In Acts 14:22, we read that Paul and Barnabas “strengthened the souls of the disciples.” This activity of strengthening (Gr. epistērizō and Gr. stērizō) depicts the activities of Paul and his missionary team (see also Acts 15:32; 15:41; 18:23; Rom. 1:1; 16:25; 1 Thess. 3:2, 13; 2 Thess. 2:17; 3:3). A parallel idea is found in Col. 2:7-8. There, Paul says that they are to walk in Christ by being rooted in Christ. This idea is taken from the agricultural world. Roots must grow deep and wide to support a fruitful plant. They strengthened the disciples by teaching them sound doctrine and discipling them to become more like Jesus Christ. This led to the growth and multiplication of the ministry. Followers of Christ who are strengthened and established can make disciples and strengthen others.
The Philippines: Pastor Eloi, Church Planting Ministry
Over 20 years ago, I met Pastor Eloi Cabillan at a pastor’s meeting in Manila. Eloi’s mother died at a young age, leaving him feeling abandoned. When his father remarried, he moved in with his cousins, who attended a Baptist church. There, he heard the gospel, believed in Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior, and was later baptized. He was awarded a scholarship by the province’s governor to attend high school, but he needed a place to live. The pastor of the Baptist church took him in and hired him as the janitor. After high school, Eloi enrolled in Bible college at Febias School of the Bible and later became the pastor of Pangil Baptist Church, south of Manila. Read the Full Update
