A "Paraklete" Ministry

The book of Acts again and again demonstrates the need for believers to encourage one another. Three times in our text in Acts 20:1-16, the Greek word parakaleō is used. We will see that Paul's "Paraklete" Ministry models encouragement and comfort and aid to God's people. Paul gathers the disciples together to encourage them with the promises of God. He sets out on a journey to encourage the churches that had been planted in various regions surrounding Macedonia. He's the visiting evangelist who isn't raising money for himself as so many do, but he's raising money for the poor saints in Jerusalem. As we observe Paul's example, we should examine our own commitment to a "paraklete" ministry of encouragement.