APOSTOLIC INSIGHT ~ What can the Apostles and Church Fathers tell us about our times? What advice do they have for our problems? Here are some of their thoughts ~

Often the question is raised about how we stay faithful? Everyone slips every now and then, but usually the error comes back to haunt us. How can we avoid making the same mistake again? One of the lessons we learn from the earliest believers is that they discovered the necessity of doing what was right regardless of their personal limitations. When they realized that the Messiah was walking with them, they did not turn back. Faithfulness is not avoiding mistakes, but continuing on the path God has given us to walk regardless of the cost.

Let’s see what we can learn from one of the first followers.

MEET PROCHORUS ~ In the Acts of the Apostles (Act 6:1-60), is the story of the Apostles choosing seven men who were filled with the Holy Spirit and wisdom. These key leaders were crucial for the endurance of the believers. In addition, other deacons were selected. Like Parmenas, Prochorus was one of the original seventy deacons selected by the Apostles to lead the first church that was in Jerusalem. Actually, James the brother of Jesus was the first leader of the Christians. Peter was chief among the Apostles, but James led the Church. We know more about Peter and Paul because of their key role portrayed in the Acts of the Apostles found in the New Testament. Moreover, James was martyred just shortly before the Romans destroyed Jerusalem in AD 70.

Along with Stephen, Philip, Nicanor, Timor, and Nicholas, Prochorus helped meet the practical needs of the early believers. Many were poor, sick, as well as widows and orphans that needed assistance. The first seventy deacons worked with these needy people.

Prochorus accompanied the Apostle Peter on some of his journeys. The history of the Church records that Peter made Prochorus the bishop of Nicomedia. In addition, Prochorus was a companion with Apostle John. The tradition of the Church remembers that Prochorus was banished along with John to the Isle of Patmos where John composed the book of The Revelation to John. While he was there, we can conclude that Prochorus must have been of some assistance to John as he wrote his apocalyptic book.

After Prochorus returned from Patmos, he brought the Gospel to both Nicomedia  and Antioch. Prochorus was martyred in Antioch. Even though his faithfulness led to his heroic death, his endurance crowned his life being numbered among the saints of God.