from Acts 20, the magnificent 7

after the uproar, Paul decides to continue on his journeys. What is his purpose?

verse 2 tells of his …. “speaking many words of encouragement”

Acts 20 speaks of Paul

‘When the uproar had ended, Paul sent for the disciples and, after encouraging them, said goodbye and set out for Macedonia. 2 He traveled through that area, speaking many words of encouragement to the people, and finally arrived in Greece, 3 where he stayed three months. Because some Jews had plotted against him just as he was about to sail for Syria, he decided to go back through Macedonia. 4 He was accompanied by Sopater son of Pyrrhus from Berea, Aristarchus and Secundus from Thessalonica, Gaius from Derbe, Timothy also, and Tychicus and Trophimus from the province of Asia. 5 These men went on ahead and waited for us at Troas….’

Paul has seven men with him.

“He was accompanied by Sopater ..,Aristarchus and Secundus … Gaius, …Timothy also, and Tychicus and Trophimus …’

Saul, who becomes Paul after Barnabas’ encouragements, is now the encourager. Changed, he speaks; he is followed; he is ‘accompanied’.

Paul, in need of companions, is blessed by these 7 men. In need of campions, he both accompanies and is a ‘companied.’

Encouraged by Barnabas, Paul begins to encourage. This is his journey; this is ours.

Encourage another now; today. Encourage.