THE GOSPEL BAND

Acts 19:22 So he sent into Macedonia two of them that ministered unto him, Timotheus and Erastus; but he himself stayed in Asia for a season. (29.)  And the whole city was filled with confusion: and having caught Gaius and Aristarchus, men of Macedonia, Paul’s companions in travel, they rushed with one accord into the theatre. 30 And when Paul would have entered in unto the people, the disciples suffered him not. (20:4) And there accompanied him into Asia Sopater of Berea; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timotheus; and of Asia, Tychicus and Trophimus. 5 These going before tarried for us at Troas. 6 And we sailed away from Philippi ..."

The Gospel Band"  by Dr. Marc S. Blackwell, Sr.

I am thankful for the late Dr. Harry Ironside's influence and his having introduced me to the idea of the "Gospel Band" - way back - when I was a young boy and just after I had accepted Christ as my Savior. OK, I confess that my youthful imagination might have mixed the story -- just a little  with the "Band" of men in the folklores of "Sherwood Forest." Of course, I did understand that this was not a some sort of a small musical or rock group, but I probably did not fully understand the spiritual purposes for "banding together." In time, over the years, as I studied the book of Acts and the ministry of Paul and the other Apostles until the real importance of the Gospel Band became clear. I would like to share that with you.

(1.) COME & SEE. Yes, it all started right here with an invitation! He (Jesus) saith unto them, 'Come and see.' John 1:39. The 'Gospel Band'- in its infancy started, right here. Then. of course, the twelve disciples (Apostles) went into training by traveling, experiencing, witnessing, discussing, questioning, praying and serving. When we read Luke's Spirit inspired historical account in Acts, Judas will be replaced. The Apostles, and those others (growing number of disciples) who joined them, like Jesus' own mother, brothers and others, followed the instructions to go and wait for the Spirit of God to come, which He did do at Pentecost. Those believer's already gathered and with thousands more - they all by placing their faith in Christ's finished work - would be saved, yes,  regenerated by the Spirit (baptized in the Spirit - Acts ) on that day and in the days following.

(2.) GO & MAKE  DISCIPLES. With the instructions of the resurrected Lord in Matthew 28:19-20 and Acts 1:8 the 'making of disciples" -- evangelization & teaching Truth -- would begin but only once they, themselves, were born-again by the Spirit.  Peter, was first (Acts 2:14-47) to publicly declare this salvation in Christ Jesus, the Lord, a witness of the crucified but resurrected Jesus.  Three Thousand personally or individually received the preaching and prophetic Word and by faith accepted Christ as their Saviour.  John soon (Acts 3:1-4:4) joined Peter in speaking to the crowds of people and to the Temple priests,  including the captain of the Temple. Then they faced the opposition of the Sadducees but not before 5000 men, by faith accepted the resurrected Christ as their Savior (Acts 4:4). Imprisonment only emboldened the resolve of the Apostles and the many new disciples, as well. 

(3.) HIS WITNESSES. Acts 5:29-32. The Pharisees were warned by Gamaliel not to "...fight against God" (5:39) Nonetheless, the Apostles were beaten and warned "not to speak in the name of Jesus," but they went on "...rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His Name and daily in the temple and in every house they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ." (Acts 5:41-42) With Stephen's amazing sermon, arrest, defense and martyrdom in Acts 6-7 and with Philip (Acts 8) preaching the Gospel in Samaria and his evangelistic ministry in Gaza, to the Ethiopian eunuch, the expansion to the whole world was underway. As the evangelism spread in the accounts of Luke in Acts Chapters Eight to Eighteen the expansion would multiply and the teams would spread further and further out along the coastline of the Mediterranean. 

I have chosen a portion from the Acts of the Apostles chapter fourteen to serve a a representative 'sample and summary' of this theme: Acts 14:19 "And there came thither certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who persuaded the people, and, having stoned Paul, drew him out of the city, supposing he had been dead. 20 Howbeit, as the disciples stood round about him, he rose up, and came into the city: and the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe. 21 And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch, 22 Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God. 23 And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed. 24 And after they had passed throughout Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia. 25 And when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down into Attalia: 26 And thence sailed to Antioch, from whence they had been recommended to the grace of God for the work which they fulfilled. 27 And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles. 28 And there they abode long time with the disciples.

