Although the Apostle Paul has become the primary “star” of Acts, his missionary successes could not have been nearly as impactful without his missionary partners and a network of friends he called his “fellow workers.”

Lydia: “The Independent Business Woman” * Acts 16: 11-15, 40 1st convert in Europe Was a “God-fearer” Dealer of purple cloth Began a house church

“Bi-Vocational Missionary Couple” Aquila & Priscilla: “Bi-Vocational Missionary Couple” * Acts 18: 1-4, 18-28 Jewish Christians originally from Rome Both worked as tent/leather makers Opened their home as “ministry base” Went w/ Paul from Corinth to Ephesus

Apollos: * Acts 18:23 – 19:1 “The Intellectual Apologist & Pastor” A Disciple of John Alexandrian Apologist Mentored by A & P Pastored churches in Ephesus & Corinth

1 Corinthians 3: 1-11 Paul reminds the Corinthians (and us today) that ministry work is not a competition, but a collaboration.

In the stories of Lydia, Aquila & Priscilla, and Apollos we see how these “normal” believers utilized their experiences, training, and gifts to advance the Kingdom of God.

The ministries of Lydia, along with Aquila and Priscilla, remind us that one of the defining traits that helped grow the Church then (and currently) is HOSPITALITY.

Eucharist: Koinonia: “Thanksgiving” --------------------------------------------------- Koinonia: “common sharing, fellowship, community, participating together”