Paul not only cultivated a personal relationship with the brethren but also developed a public one as well. This Public relationship had various elements at work. Because of Paul's position as a church leader, he was afforded more attention in the public forum than the typical Christian. He used this stage to encourage the brethren. Paul exhorted and encouraged them as a father would his own children (1Th 2.11-12). A father figure has the ability to lift up the countenance of a child in a way that few others could, and Paul's status as the "father in the faith" to many of the Thessalonian Christians allowed for that. Paul made a habit of reminding them of the fruits of their labors and the providential care of the Lord (1Th 2.14-16), and he did this in a public setting (1Th 1.3). Paul was also concerned with about the local brethren while he was away (1Th 1.8) and being mindful of them would boast about their good works (2Th 1.4). His encouraging words were not only his own but also would be encouragement that he would relay from other congregations within the brotherhood (1Th 1.9-10). One of Paul's primary tasks was to be a pure example to the brethren (2Th 3.7) as well as protect the local church from poor examples (2Th 3.6). While being a pure example, it is no doubt that some would begin to follow Paul rather than God but Paul made it clear that the focus of the Local church was to be on God and not on mere men (2Th 3.5).

You don’t have to be an apostle or a former Pharisee to be a modern day Paul, all that is required is a commitment to Jesus and His Church.

Let your light shine!