4. ROMAN ROADS. Evangelistic teams like Barnabas and Paul and Peter, and those who served alongside of them, were so very active and the churches were at early stages of formation (Acts 16:5; 17:34; 18:8.)so, maybe, this is why they understood their need for each other. More evangelists were added as we see in Acts 18:2, 19:1 and 21:4, 16 but still it may not be evident to many just what the Lord was doing through these scattered believers. Historians point out that the Roman Roads were used in the providence of God to provide the Apostolic and Christian witnesses a relatively safe and efficient means of travel that played a meaningful part of the advance of the Gospel. As true as this is, there were other vital reasons, as well. Bringing them together as a "Gospel Band" meant they could travel the roads to a central location or "hub" city - specifically to each of the Roman Providences. All the Providences had, at least one, such central city and the 'strategy of Paul' is obvious that these men could move together, arrive and make a 'base' and then spread out to the surrounding 'satellite' towns and villages. But was this the most important aspect of the Gospel Bands being banded together? I think not, as valuable as those insights are, the banding of these brethren or possibly we should say for the modern reader - the "networking" of these evangelists had an even greater purpose. 

Read, please these verses: 

Traveling companions 

 A Gospel Band: Paul, Gaius + see Acts 19:22, 29; 20:4. Compare Romans 15:14-33 and 16:1-27; 1 Corinthians 4:1-21; 16:1-24; 2 Corinthians 6:3-14; 10:1-18; 12:11- - 13:4; Ephesians 6:18-23; Colossians 4:7--17; and 2 Timothy 4:7-22.

UNITY OF THE SPIRIT.  It is my firm conviction that the Lord never meant for us to work "on our own." Years of ministry experience and observation have reassured me that the New Testament never teaches us an idea of a single or lone worker being effective (Galatians 6:16; Ephesians 3:16-21) in this Age of Grace (Philippians 4:9-20). Yes, I will admit that the Old Testament seems to support the possibility of a singular prophet but even there, one wonders if that was really the only way. Never-the-less, the New Testament knows nothing of this absolute independent and lone soul serving the Lord in some independent, withdrawn or isolated ministry (2 Timothy 2:2; 4:19-21). Too many pastors have isolated and insulated themselves from the other brethren around them. We who are independent Baptist are needing to be truly inter-dependent with-in our regional fellowship with others. Pastors, have deacons as -co-workers and not as a committee or a "board of directors' or a "Council." Co-workers, are those who share and band together to do the work of the Lord (Titus 1:8). 

I understand that we must separate from evil, compromise and error, but all too often it is not separation but self-imposed isolation that is interfering with our lives. We set the standard to low. We feel if we are doing this or that to our best that is enough. in reality the New Testament speaks of fellowship as service in action. We serve together - co-workers. If someone offends you - work at making the matter right between you.  ( See the note below) We need each other to grow - Ephesians 4:15-16. Only by growing in the grace and knowledge of Christ can we improve our spiritual walk and our spiritual models. Only once we are willing to grow - [at what ever stage or age in life we might find ourselves] -  can we foster further Christian dialogue and be a party to the nurturing of the personal vision of others with which we have to do. Only by the personal edification and the building of shared visions in concert with others - with family members, co-workers, others concerned and committed to Christ can we expect to know the blessings of the Lord on our ministries. 

 1 Peter 4:7 ”But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers. 

8 And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.” 

9 Be hospitable to one another without grumbling.”  (nkjv)

SHARED VISION.  If we place others outside of our circle of communication, cooperation or fellowship due to: (i.) our frustrations with their inconsistencies, (ii.) our disrespect for their choices, or (iii.) even our concerns about their weaker theological views, we will only weaken overall all that we are attempting to do by the grace of God. If, for what ever reasons we might recognise or if due to whatever errors we ultimately can not resolve between each other, we become isolated - Satan wins that round. If we are driven by the Tyranny of the Urgent: or the day to day responsibilities of life - to the degree that we are not organizing, not scheduling doing things ourselves because we have left it to late to include others - then, we are in trouble organizationally and in time - spiritually too.

2 Thessalonians 3:1 “Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified, just as it is with you, 2 and that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men; for not all have faith. 3 But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one. 4 And we have confidence in the Lord concerning you, both that you do and will do the things we command you. 5 Now may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the patience of Christ.

To think honestly, orderly and efficiently we must deal with the real surface challenges in our live and ministries. Only by growing in the grace and knowledge of Christ can we improve our spiritual walk and our spiritual models. Only once we are willing to grow - [at what ever stage or age in life we might find ourselves] -  can we foster further Christian dialogue and be a party to the nurturing of the personal vision of others with which we have to do. Only by the personal edification and the building of shared visions in concert with others - with family members, co-workers, others concerned and committed to Christ can we expect to know the blessings of the Lord on our ministries. 

Summary thoughts: Time does not heal, time hides but only God's grace in action in lives by the Spirit and the Word changes hearts. We must all agree that the Word of God by the Spirit of God can guide us all into what I am calling the ‘Higher Ground’ of love and service in Christ Jesus. The best term that describes this matter is the Biblical terminology: "the unity of the Spirit." 

