A Significant Life To Note! (part 2 of 2)

As we noted yesterday, there are a number of individuals mentioned in the Scriptures of whom we are not given a lot of information. However, the significance of what is mentioned should not be overlooked. We have already noted how Enoch was described as a man who “walked with God” and the significance of that for our own life. Today let us consider an individual we find mentioned in the New Testament.

Have you heard the name Aristarchus. Perhaps you associate him with Paul. If so, you are right. However, what do you know about this man? Is there anything significant about his character from which we can learn? I must admit it was my oldest son -- who preaches in Scappoose, Oregon -- who drew my attention to Aristarchus during a recent phone conversation.

Where do we first meet the man? During a riot in Ephesus. Following the concern raised by a silversmith named Demetrius regarding the loss of revenue from the making of silver shrines of Artemis ( Acts 19:23-27) that could occur if the people turned to believe in Jesus, we read…

“(28) When they heard this they were enraged and were crying out, ’Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!’ (29) So the city was filled with the confusion, and they rushed together into the theater, DRAGGING WITH THEM GAIUS AND ARISTARCHUS, Macedonians who were PAUL’S COMPANIONS in travel.” ( Acts 19:28-29 ESV)

Perhaps some in such a situation would have looked at Paul and said, “You’re on your own now. I’m going home.” John Mark appears to have done that at one point ( Acts 13:13; 15:37-38), though as his faith matured he too became very useful to Paul. ( 2 Timothy 4:11) What we should note about Aristarchus is how he was WILLING TO BE THERE with and for Paul regardless of the situation. We know this from the other four references the Scriptures make to this man.

Every time we find Aristarchus mentioned, the situation is not necessarily a good one. Nevertheless, HE WAS THERE with Paul, remaining a companion in the work. ( Acts 20:4) Aristarchus was with Paul on the ship ( Acts 27:2) when they eventually got shipwrecked. He was also a fellow prisoner of Paul’s. ( Colossians 4:10; Philemon 24) What an encouragement Aristarchus must have been to Paul in his ministry.

Is this the kind of brother or sister we seek to be to one another? Are we also willing TO BE THERE for others through thick and thin? Is that not the kind of supporters we desire? Connected together in such a way provides stable mutual benefit in retaining a steadfast will to press on in the great work of God. May we seek to cultivate the character of companionship in our own life that we see in God’s servant, Aristarchus. Just REMAINING WITH others is in itself a powerful source of encouragement and strength.

Have a great day CULTIVATING THE CHARACTER OF CHRISTIAN COMARADARIE!
Carl

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