2024_12_11 Insight Post- Rusty Coram
This week’s reading- Acts 18:1-28, 1 Corinthians 16:19, 2 Timothy 4:19, Romans 16:3-5
In construction, a pillar is a strong support column that gives a structure stability. These supports are often hidden, but they provide a critical part of the building. Aquila and Priscilla are like this for the early church and Paul’s ministry. They are partners that faithfully worked alongside Paul on the front lines, providing prayer, financial support, and a place for the churches being started to meet in their homes. I am so glad they are mentioned in Paul’s letters as often as they are because it serves as a reminder that all roles in the church are important and valuable – not just the spotlighted ones.
When Becky and I moved to Texas right after we got married, we got involved in a church that significantly shaped the direction of our lives – and marriage too. Harold Bullock, the pastor, is a gifted man and a great mentor. I owe him more than I could ever repay for the wisdom and example he has been for me. At that same time, we met and became friends with Randy and Teresa Boyts, who were like Priscilla and Aquila in that church. They were fully committed to the church’s mission and quietly, behind the scenes, served, prayed, and opened their home. For 40 years, as people came and went, Teresa and Randy remained pillars of the church. Whatever challenges, opportunities, difficulties, or controversies arose, they worked hard to understand, be voices of truth and reason, and provide genuine strength and stability. While Harold, as the Pastor, got much of the attention (which was well deserved and rightly handled), Randy’s and Teresa’s “fingerprints” were all around.
When I read about Aquila and Priscilla, it reminds me that all of us have important work we can do in Jesus’ church, and we will have a big impact if we aren’t so concerned about who has the spotlight.
Rusty Coram
Senior Pastor