Aquila had the same profession as Paul, a tent maker. Paul met them in Corinth on his second missionary journey. Originally from Pontus (what is now northern Turkey near the Black Sea) but had been living in Rome until Claudius Caesar banished all Jews from Rome. They traveled with Paul as far as Ephesus when he sailed back to Jerusalem. They served in the church there in Ephesus and taught Apollos about Jesus as he only knew about the baptism of John the Baptist. When Claudius Caesar died, they went back to Rome and hosted a church there for a while. They apparently returned to Ephesus and served there with Timothy and hosted a church in their home as Paul tells Timothy to greet them for him when he asked Timothy to meet him in Rome after his second imprisonment.

Titius Justus (Ac 18:7): When Paul was thrown out of the synagogue in Corinth, this man opened his house to Paul.

Crispus (Ac 18:8): He was the leader of the synagogue in Corinth and he and his entire household became believers in Christ due to Paul’s preaching and teaching and was baptized by Paul.

Sosthenes (Ac 18:17): He was the leader of the synagogue in Corinth, perhaps after Crispus became a believer. The Jews in Corinth brought Paul before their proconsul, Gallio, but he would not listen to their complaint as he deemed it a religious matter. The mob then turned on Sosthenes and beat him in front of Gallio, but he again paid them no mind. Evidently, he became a Christian as Paul directs one of his letters to him and to the church at Corinth.

Apollos (Ac 18:24): A Jew from Alexandria who had a keen knowledge of Scripture and keen debating skills. He taught for some time in Corinth and likely other places. Apollos also delivered Paul’s letter to Titus in Crete, likely on his way home to Alexandria. In his letter, Paul asks Titus to help Apollos and Zenas on their journey and supply them with whatever they need.

Tyrannus (Ac 19:9): He owned a lecture hall in Ephesus and allowed Paul to teach there for about two years.

Erastus (Ac 19:22): Paul called Erastus a “helper” and was a prominent official in the city of Corinth in Achaia. He was the city’s director of public works. Yet, he still made time to travel with Paul several times. He was with Paul in Ephesus during Paul’s second missionary journey and when Paul decided to travel back to Jerusalem but first go through Macedonia and Achaia first, he sent Erastus, along with Timothy, to Macedonia while he stayed a little longer in Ephesus. It seems he also traveled with Paul to Spain and on the return trip, stayed in Corinth, his hometown, while Paul continued his journey.

Aristarchus (Ac 19:29): Paul calls Aristarchus his “fellow worker.” He was from Thessalonica in Macedonia. We don’t know when he accepted Christ as his Savior, but it may have been during Paul’s second missionary journey when he traveled through Thessalonica. We know he was with Paul in Ephesus during his third missionary journey when Demetrius the silversmith created a riot as he, along with Gaius, were taken by the mob and thrust into the theater. The city clerk calmed the crowd and Aristarchus and Gaius were released. He was also part of the group that accompanied Paul from Corinth back to Jerusalem, although we don’t know for sure if he went all the way to Jerusalem with Paul, but he likely did as he was noted by name to be on board the ship for at least part of the trip as Paul was transferred to Rome. He was also with Paul during his first imprisonment and was noted as a fellow prisoner in Paul’s letter to Colossae but called a fellow worker by Paul to Philemon.

Gaius (Ac 19:29; Ro 16:23; 1Co 1:14; 3Jn 1): There are likely four different men with the name Gaius: (1) Gaius of Macedonia who faced danger from the mob in Ephesus when Demetrius the silversmith created a riot to protest Paul’s teachings; (2) Gaius of Derbe, who was a travel companion of Paul at the end of Paul’s second missionary journey as he traveled from Corinth to Jerusalem; (3) Gaius of Corinth, a convert and host of Paul who Paul baptized; (4) Gaius of unknow location to whom John sent his 3rd epistle and who was noted for his hospitality to many believers. Although, if John had converts in Corinth, then this could be the same Gaius as noted in Corith as Paul noted him for his hospitality as well.

Sosipater (Sopater; Ac 20:4; Ro 16:21; ): He was a Jew from Thessalonica and likely converted on Paul’s second missionary journey when he traveled through that city. He was also with Paul in Corinth when Paul wrote his letter to the Roman church as he sent his greetings to them. He also traveled with Paul on his return trip to Jerusalem, at least for a while.

Secundus (Ac 20:4): He was a Jew from Thessalonica and likely converted on Paul’s second missionary journey when he traveled through that city and also traveled with Paul on his return trip to Jerusalem, at least for a while.

Tychicus (Ac 20:4): He is first mentioned during Paul’s third missionary journey accompanying Paul back to Jerusalem from Corinth. He was from the province of Asia, but we are unsure which city. Likely not Ephesus as he was mentioned with Trophimus who we know was from Ephesus, so when Luke lumped these two together, he just stated the province from where they were from. Paul describes him as a dear brother, a faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord. He was evidently with Paul in Rome during his first imprisonment as he delivered Paul’s letters to Ephesus and Colossae and was sent as well to tell them more of what was happening with Paul and to give them encouragement. He was also with Paul during his second imprisonment as he delivered Paul’s letter to Timothy and ministered for Timothy in Ephesus while Timothy went to see Paul.

