- Acts 19:23-31 - And the same time there arose no small stir about that way. For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, which made silver shrines for Diana, brought no small gain unto the craftsmen; Whom he called together with the workmen of like occupation, and said, Sirs, ye know that by this craft we have our wealth. Moreover ye see and hear, that not alone at Ephesus, but almost throughout all Asia, this Paul hath persuaded and turned away much people, saying that they be no gods, which are made with hands: So that not only this our craft is in danger to be set at nought; but also that the temple of the great goddess Diana should be despised, and her magnificence should be destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worshippeth. And when they heard these sayings, they were full of wrath, and cried out, saying, Great is Diana of the Ephesians. And the whole city was filled with confusion: and having caught Gaius and Aristarchus, men of Macedonia, Paul's companions in travel, they rushed with one accord into the theatre. And when Paul would have entered in unto the people, the disciples suffered him not. And certain of the chief of Asia, which were his friends, sent unto him, desiring him that he would not adventure himself into the theatre.
- Colossians 4:10 - Aristarchus my fellowprisoner saluteth you, and Marcus, sister's son to Barnabas, (touching whom ye received commandments: if he come unto you, receive him;)
- Philemon 1:24 - Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellowlabourers.
- Galatians 6:2 - Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.
True ministry and friendship are seen not only in successful days but also in remaining faithful to one another during difficult times. It is beautiful to share the joy of the people we love. However, true friendship is tested in both joyful and challenging days. In the book of Acts, the main focus is often on the Apostle Paul. But there were other believers who served alongside him and worked to spread the Gospel. One of them was Aristarchus. During the riot in Ephesus, he was captured along with Paul and taken to the arena. Later, when Paul was taken to Rome as a prisoner, Aristarchus was on the ship with him. Together they experienced storms and a shipwreck. Later, the Holy Scripture remembers him as Paul's fellow worker and fellow prisoner. Aristarchus was not only by Paul's side during his successful days of ministry. He remained faithful during persecutions, dangers, and hardships. This shows us that true ministry is not revealed in comfortable days, but in difficult trials. Most of us will not experience riots or shipwrecks. But we will have opportunities to be by the side of a friend who is sick, to support a church going through a difficult time, or to not retreat when ministry becomes heavy. Our loyalty is seen in such moments. God calls us to support one another. For in the Body of Christ, every believer is called to bear the burdens of other believers.
Reflection
Is there a friend who has stood by you and shared your burdens during your difficult times? How can you be a support to someone who is currently going through a hard season?