Footnotes In the Church

As you travel around the state or country, you have probably noticed that there are certain names which are familiar to almost all Christians. Faithful gospel preachers, especially older ones who have served God for many years, have names instantly recognizable to almost everyone. The rest of us however, are pretty much unknown. We are the footnotes in the recent history of the church, but what kind of footnotes are we?

Throughout the New Testament, we find people mentioned only a few times, people who could be referred to as footnotes in the early history of the church. It is Peter, James, Philip and Paul who command most of our attention, and rightly so, but the greatness of these men does not diminish the importance of the "footnote" Christians.

Acquila and Priscilla: These two are mentioned only six times in the New Testament, and three of those mentions are in Acts 18, but they are responsible for many great things in the early spread of the gospel. In Corinth, they helped Paul to support himself (Acts 18:2-3). Traveling on to Ephesus, they were able to better teach Apollos, a bold preacher only familiar with John's baptism (Acts 18:24-28). In turn, Apollos went on to become an influential force in the cause of Christ (see 1 Corinthians). In Romans 16, Paul makes reference to a time when Acquila and Priscilla saved his life (vv. 3-4), and also refers to a church which met in their home (v. 5). This church is also mentioned in 1 Corinthians 16:19. Finally, Paul remembers this faithful brother and sister as he pens his final thoughts to Timothy (2 Tim. 4:19).

Luke: Though he is the writer of the gospel which bears his name, as well as the book of Acts, he is mentioned only three times outside of those books. All three are in the letters of Paul, and the love the apostle felt for Luke is clearly in evidence in his choice of words. In the letter to Philemon, he calls Luke one of his "fellow-workers" (v. 24). In Colossians 4:14, he refers to him as "the beloved physician." Both of those references were written while Paul was imprisoned, but Luke had not deserted him. Finally, again in his final words, as he recounts to Timothy those who had left him, he says with what must have been great tenderness, "Only Luke is with me" (2 Tim. 4:11). Luke stayed through good times and bad to serve God and encourage his friend the apostle.

Titus: Mentioned 13 times in the New Testament, Titus was an eager worker for the Lord. Paul writes of Titus' joy in being able to report of good things in Corinth (2 Cor. 7) and he is called a "partner and fellow-worker" of Paul's in 2 Cor. 8:23. Again, he is one who is mentioned as Paul nears death as having gone to work in Dalmatia (2 Tim. 4:10). In addition to this, there is Paul's letter to Titus, where he is mentioned as being entrusted to appoint elders in every city (Titus 1:5). It is fitting, since Titus is such a great example of the "regular guy" as Christian, that Paul's letter to him is packed with practical instruction on "regular guy" Christianity.

Demas: Alas, not all footnotes turn out as well. Mentioned only three times, Demas is twice listed as Paul's fellow-worker in the company of Luke (Col. 4:14; Phile. 24). And just as with Luke, Titus and Acquila and Priscilla, the last mention of Demas occurs in Paul's final chapter of 2 Timothy. His however, is not a happy ending, for about him, Paul says, "Demas, d this present world, has deserted me" (v. 10).

Diotrophes: John, in his third epistle, gives us our only reference of this man. Whereas Titus is the great example of "regular guy" Christianity, Diotrophes is the "regular guy" run amok. He desired to be a leader in the church, and so made unjust accusations against John and others, refused to accept brethren, and put others out of the church (vv. 9-10).

Here are six people whose contributions to the early history of the church could be termed but footnotes, but they had their impact just the same. One was an inspired writer who helped establish churches throughout Asia. Two established at least one church and instructed a powerful gospel preacher. One helped build up the churches of Asia and beyond. One became an example of those who would rather serve mammon than God. And one became a ruthless abuser of the freedom and power of Christ.

We may be just footnotes, but the type of lives we lead have an impact on those around us. What type of footnote are you?