Friendship is a relationship of mutual affection between people. It is a stronger form of interpersonal bond than an "acquaintance" or an "association," such as a neighbor, coworker, or colleague. It is a state of enduring affection, esteem, intimacy, and trust between people. In all cultures, friendships are important relationships throughout a person's life span.
A friend is often someone that you will experience a bond with. You will normally share some common beliefs and values. A good friend is often someone that will provide emotional support. They will be there for you consistently, whether through simple words or grand gestures. They will listen to you and they are often someone that you feel comfortable talking honestly with because you know that they are genuinely listening and they care about what you have to say. They are people that you feel good being around. They are empathetic to your struggles and what you are experiencing and they will show you that they care. Proverbs 18:24 says, "A man who hath friends must show himself friendly." This statement shows that in order to have friends, the effort of the friendship must be reciprocal.
All throughout the Bible you see some amazing friends displaying some remarkable friendships. There was Abraham and Lot. Although Abraham was Lot's uncle, Abraham showed loyalty by going above and beyond, not just as a relative, but also as a friend, when Abraham gathered hundreds of men to rescue Lot from captivity (Genesis 14:14-16). Then you have Moses and Aaron, David and Jonathan, Elijah and Elisha, Naomi and Ruth, Paul, Priscilla, and Aquila, Paul and Timothy, and let's not forget Christ and Mankind.
In Acts 18 we see a friendship coming to fruition. There we are introduced to a husband and wife missionary team by the name of Priscilla and Aquila. They had a common interest and that was the gospel, which they undertook from Paul. They were devoted to it. One day they went to the synagogue and there they heard Apollos preaching, and it was a powerful sermon. Apollos was a Jew that had just arrived from Alexandria, Egypt. He was a wonderful Bible teacher and preacher. He was an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures that came to Ephesus. While he was in Egypt, someone had told him about John the Baptist and what John had said about Jesus, and that was all that he knew.
Apollos was well instructed in the way of the Lord, and being fervent in the spirit, he spoke and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John. He was well versed in the Old Testament. At that time, there was no written New Testament. He was an awesome orator and he held his audience captive. He was the influence of exposition, and he knew how to put a sermon together. He was the influence of spiritual knowledge and he knew what he knew. He was the influence of fervency and he had that burning desire. He was the influence of accuracy and he correctly laid open that which he knew. Finally, he was the influence of courage and he didn't back down when it came to the WORD. Now hearing all of this it would appear that Apollos had it going on, but the question must be asked, how could he know so much yet know so little? He was a master craftsman about what he knew, but there were gaps in his theology. His message was incomplete and it failed to include the salvation works of Jesus Christ. Therefore, his message was somewhat like the woman who did the hamburger commercial and asked the question, "Where is the beef?"
So after Priscilla and Aquila sat patiently listening to Apollos, they knew he had the tools, but he needed to be taught the way of God more adequately. Apollos did not fully understand Christian truths. John the Baptist was to prepare Israel for the Messiah's arrival. Apollos accepted that message and he even acknowledge that Jesus was Israel's Messiah. He did not understand such basic truths as the significance of Christ's death and resurrection, nor the ministry of the Holy Spirit, and the church of God's new witness. He did not intentionally neglect these aspects of salvation, because he simply did not know. Therefore, he could not talk about grace, mercy, and the goodness of God. Because he was such a dynamic speaker, his message sounded great and touched many who did not know or refused to acknowledge the miracle working power of the Savior. Although he preached an incomplete message, he was sincere, and the people were attentive to what he had to say, but let me remind you, that an inspiring message may only be a door for you which neglects or omits the truths that are needed to understand the complete Word of the Lord.
Scripture tells us that "He began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they invited him to their home and explained to him the way of God more adequately" (John 18:26). Priscilla and Aquila were friends of Paul and they befriended Apollos and invited him to their home. Their commonality was the Lord. There was no hesitation on the part of Apollos to accept the invitation. Maybe he was expecting a good home cooked meal. Many friendships have been stared this way. Priscilla and Aquila did not call this brother out nor did they try to embarrass him. Instead they reached out to him as a friend. The Spirit was able to discern to them that Apollos' gift was preaching.
The Gospel message must be base on the full truth. It must be built on factual beliefs. This was the concern of Priscilla and Aquila as they listened to this great speaker. Apollos has some of it right, but he needed the total package. Recognizing his sincerity and ability they knew he truly had a place in this ministry, but the edges had to be sharpened. Therefore they took it among themselves to educate him. Most importantly, they wanted him to know that Jesus was the fulfilling prophecy. Jesus carried out His Father's will in a human body. He was crucified and on the third day, he rose from the died. There are no exceptions. Grace, mercy, and truth, including righteousness and His love for humanity set Him apart from mere man.
Because of their intervention Apollos prove to be a good listener and student. Priscilla and Aquila completed Apollos' training in divine truth by instructing him in the fullness of the Christian faith. The Scripture does not tell us how long it took for him to understand the truth, but we surmise that it was quite sometime before he was ready to go back on the road. We can also surmise that a friendship was developed and that he owed so much to this couple who took the lead in making sure that he was not behind in nothing pertaining to our Lord and Savior. So Scripture tells us, "When Apollos wanted to go to Achaia, the brothers encouraged him. On arriving, he was a great help to those who by grace believed. For he vigorously refuted the Jews in public debate, proving from the Scriptures that Jesus was the Christ" (Acts 18:27-28). Look at God!
"The intrinsic value of friendship" suggest that friends should be concern with each other's welfare. We are all in the body of Christ. God created us to be friends and it is the Gospel that makes all things common. Friends are nothing more than brothers and sisters in Christ. It is the relationship that holds us together. Friends should be ready to share spiritual knowledge with those who are in need. When we do not, we are neglecting the faith.
Did you know that we have a Friend who will stick closer to you than a brother? Friendship is always preceded by self-giving. The very first friend in the Bible was God Himself. It is the love of God that is shed abroad in the Believer's heart. God Himself is the very essence of friendship. God will never leave you nor forsake you. God will alway be there for you even when the rest of the world walks out on you. Do you know my Friend? Do you know Jesus? He is Alfa and Omega, the beginning and the end, the bright and morning star, my provider, wonderful counselor, the mighty God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of peace. Jesus said, "Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends" (John 15:13). And He did just that. Jesus became the ultimate sin offering who "bore the sin of many." He was perfect and without blemish, "He has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him" (Colossians 1:22). Jesus chose to die on our behalf. He took our punishment for us. He conquered sin and death. He defeated the devil and all the dark powers that held us captive. Now our sins can be forgiven. Praise God that our Redeemer never doubted His purpose and that He never gave up on us.
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