BULLETIN ARTICLE – 9 September 2018
FELLOW WORKERS IN GOD’S WORK
Why did Apostle Paul in Cenchreae (Acts 18) cut his hair and what is the significance of this act? It was a Nazirite vow that a Jewish man or woman can take. This special vow was described in Numbers chapter 6 as a vow of “dedication to the LORD”. The person who takes this vow must abstain from wine and fermented drink and must not cut his hair during the entire period of the vow. “During the entire period of their Nazirite vow, no razor may be used on their head. They must be holy until the period of their dedication to the LORD is over; they must let their hair grow long” (Numbers 6:5)
Jews take such a vow as an expression of their thankfulness to God or as part of a petition for future blessings. It is not made as a promise to God to do something out of one’s strength but an outward and visible demonstration of deep gratitude. As a follower of Jesus, a Christian, Paul does not need the Jewish rituals and sacrifices to draw near to God and there is no more need for fragrant burnt or wave offerings. Was it necessary for Paul to take such a Jewish vow? It was not a matter of need to but a heartfelt and voluntary display of appreciation to God for what he has done for Paul. Sometimes new Christians in Singapore take a strong stand to reject familial customs and practices. We must exercise great care to differentiate religious acts of worship from customs and mannerisms that show familial respect and filial piety. Paul held on this Jewish custom – vow of dedication to the LORD – in which he had been raised.
As Paul started on his third missionary journey, he was provided with many helpers and fellow workers along the way. He revisited churches which he planted in his first missionary journey. He sought to affirm and confirm the growing faith of the Christians in these churches. While at Ephesus, the Christians there persuaded him to stay on but he did not as he had to head off to Jerusalem. He promised to return if it be God’s will to do so. Paul entrusted the continued teaching and strengthening of the Ephesians to Aquila and Priscilla. He did not see himself nor show himself as the only one able to build and nurture the new converts. He trusted his fellow workers who were given to him by the Holy Spirit. Even someone like Apollos, who “knew only the baptism of John”, became an effective witness and teacher after Aquila and Priscilla “explained to him the way of God more adequately”.
Paul in his letter to the Corinthians said, “What, after all, is Apollos? What is Paul? Only servants. The Lord has assigned to each his task. I planted the seed, Apollos watered it but God made it grow.” To put to rest any sense of self promotion or importance and elevation of any leader or teacher, Paul reminded all: “For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, God’s building.” (1 Corinthians 3:5-9).
