Paul stayed on in Corinth for some time. Then he left the brothers and sisters and sailed for Syria, accompanied by Priscilla and Aquila. Before he sailed, he had his hair cut off at Cenchreae because of a vow he had taken. They arrived at Ephesus, where Paul left Priscilla and Aquila. He himself went into the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews. When they asked him to spend more time with them, he declined. But as he left, he promised, “I will come back if it is God’s will.” Then he set sail from Ephesus. When he landed at Caesarea, he went up to Jerusalem and greeted the church and then went down to Antioch. After spending some time in Antioch, Paul set out from there and traveled from place to place throughout the region of Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening all the disciples.

I deal with strategy a lot in helping clients manage their risk in business. In order to know where to have the most impact, many times we will run data analysis to determine where the problem areas are. Once identified, they need to be quantified and prioritized. In general, the strategic plan guides the implementation steps and can make or break long-term success.

We see Paul bouncing around to a lot of places in this passage. But a more careful look will reveal he had a strategic plan behind his movements.

He met with Aquila & Priscilla. He then travels with them to Ephesus, and drops them off there. Then he travels to the synagogue, shares the gospel with the Jews, and then rejoins Aquila & Priscilla in Ephesus. Then he leaves them and travels all over encouraging churches and making disciples.

Paul’s spiritual strategy in spreading the gospel becomes evident here. He works with Aquila and Priscilla, mentors and disciples them in their faith, and then plants them in Ephesus to be a blessing. He, at first, leaves them for a short time, and then returns. Then later, he leaves them for a longer time. This is coaching — he is letting them ride with training wheels first, prior to riding all by themselves.

Paul builds disciples, identifies leaders, mentors them, and plants them in churches he helps to start. He travels and encourages over time, while the leaders he planted in ministry serve.

This model is the church planting model. It only works if we are dedicated to the gospel and to equipping others for ministry.

What am I willing to do when God calls me to strategically serve? How can I seek after God’s strength to deal with the sheer volume of work in travel and preaching the gospel?

Lord, you are wonderful, strong, and mighty! May your love flow out from me and touch those around me, pointing them to Jesus. May I mentor and equip others for your service! May many come to know you and believe!