Paul's Army

• "Greet Urbanus, our co-worker in Christ ..." (Romans 16:9)

• "As for Titus, he is my partner and co-worker in your service ..." (2nd Corinthians 8:23)

• "Epaphroditus - my brother and co-worker and fellow soldier ..." (Philippians 2:25)

• "... together with Clement and the rest of my co-workers ..." (Philippians 4:3)

• "These are the only ones of the circumcision among my co-workers ..." (Colossians 4:11)

• "... and we sent Timothy, our brother and co-worker ..." (1st Thessalonians 3:2)

• "To Philemon our dear friend and co-worker ..." (Philemon 2)

As Paul took his message into the Greco-Roman world, who were the men and women who served at his side?

Their names are found throughout Paul's letters, sometimes within passages that offer valuable biographical and historical insights. In such references, Paul might describe a co-worker's contributions to his ministry, recount their involvement in an internal dispute, or even eulogize their death. When these individuals also appear in the Book of Acts, additional details can often be gleaned to provide a fuller picture of their roles.

Theirs are stories of faith, sacrifice, service, and perseverance that have too often remained in the background of the New Testament narrative.

These men and women are heroes of the Christian faith, who labored in the cities where Paul had established his churches or expected to extend his work. Though Paul may be on the periphery as their stories unfold, it is he who strategically directs the co-workers as they move from city to city, sometimes accompanying him, sometimes delivering his correspondence, and sometimes representing him to congregations in his absence.

From the New Testament writings, the co-workers appear as a colorful band, disparate in their origins and social status, but united towards a singular goal. Within this retinue, one finds the following:

• The first known European convert.
• A married couple who were refugees.
• A prophet.
• A Levite (of the priestly class).
• A slaveowner - and the man he enslaved.
• The first known Christian from Alexandria (Egypt).
• A married couple who were Christians before Paul was.
• A man who Paul had circumcised.
• One who almost died - and one who did.
• Two who served alongside Peter.
• Two traditionally credited with writing Gospels.
• And one who deserted the imprisoned Paul because "he was in love with this present world."

Paul's Army will explore each of these individuals, along with many others, offering historical context, biographical details, and insights into their lives and work.