Winning the World

256 Wi nn i ng the Wor l d: Fac i l i tat i ng Urban Chur ch P l ant i ng Movement s

That We May Be One, continued

C. Partnership in terms of co-working and co-laboring involves shared vision and commitment to a common cause, e.g., Timothy , Phil. 2.19-24 (ESV) – I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I too may be cheered by news of you. [20] For I have no one like him, who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare. [21] They all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. [22] But you know Timothy’s proven worth, how as a son with a father he has served with me in the gospel. [23] I hope therefore to send him just as soon as I see how it will go with me, [24] and I trust in the Lord that shortly I myself will come also.

D. Paul’s unique words for his partners in the Gospel

1. Co-worker ( synergos ), Rom. 16.3, 7, 9, 21; 2 Cor. 8.23; Phil. 2.25; 4.3; Col. 4.7, 10, 11, 14; Philem. 1, 24.

2. Co-prisoner ( synaichmalotos ), Col. 4.10; Philem. 23

3. Co-slave ( syndoulos ), Col. 1.7, 4.7

4. Co-soldier ( systratiotes ) Phil. 2.25; Philem. 2

5. Co-laborers ( synatheleo ), Phil. 4.2-3

E. A brief listing of Paul’s partners in ministry (these accompanied him at every phase and effort of the work, with diverse backgrounds, giftings, tasks, and responsibilities along the way of his ministry).

1. John Mark (Col. 4.10; Philem. 24)

2. Artistarchus (Col. 4.10; Philem. 24)

3. Andronicus and Junia (Rom. 16.7)

4. Philemon (Philem. 1)

5. Epaphroditus (same as Epaphras) (Col. 1.7; Philem. 23; Phil. 2.25)