INTRODUCTIONIn this serial, we will conclude on the“Ministry-gift of Helps” as in 1 Cor. 12:28.

“And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers after that miracles then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues”. As mentioned before, this ministry gift is based at the headquarters of the local church to give backup support to those at the battlefront with their God-given resources.

They are not rendering account officially to the Church on this gift, but only to God who gave them.

They give support and assistance to both the strong and weak ministers. They are highly indispensable in the Body of Christ. SUPPORT TO THE STRONG (CONT’D)In this section, we shall see how Apostle Paul, a strong minister of God was supported by those who had this ministry-gift of Helps around him and thus aided his ministry fulfilment. Paul found Aquila and Priscilla at Corinth, who were also in the tent-making trade, whom “he stayed with and worked” (Acts 18:2-3).

He took Aquila and sailed to Antioch of Syria (Acts 18:18-26) and left them at Ephesus to minister to the brethren (v19). Both of them met Apollos, an eloquent teacher from Alexandria (v 24) and “took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately” (v26). Aquila and Priscilla had a church in their house before Paul came (Rom.16:5; 1 Cor. 16:19).

They were with Paul for fifteen years. Paul also mentioned Erastust together with Timothy as “two of those who ministered to me” (Acts 19:22). Erastus was the treasurer of the City(probably Ephesus). He was with Paul as he wrote his epistle to the Romans, while at Corinth (Rom.16:23). Gaius and Aristarchusboth Macedonians, were Paul’s travelling companions. They were seized by the people who rushed into the theatre with one accord when Ephesus was filled with confusion (Acts 19:29). Gaiuswas Paul’s host and the host of the whole church (Rom.16:23). Gaius also was withPaul at Corinth when he wrote to the Romans. Aristarchussailed with Paul to Italy (Acts 27:2).

He was his fellow prisoner at Rome (Col. 4: 10). SUPPORT TO THE WEAKPaul also engaged this ministry gift of Help in testifying to the elders at Ephesus during his farewell. He was an example of those who give support to the weak, even as someone strong. “I have shown you in every way, by labouring like this, that you must support(antilambanestai) the weak. And remember the word ofthe Lord Jesus, that He said,“it is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35)”.“Support the weak” in Paul’susage here is not referring to showing mercy to the needy to the needy.

He was specifically talking about providing financial support for his own ministry companies. He asked the leaders from Ephesus to imitate him in this way – to provide financial support for their ministers. The Ministry of Help is also a ministry of helping people who cannot take care of certain areas by themselves.

The operation of this in his way involves more than giving exhortation. It requires love in action, probably over some time. Members with this gift can be involved in cell care groups to provide special pastoral care for people to transition out of their problems.CONCLUSIONWe will continue with another Ministry-gift under the Supporting Ministries in the next serial. Grace bemultiplied.

•Pastor Akinola•J.K. Akinola is SeniorPastor, The Gospel FaithMission International(GOFAMINT), Ibadan,Nigeria. Email:[email protected],[email protected] (Dr). E.O. Abina –General Overse