Spiritual Unity results from, among other things, prayerful and humble reconciliation, living peaceably with all men through Christian love, honest communication and reasonable cooperation. Not everyone’s personality will be easy for you to work easily with, or to work happily along side of one another! 

A Few Keys:

(i.) Effective communication 

(ii.) Cooperation 

(iii.) Planning along with 

(iv.) Strategic thinking are vital.

Biblical truth is not just a matter of doctrine but Biblical Truth also speaks of our living truly, or ethically. The collective objective of any one of us who call ourselves pastors, deacons, evangelists or missionaries should not be 'unique' from all the other believers.  If we place other co-workers or really - any believers  outside of our circle of communication, cooperation or fellowship due to: (i.) our frustrations with their inconsistencies, (ii.) our disrespect for their choices, or (iii.) even our concerns about their weaker theological views, we will only weaken overall all that we are attempting to do by the grace of God (Consider carefully, please: Romans 14:1-23 with 15:1-7).  

A Christian's weaknesses, or judgment errors and personal inexperience are not matters of doctrinal heresy. By serving together we can strengthen our ability to learn together and then we can lead our ministries and our brethren to more responsible and greater capabilities that can bring eternal glory to our Lord. Christ is coming... soon!  How can the Christians to whom we minister be able to ignore what they know is unresolved between their leaders? We need ‘Higher Ground’ - the Word of God call us to love and service in Christ Jesus. The best term that describes this matter is the Biblical terminology: "the unity of the Spirit." May the Lord give us this vision for ...

"BANDING TOGETHER FOR THE GOSPEL."

FOOTNOTES:

You might also want to view my YouTube series and those themed around Acts 20,  a year or so back. 

Note: I have not footnoted each reference to each thought in this article, though this is my normal practice. Rather, this time, I have only listed a partial Bibliography as a reference to the books I have researched and referred to in my preparations. I apologize for this disadvantage to you but ask that you understand that my thoughts were formed from a broad reading rather than specific quotes or small sections of reading.

Also available by request. Blackwell, Sr., Marc S.,  The Rise and Fall of Fundamentalism. A brief historical survey and analysis on the Unity of the Spirit in the history of independent Baptists.

Note: Leadership that operates in an Episcopal or hierarchical style focuses on a "rank" basis  of leadership or a tiered leadership style. The Leadership that operates in a Presbyterial or in some cases the format of a “Diaconate’ are thought to be more responsive to a ‘team approach’ but this depends on the degree of individual leadership and spiritual maturity found among those governance bodies. The idea that the congregational form of governance is more “flat” or less “tiered” depends on the congregation’s own maturity, competency and culture. Further, in any specific congregation’s own governance - the levels of team work depend greatly on the failure or success of voluntary cooperation as influenced by differing personalities & dominance or by the leaders’ own concepts and presuppositions of leadership in light of the Biblical call for submission of all, leaders included. Ephesians 5:21 Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.

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REFERENCES:

Conybeare, Rev. W. J. (M.A.), and Howson, Rev. J.S. (D.D.), The Life and Epistles of St. Paul, Reprint 1962, Grand Rapids, Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, p. 3-24. (Reprinted from 1868 London edition by Macmillan & Co.)

Ramsay, W. M., D. C. L., St. Paul The Traveller and the Roman Citizen, London, 1894/, Hodder & Stoughton. Eihth Edition 1905.

Scofield, C,I. (Editor) New Scofield Bible with Reference Notes, K.J.V., London, and New York, Oxford Press

Wiersby, Warren W., The Bible Exposition Commentary, Old and New Testament, Two Volumes, Eastbourne, England, Victor, Kingsway Communications Ltd., 2001.

Wilson, Tom, What the Bible Teaches: Ephesians (Leckie, A.), Kilmarnock, John Ritchie Ltd. Publishers, 1983. This Brethren publication covers 9 volumes with each section or book of the New Testament written by different authors: Jack Hunter, Albert Leckie, Sydney Maxwell, Thomas Bentley and Albert McShane.

Wuest, Kenneth S., Dr., Wuest’s Word Studies from the Greek New Testament for the English Reader, Three Volume Set of all His Writings, Grand Rapids, Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1953

Zodhiates, Spiros, Hebrew-Greek Key Word Study Bible, N.A.S.V., Chattanooga, American Mission to the Greeks Publishers, 1984, 1990. Also, Zodhiates, Spiros, Hebrew-Greek Key Word Study Bible, K.J.V., Chattanooga, American Mission to the Greeks Publishers, 1984, 1990, [Note: Dr. Zodhiates writings and notes have been a major influence in my life and ministry].(Later versions removed Zodhiates’ non-Calvinistic comments and replace them with Calvanistic views drMSBsr).