Visitation—The New Testament Plan
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an example of industry and thoroughness. He was a quick, skillful
worker, diligent in business, “fervent in spirit, serving the Lord.” As
he worked at his trade, the apostle had access to a class of people that
he could not otherwise have reached....
Paul sometimes worked night and day, not only for his own support,
but that he might assist his fellow laborers. He shared his earnings
with Luke, and he helped Timothy. He even suffered hunger at times,
that he might relieve the necessities of others. His was an unselfish
life.—
The Acts of the Apostles, 351, 352
.
Paul’s Practical Example to Self-supporting Laymen—Paul set
an example against the sentiment, then gaining influence in the church,
that the gospel could be proclaimed successfully only by those who
were wholly freed from the necessity of physical toil. He illustrated in
a practical way what might be done by consecrated laymen in many
places where the people were unacquainted with the truths of the
gospel. His course inspired many humble toilers with a desire to do
what they could to advance the cause of God, while at the same time
they supported themselves in daily labor.
Aquila and Priscilla were not called to give their whole time to the
ministry of the gospel, yet these humble laborers were used by God
[64]
to show Apollos the way of truth more perfectly. The Lord employs
various instrumentalities for the accomplishment of His purpose; and
while some with special talents are chosen to devote all their energies
to the work of teaching and preaching the gospel, many others, upon
whom human hands have never been laid in ordination, are called to
act an important part in soulsaving.
There is a large field open before the self-supporting gospel worker.
Many may gain valuable experiences in ministry while toiling a portion
of the time at some form of manual labor, and by this method strong
workers may be developed for important service in needy fields.—
The
Acts of the Apostles, 355
.
Go in the Spirit That Endued Paul—Go to your neighbors one
by one, and come close to them till their hearts are warmed by your
unselfish interest and love. Sympathize with them, pray with them,
watch for opportunities to do them good, and as you can, gather a few
together and open the Word of God to their darkened minds. Keep
watching as he who must render an account for the souls of men, and