Daily Devotional

“And Sopater of Berea accompanied him to Asia—also Aristarchus and Secundus of the Thessalonians, and Gaius of Derbe, and Timothy, and Tychicus and Trophimus of Asia” (Acts 20:4). 

Are you prepared with emergency food in case of a disaster? Good nutrition is vital to your survival. Besides having adequate water, you need enough calories to keep you warm, especially if you have to spend the night out in the open. Many people like to carry along foods that are calorie dense, lightweight, and portable. 

Emergency food manufacturers have created packets with a maximum calorie-to-weight ratio and that are easy to throw into a day pack. Most do not require cooking, but some have flameless, self-contained forms of heating. Food bars are quite popular and can be eaten raw. One company makes a ready-to-eat package with six entrées, desserts, and drink mixes, with each meal providing 1,200 calories. At a total of only thirteen pounds, it has a ten-year shelf life. 

The apostle Paul may have really appreciated such food supplies in his difficult travels as a missionary. But the tough leader of the early church decided to bring something even more valuable than energy bars. Paul did not travel alone but always brought along friends and associates. Sometimes he was accompanied by only one other colleague, but when traveling through Greece, we discover at least seven others in his group. 

One man among these helpers was Trophimus of Asia. He was a Gentile Christian from Ephesus who represented the churches of Asia in bringing a financial gift to the struggling church in Jerusalem. When Paul later brought him to Jerusalem, the Jews looked for a way to attack the zealous apostle, so they accused him of bringing Trophimus, a non-Jew, into the inner precincts of the temple, which was off-limits for Gentiles. It caused a riot that led to Paul’s imprisonment. 

Like a calorie-dense food, Christian friends are valuable as we travel this world and serve Christ, especially when going through trials. Trophimus was an encouraging partner to Paul. His name means “nourishing.” Are you like Trophimus, nurturing and sustaining ministers? 

Dear Jesus, help me to provide support to those who faithfully serve you, through my prayers, offerings, and words of encouragement.