The Lads....

   Throughout history we are faced with the picture of great leaders, the "movers and shakers" of their time, surrounded by an entourage of people- Caeser, throughout his battles in Spain, Gaul, Briton, Rome and Greece, he was constantly accompanied by a veritable army of advisers, generals and confidents. Everyone who is anyone, from Popes to Kings to Pop Singers, has an entourage. Kylie Minogue**, for one, is followed by "creative directors", "PR people", stylists, makeup artists etc etc. It always amuses me how, on a much smaller scale, when the auctioneer leaves the office, at work, and walks out towards the podium to begin the sale of vehicles, they are followed by two or three porters, a 'runner', clerical workers and even customers, its like a scene from a hollywood film!!
    In contrast, however, one of the most influential and important people to live on earth, whose letters are still read, 2000 years later, week after week across the globe, never had a PR man or a pack of assistants. I am, of course, talking about the Apostle Paul. Instead of an entourage of followers, Paul had a close bunch of friends, each who loved him, not for his status or power, but for who he was. Paul often travelled either alone or in ones or twos, with no bodyguard or chaffeur. His friends gave him shelter, protected him from enemies, provided for his needs and suffered greatly for him.
    So, if they didnt aid Paul for money or status then who were these self-sacrificing friends of Paul? What did they do? Where did they live? And how do they affect us, if at all?


   I wrote the above, as my notes clearly state, on Wednesday 15th October 2008 (I like to be precise), however I still have a great interest in the lives of these guys. When reading through Paul's letters or the book of Acts we occasionaly see them pop up. Have you ever wondered more about them? I do.
  I hope to post something about one of Paul's Friends each week, because I have such an admiration for them and what they did, and I would like to share that passion with others... namely you!