Discipleship Chains Based on (2 Timothy 2:2) 

During our life span of three score and ten years, we can, at best, relate to about four biological generations by name (Psalm 90:10; Job 42:16). Paul made it a point to intimately follow multiple generations of his spiritual descendents by name, which he Mentored, Observed, Delegated, Encouraged and Left (MODEL). He agonized in prayer for every one by name, even for those whom he had not met (Col. 2:1). This continuous ongoing mentoring chain released hundreds of well-equipped, export quality men and women into the harvest field, which resulted in tectonic changes in Asia and Europe. Paul could honestly claim, “I have “fully” preached the gospel from Jerusalem to Illyricum” (Acts 19:10; Rom. 15:19).

1. The first Gentile ekklesia at Antioch was planted by Christian refugees. Barnabas was sent by the ekklesia in Jerusalem to disciple them. He brought Paul who was sulking in Tarshish, having made a mess of his ministry in Damascus and Jerusalem. Barnabas mentored Paul for a whole year (Acts 9:22-31; 11:19-26). 

2. Paul was sent by the Antioch ekklesia; he discipled Timothy and left him in Ephesus to train “faithful men” (Acts 13:3; 1Tim 1:3).

3. Timothy trained Epaphras who worked in Colossae (Col. 1:1-8).

4. Epaphras trained “others also.” This included Archippus who trained Nympha, a woman and a fifth generation disciple who led an ekklesia. Epaphras left them to itinerate with Paul (2Tim.2:2; Col.4:12-16).

Paul had many disciples who mentored their own down line. He handed over the baton to the Genext, while he continued to MODEL his own spiritual family. The result: “All over the world the gospel is bearing fruit and growing” (Col.1:6). (Bill Smith)

There are two kinds of Christians, the wheat and the chaff. “Wheat Christians” die to multiply disciples. The “Chaff Christians” also die but do not extend the kingdom. (Rom. 15:19)