Finding Ministry Partners the Jesus Way
- Baptist Daily Devotional
- Sep 4
- 3 min read
Rev Charles Oppong-Poku | September 4 2025 | Acts 16:1-5
KEY VERSE: “²The believers at Lystra and Iconium spoke well of him. ³ Paul wanted to take him along on the journey, so he circumcised him because of the Jews who lived in that area, for they all knew that his father was a Greek.” Acts 16:2-3 (NIV)
MESSAGE:
Jesus did not allow people to volunteer as apostles; instead, He prayerfully chose them Himself (Luke 6:12-16). Paul followed this model in selecting Timothy, who had both Jewish and Gentile heritage, a strong family faith background (2 Tim. 1:5), and a good reputation. These qualities made Timothy the ideal “son in the faith” (1 Tim. 1:2) for Paul to mentor, just as Paul himself had been trained by Gamaliel and Barnabas (Acts 22:3). Every fruitful ministry requires faithful partners. Paul’s ministry in Acts 16 shows us that choosing partners is not a casual decision, but a Spirit-led process. Timothy’s selection reminds us that ministry partners are not found by chance but by discernment, character, and God’s leading.
Timothy was spoken well of by the believers in two cities (v. 2). His reputation confirmed his integrity and faith. Before the partnership, Paul considered not just talent but testimony. Ministry is sustained not by giftedness alone but by godly character. Jesus Himself chose disciples who, though imperfect, had hearts that could be moulded for Kingdom work (John 1:42; Mark 1:17). Again, Timothy was willing to undergo circumcision to remove cultural barriers for the sake of the Gospel (vv 3). Partnership in ministry demands humility and sacrifice, not selfish ambition. Jesus’ way of ministry is marked by self-denial (Luke 9:23), and true partners are those who are willing to lay aside their personal rights for the sake of the Kingdom.
Finally, we see that though Paul identified Timothy, it was the Spirit of God orchestrating the connection. Ministry partnerships are not merely human choices; they are divine appointments. Jesus Christ prayed all night before choosing His disciples. The right partners multiply Kingdom impact, while the wrong ones bring division.
FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:
Do you prayerfully seek God’s leading when choosing people to walk with in ministry? Finding ministry partners Jesus’ way means valuing character over charisma, sacrifice over self-interest, and God’s leading over human preference. When we choose partners this way, the Kingdom advances, and lives are transformed.
PRAYER:
Lord Jesus, thank You for showing me through Paul and Timothy that ministry is not a solo journey. Teach me to value godly character, to embrace sacrifice, and to seek Your Spirit’s guidance in choosing those I walk with. Surround me with the right people who will sharpen me, encourage me, and help me serve You faithfully. For Your dear Name’s sake, Amen.
THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.
SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!
The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING Day 247: Job 1–3 — Job’s Test and Lament
DAILY word study: SPOKE WELL OF
The phrase “spoke well of” in Acts 16:2 comes from the Greek word martyreō, which means “to bear witness” or “to give testimony.”
The believers in Lystra and Iconium gave a good testimony about Timothy’s life and faith. Their words showed that his daily walk matched his belief in Christ.
Reflect on this:
Being “spoken well of” is more than having a good name—it is the witness of a faithful life. True ministry partnership grows out of a testimony that inspires trust and points people to Jesus.
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