But the Comforter, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said unto you. - John 14:26
Acts 19:1-20 Key aspects of apostolic ministry and life
Declaring the whole counsel of God “As you know what kind of men we were among you for your sake. And you became followers of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit, so that you became examples to all in Macedonia and Achaia who believe” 1Thessalonians 1:5-7.
The apostolic team had a lifestyle that could be seen and provided an example. They did not only minister to the Thessalonians by preaching or being seen on a platform teaching. The team said, “you know what kind of men we were among you for your sake” 1 Thess.1:5c. They lived their lives in full view of the saints so that the believers could see what it looks like to follow Jesus. They had a behaviour and conduct that was seen among the Thessalonians.
They lived with them. They worked with them. They “labored and toiled; for laboring night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, we preached to you the gospel of God” 1Thessalonians 1:9. Paul and the team worked and lived among the Thessalonians showing them a whole new creation lifestyle! This is radical and so vastly different to most of the Christian world we witness today that emphasises flashing lights, platform ministry, great performances, wonderful sermons and surround sound experiences.
They were an apostolic team among them. Paul later told the elders at Ephesus take heed to “all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers” Acts 20:28. Peter also exhorted the elders by saying, “The elders who are among you I exhort” 1 Peter 5:1. The leadership in the New Testament church is among the saints.
Due to their conduct and lifestyle example, Paul and the team were able to be followed. This is what the church worldwide has been lacking for hundreds of years – a way of life that can be followed. This is the heart of making disciples, the same heart that Jesus carried. Jesus brought His disciples into His lifestyle, providing an example, and He was able to say, “Follow Me” (Matthew 8:22, 9:9, 16:24, 19:21). Jesus offered an invitation to join with Him and learn this new way.
Paul and the team also produced “followers”. And they were confident in this way of life that if the Thessalonians followed them then they would also be “followers…of the Lord”. If we are following the Lord Jesus then we can invite others to join also! The word followers in this verse is the Greek word mimetes which means: an imitator. Paul uses it in 1 Corinthians 11:1 to say, “imitate (follow) me, just as I also imitate Christ”. He also exhorted the Philippians, “Brethren join in following (imitating – Gk. mimetes) my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern” Philippians 3:17. Our gospel is not just facts and information. Our gospel is not a church service formula.