Trophimus (Ac 20:4): He is also first mentioned during Paul’s third missionary journey accompanying Paul back to Jerusalem from Corinth. Like Tychicus, he was also from Ephesus in the province of Asia. We know that he went all the way to Jerusalem with Paul as it was noted that some saw him with Paul walking within the city of Jerusalem. After Paul was released from his first imprisonment, it seemed he traveled with Paul to Spain but on the journey back, because sick and had to recover in Miletus while Paul continued his trip.

Phoebe (Ro 16:1): She took the letter Paul wrote to the church at Rome with her as she, and many other Jews, traveled back to Rome from Greece since Claudius Caesar who had banished Jews from Rome had just died. While in Greece, she lived in Cenchreae, a city on the isthmus of Achaia that was between Corinth and Athens and served as a deacon of the church there. She monetarily supported Paul and others.

Epenetus (Ro 16:5): This man was Paul’s first convert in the province of Asia. He was in Rome when Paul wrote his letter to the Roman church as Paul sent his greetings to him.

Mary (Ro 16:6): There are many women named Mary in the Bible. This one was a friend of Paul and had “worked hard” for those in Rome. It is unclear to what Paul was referring to, but Paul was grateful for her efforts.

Andronicus and Junia (Ro 16:7): Paul states these were “outstanding among the apostles” and that they were Christians before him. They were likely husband and wife and had even been in prison for their efforts. As Paul had not yet been to Rome, they may have become believers when they were in Jerusalem for Shavuot (Pentecost) when the Holy Spirit fell and many believed in Jesus through the disciples’ preaching and they then brought their belief back to Rome and started a house church.

Ampliatus, Urbanus, Stachys (Ro 16:8-9): We know nothing about these men, but Paul called each of them a “dear friend.”

Apelles (Ro 16:10): Apparently, he went through some kind of persecution but remained faithful to Christ and Paul commends him for this.

Aristobulus, Narcissus (Ro 16:10-11): Paul gave greetings to the entire household of each man which must mean that their entire families were believers and involved with the church in Rome.

Herodion (Ro 16:11): Paul called him his “fellow Jew,” so they must have developed a fond closeness at some point. Maybe he met Paul in Corinth as he waited to be able to return to Rome.

Tryphena, Tryphosa, Persis (Ro 16:12): Paul states that these women “work hard in the Lord” which likely shows their devotion to God, and likely their devotion to Paul, again, maybe in Corinth as they waited to return to Rome.

Rufus (Ro 16:13): This was likely the son of the man who carried the cross for Jesus to Golgotha. Paul states that he was “chosen in the Lord” and that his mother became a mother to him as well.

Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas (Ro 16:14): Paul sends them greetings along with other brothers and sisters with them. This may have been a house church of which they were a part of in Rome.

Philologus, Julia, Nereus and his sister, Olympas (Ro 16:15): Paul sends them greetings along with all the Lord’s people who are with them. This may have been a house church of which they were a part of in Rome.

Tertius (Ro 16:22): He was the scribe who wrote the book of Romans as Paul dictated to him.

Quartus (Ro 16:23): A believer in Corinth when Paul wrote his letter to the church at Rome who Paul refers to as “brother.”

Stephanas (1Co 1:16): He was Paul’s first convert in Achaia, likely Athens, but was now serving in Corinth as Paul seems to imply that the church in Corinth was not really incorporating Stephanis’ family into their church very well. Stephanas was one of three who came to Paul in Ephesus to give their greeting and support.

Fortunatus, Achaicus (1Co 16:17): They both came with Stephanas to Ephesus from Corinth to meet with Paul and give their greetings and support.

Titus (2Co 2:13): Paul calls him “my partner and fellow worker.” He was a Gentile and likely from Antioch in Syria and went with Paul and Barnabas to Jerusalem for the Church Council meeting held there to discuss Gentile Christians. He served with Paul in Ephesus and Corinth during his second missionary journey. When Paul was addressing issues in Corinth from his time of ministry in Ephesus, he sent Titus to Corinth to see how they were taking Paul’s reprimands. When Paul left Ephesus, he believed he would meet Titus in Troas on his way back from Corinth, but he was not there. This worried Paul so he traveled on to Macedonia, likely Philippi, where he did meet up with Titus and was overjoyed seeing Titus and the happy disposition Titus had about the Corinthian church. It seems Titus also accompanied Paul on his visit to Spain and started a church in Crete on their return. Titus stayed in Crete to lead the church and Paul wrote him a letter of encouragement and instruction sometime later. When Paul was arrested in Nicopolis and sent back to Roman prison, he had Artemas go to Crete and lead the church there so Titus could go to Rome and minister to Paul in prison. Later, Paul sent Titus to Dalmatia to minister there (an area that used to be Yugoslavia and is now Serbia and Montenegro).

