Dare to Be Aristarchus

Dare to Be Aristarchus

Daily Scripture Threshing for Today, Wednesday, October 21, 2026

Today’s Text: Acts 19:23–41; 20:4; 27:1–2, 41–44; Colossians 4:10–11; Philemon 24

Key Verse: Colossians 4:10 (KJV) — “Aristarchus my fellowprisoner saluteth you, and Marcus, sister’s son to Barnabas, (touching whom ye received commandments: if he come unto you, receive him;)”

In a world where many are willing to share another person’s platform but few are willing to share their troubles, Scripture introduces us to a man whose companionship reached beyond convenience. His name was Aristarchus, a Macedonian from Thessalonica, a traveling companion of Paul, and a servant whose name appears in accounts of danger, demanding journeys, and gospel partnership. He was seized during the uproar in Ephesus, accompanied Paul as he began his voyage toward Rome, and was later acknowledged as Paul’s “fellowprisoner” and fellow laborer. His example reminds us that faithfulness is not always measured by how prominently we stand before people, but by how steadfastly we stand beside them. Dare to be Aristarchus: dare to bring more than your presence into the congregation; bring a heart prepared to share the burdens of the people with whom you worship.

When the city of Ephesus was thrown into confusion, the crowd seized Gaius and Aristarchus, Paul’s Macedonian traveling companions, and rushed them into the theatre. Aristarchus was not merely hearing about the dangers of gospel service; he was caught in the violence of an angry crowd because of his association with the work. Yet the biblical record later places him among Paul’s companions again. The uproar did not become the last chapter of his service. Some people will walk with you while your name opens doors, but withdraw when it attracts opposition. Aristarchus did not disappear when circumstances become uncomfortable. Dare to stand beside those who suffer for doing right, to remember servants whose obedience has become costly, and to refuse the easy habit of leaving the burdened to carry their burdens alone.

Aristarchus continues to follow even to Paul’s voyage to Rome. He was identified as “a Macedonian of Thessalonica,” who “was with us” (Acts 27:2) when the voyage became the setting of a terrible storm and shipwreck. Has obedience led you into difficult waters? Yes, walking in the will of God does not mean that every journey will be smooth. Sometimes faithfulness means continuing to serve when the voyage becomes frightening and the destination seems uncertain. Aristarchus was Paul’s “fellowprisoner" and fellow laborer. His testimony of a partnership reached into suffering and service. Dare to offer that kind of dependable fellowship: not merely saying, “I am praying for you,” while remaining unwilling to help, but asking what love requires and taking an appropriate, practical step. A visit, a meal, a ride, a sacrificial gift, an encouraging message, or help with an overlooked responsibility can turn a profession of fellowship into an experience of grace.

Faithful companionship is steadfast service to Christ expressed through truthful, responsible love. We are not called to make an idol of any leader, but neither should we abandon one another simply because obedience has become inconvenient. As we worship together, we must remember that we are a people called to share life in Christ. Someone may be singing beside you while carrying a burden you cannot see. Someone serving faithfully may need encouragement more than another assignment. Dare to be Aristarchus: dare to empathize with the weary, to remain dependable when recognition is absent, and to become the companion whose presence helps another servant continue. You may never write an epistle or preach to multitudes, but you can help strengthen someone who is carrying the gospel forward.

Action Steps: Identify one person who needs more than a passing greeting. Ask sincerely how they are doing, listen without rushing, and offer one specific form of help. Remember a missionary, pastor, imprisoned believer, grieving family, or weary church worker in prayer, and accompany that prayer with an appropriate act of care. If you have withdrawn from someone merely because their season became difficult, consider how you can reconnect with humility and wisdom. Choose one commitment you can faithfully keep this week, and let your companionship become a dependable expression of Christ’s love.

Quote for the Day: “Faithful companionship does not merely celebrate another person’s calling; it also willingly carries the cost of their obedience.” — (Simon Olatunji #quotablequotes)

Let Us Pray: Heavenly Father, make me a faithful companion in the fellowship of Your people. Deliver me from the selfishness that seeks blessings while avoiding responsibilities. Give me courage to stand beside those who suffer for righteousness, compassion to recognize hidden burdens, and wisdom to offer help that truly strengthens. When the journey becomes difficult, keep my heart from retreating into indifference. Teach me to serve without seeking attention, to encourage without demanding reward, and to remain dependable when love becomes costly. Let my presence always bring comfort to someone who is weary and courage to someone who is struggling, and always faithful to Christ and useful to His people — in Jesus’ most glorious name. Amen.

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Thank you for threshing the Word with me today. For further study on this topic, please read: Acts 19:23–41; Acts 20:1–6; Acts 27:1–44; Colossians 4:7–14; Philemon 23–25; Galatians 6:2; Hebrews 10:24–25; Hebrews 13:3.

With all my love and prayers,

Simon Wale Olatunji, Ph.D.

Your Darling Bishop (DaBishop)

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