Paul's Companions
Throughout his missionary work, Paul relied on the encouragement and support of his fellow believers. Below is a list of Paul's chief companions and the Bible verses through which we know of them.
Barnabas
"Barnabas" was the name given him by the Apostles. His actual name was Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus. In 48 AD, Barnabas and Paul began their first missionary journey through Asia Minor. Acts 4: 36; 9: 27; 13: 1.
John Mark
His mother's house was a meeting place of the early Christian community in Jerusalem. Peter went to this home after his miraculous release from prison. He was the cousin of Barnabas and joined in the first missionary journey. Although he was the source of a disagreement between Barnabas and Paul, the rifted was resolved as Paul later called Mark, "fellow-worker." Later in life he joined Peter in Rome. Acts 12;12, 25; 13 ;13; 15: 37.
Luke
Early tradition testifies that Luke was a Greek physician before being converted. He joined Paul at Troas during the second missionary journey. He also traveled with Paul to Rome during which time he was shipwrecked with Paul on Malta and imprisoned with him in Rome. After Paul's death, he wrote his two-volume work on the life of Jesus, The Gospel of Luke, and the growth of the early church, The Acts of the Apostles. Colossians 4: 14; II Timothy 4: 11.
Priscilla & Aquila
They had been expelled from Rome by the emperor Claudius in 49. They settled in Corinth. As fellow tent-makers, they opened their home to Paul when he arrived in this community. During his extended stay in Ephesus, Paul was once again joined by this remarkable couple who "risked their lives" for him. Acts 18: 18; Romans 16:3; I Corinthians 16:19; II Timothy 4: 19.
Silas
First mentioned at the Council of Jerusalem. Journeyed with Paul for three years on the second missionary campaign. Ministered in Corinth after Paul left for Ephesus. Later in life, he joined Peter in Rome. Acts 15: 40; 16: 19, 25, 29.
Timothy
A young man from Lystra in Asia Minor. His father was Greek, his mother was a Jew. He joined Paul and Silas during their second journey often serving as Paul's envoy. Acts 16: 1; 17: 14; Romans 16: 21; II Timothy 1: 2.
Titus
Titus served with Paul for longer than any other fellow-worker, a period of 20 years. Titus was born a Gentile. When many in Jerusalem insisted he be circumcised, Paul defended Titus "not giving in to them for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel might remain with you." Titus served with Paul in mediating Paul's relationship with the Christians at Corinth who were practicing immorality. Titus later began the first bishop of Crete. Paul addressed a personal letter to him, describing the qualities of a good bishop. II Corinthians 7: 6, 13-14; Titus 1: 4.
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