Epaphroditus (Pp 2:25): Paul calls him “my brother,” “co-worker,” and “fellow soldier.” Evidently Paul knew him quite well, likely of the time he spent in Philippi. Epaphroditus was from Philippi and brought a financial gift from the church there to Paul when he was imprisoned in Rome. While with Paul, Epaphroditus became very sick and almost died, but God allowed him a full recovery, which Paul said pleased him greatly and relieved his anxiety about him. When Epaphroditus returned, Paul sent his letter to the Philippian church with him.

Epaphras (Cl 1:7): Paul calls him a “dear fellow servant,” “a faithful minister of Christ,” “a servant of Christ Jesus,” and “my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus.” He was a native of Colossae. We don’t know when he became a believer, but it may have been when Paul ministered in Ephesus. It is thought that Epaphras started the church in Colossae. Epaphras was with Paul in Rome during his first imprisonment as Paul sent greetings to the church there in his letter to Colossae and to Philemon specifically in his letter to Philemon.

Onesimus (Cl 4:9; Pm 10): Paul called him “a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you.” He was a slave of Philemon in Colossae. Unsatisfied, he stole from his master and then fled, winding up in Rome where he likely thought he could blend into society. Yet, what he stole eventually ran out and he likely tried to steal again and was thrown into prison. This seems to be when he met Paul and through his teaching believed in Christ. He and Paul became good friends. Paul wrote a letter to Philemon to ask him to take Onesimus back, not as a slave, but as a fellow brother in Christ. Onesimus traveled with Tychicus as he delivered letters from Paul to Ephesus and Colossae. Philemon lived in Colossae.

Jesus (Justus; Cl 4:11): He was a believer with Paul in Rome during his house arrest.

Luke (Cl 4:14): He was a physician and possibly a Gentile. Being a physician, I am sure he got much practice with Paul, not only a dear friend but a patient. Paul referred to him as “the beloved physician” but also as “a fellow laborer.” We don’t know anything about his conversion, but Luke joined Paul in Troas during his second missionary journey just before they traveled to Philippi due to Paul’s vision of a man in Macedonia asking for help. Luke remained in Philippi until Paul came back through on his way to Jerusalem when he rejoined them as they passed through Philippi. It seems he was with Paul from that point on as we know he was with Paul in his imprisonment in Caesarea where he wrote his gospel and was with Paul in Rome during his first imprisonment where he wrote his book of Acts and Paul mentions him in his letter to Colossae and to Philemon. Luke was also with Paul during his second imprisonment as he mentioned to Timothy when Paul asked for Timothy to come to him in Rome.

Demas (Cl 4:14): Paul called him a “dear friend” and “fellow worker.” We don’t know when Demas joined Paul, but we know he was with Paul during his first imprisonment as Paul gives his greetings to the church at Colossae and to Philemon in his letters to them. He was also with Paul during his second imprisonment, but something happened as Paul stated that Demas deserted him in his time of need and left for Thessalonica. Apparently, he looked for comforts of the world rather than the hardship that he saw Paul go through. The first time Paul was imprisoned, he was under house arrest, so it wasn’t that bad—just freedom restricted. This time, though, Paul was in a dank prison cell and treated more harshly. Perhaps Demas felt this was no longer for him. Another has suggested he may have fallen to the sway of Gnosticism.

Nympha (Cl 4:15): A woman who lived in Colossae and had a house-church in her home. Paul gives her a special greeting.

Archippus (Cl 4:17; Pm 2): He is thought to be the son of Philemon, and Paul gives a special admonishment and encouragement to continue the ministry in which he had received from the Lord.

Onesiphorus (2 Ti 1:16): He apparently lived in Ephesus and befriended Paul multiple times. It seems he even traveled to Rome when Paul was in prison and ministered to him there as well.

Crescens (2Ti 4:10): We know very little about him, but he was with Paul during his second Roman imprisonment and went to Galatia, likely to preach there.

Eubulus, Pudens, Linus, Claudia (2Ti 4:21): These are only mentioned once in the Bible in Paul’s second letter to Timothy. They were part of the church in Rome and became good friends of Paul and of Timothy, likely helping both in their ministries.

Artemas (Tt 3:12): He is only mentioned once in Scripture, but apparently Paul depended on him greatly. He seemed to have accompanied Paul to Spain and was sent by Paul to Crete to serve the church there so Titus to come visit Paul—originally to Nicopolis where Paul had decided to winter, but then to Rome as Paul was arrested and placed in prison there.

Zenas (Tt 3:13): A companion and lawyer who traveled with Apollos and helped to deliver Paul’s letter to Titus in Crete, likely on his way to Alexandria. In his letter, Paul asks Titus to help Apollos and Zenas on their journey and supply them with whatever they needed.

As you can see, Paul was able to accomplish so much because he had such dear friends devoted to him and to his mission for the Lord. They were willing to be in the shadows, so to speak, in order to ensure that the gospel was spread far and wide through Paul’s efforts. We all need friends like these, don’t we?

Next, we’ll see what occurred after the mission of Apostle Paul was over. I hope you join me.

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Visit Books & Words to Inspire by Randy C. Dockens