Pray that God will fill the Slavic believers with a hunger for His Word: "Desire the sincere milk of the Word" (1 Peter 2:2), and a spirit of prayer: "Pray without ceasing" (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Ask God to call many young men and women to serve Him sacrificially and sincerely in places of leadership. Pray that some will choose to serve in other Slavic countries as missionaries. Intercede for the Christian leadership in Eastern Europe that they will withstand the powers of darkness and remain stable in their spiritual roles.

From his initial encounter with Christ on the Damascus road to his imprisonment in Rome, Paul heeded his missionary call as “an apostle to the Gentiles” (Romans 11:13). This missionary work could not be accomplished alone. Paul needed others to accompany him in his God-given task. Therefore, God touched the hearts of others to assist Paul in his ministry. One such soul was Aristarchus.

Aristarchus was from Macedonia and was one of Paul’s “traveling companions” during his missionary endeavors (Acts 19:29). He was originally from Thessalonica (Acts 20:4) and willingly risked his life during a riot in Ephesus (Acts 19:28-41). Then, he sailed from Caesarea to Rome with Paul, who at this time was a prisoner for his faith (Acts 27:2). Aristarchus became a companion of comfort to Paul, especially when he experienced a storm and shipwreck.

Interestingly, Paul acknowledged that the nationality of Aristarchus was Jewish, including John Mark and Jesus called Justus (Colossians 4:11). Many of Paul’s native people vehemently opposed his ministry, especially the religious leadership. But Aristarchus was not ashamed to stand with his friend. He was a Christian of the circumcision. Here was a Hebrew that confessed Jesus as the Messiah just like Paul. These three Jewish believers in Christ stood side by side with their native companion.

Paul was treated with courtesy, as he remained in prison for two years. He was granted by the authorities the privilege of fellowship with his friends during his prison term. Aristarchus joined Paul in prison and helped him with his needs (Colossians 4:10; Philemon 1:24). He became a captive of courage. Either Aristarchus chose to remain with Paul like a prisoner, or he was arrested for proclaiming the same message of salvation through Jesus Christ.

Aristarchus was part of the body of Christ and he partnered together with Paul so that the head of that body, the Lord Jesus, might receive “the preeminence” (Colossians 1:18). Aristarchus understood his gift from the Lord and utilized it accordingly. “As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God: (1 Peter 4:10). May God help all believers to be good companions in the Christian community seeking always to bring honor and glory to His name through good deeds for others!

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For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last.

Romans 1:17

Two portions of the God’s Word are inseparably united. “But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith; praying in the Holy Spirit; keep yourselves in the love of God” (Jude 1:20-21). The Scriptures say that a believer should walk in the Spirit and also pray in the Spirit. “But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16). In order that one may always pray in the Spirit, one must seek ever to walk in the Spirit; that is, live every day so that the Spirit of God, which is within the believer, can disciple and direct in all His ways. Actions and attitudes will change when the Holy Spirit teaches the Christian how to be Christ-like.