When you think of the early church it is easy to overlook the other significant individuals (beside the 12 Apostles and Paul) who contributed to what I like to call “The Beginning of an Unfinished Work”. The missionary activities recorded in the Book of Acts and other letters/books of the New Testament reveal a host of individuals who continued the work of ministry that began with those early followers of The Way. The church was on the move, it was growing and influencing a pagan and godless world by spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ – His death, burial and resurrection.

In this lesson we will look at the contributions to the early church from people like: Mark who wrote the earliest gospel account of the life of Jesus and instrumental in the establishment of the church in Alexandria Egypt. Luke, who wrote 2 books comprising 28% of our New Testament. Timothy, who was personally mentored by Paul and known as Paul’s son in the faith was instrumental in defending against the influence of heresy in the church at Ephesus. Others, like Titus, James (the brother of Jesus) who wrote an Epistle (letter) containing instructions and guidance on living out our life of faith and many more individuals whom we owe a tremendous debt to.

These early leaders of the church battled heresy and false teaching in spite of the persecutions they faced and often dying a martyr’s death. It was because of them and the influence of the Apostles themselves that the Scriptures were put to paper and eventually canonized into the 26 books of our New Testament. What a legacy they left us and our contribution is to continue steadfast to the faith we embrace, and they gave their lives for!