Days of Obscurity and Insecurity

Today's lesson is about the Apostle John and his  days of obscurity. In Acts 12:2 it tells of the death of James, John's brother. This is the last time we hear of John. While the book of Acts mentions the many exploits of Peter and Paul, there is very little mention of John. His ministry work does not get much attention.

Many historians believe that John moved to Ephesus and even travelled to Rome at some point during his lifetime. R. Alan Culpepper states, " While the New Testament never mentions the activities of the Apostle John in his later years, early Christian writers, though not unanimous, furnish strong evidence that he spent several decades in residence in Ephesus.

Ephesus was the place where people worshipped gods and goddess. The most important goddess was Artemis [or the Roman equivalent, Diana]. She was the goddess of fertility. The people built a temple in her honor. This temple was one of the wonders of the ancient world. The city's commercial and religious life centered around Artemis. People made their living by selling shrines of the goddess.

Paul ministered in this city which caused a great commotion [see Acts 19:23-41]. John at a later time came to this city and quietly built on the foundation which Paul had laid. John lived in obscurity during his time in Ephesus. He lived in obscurity longer than any other apostle. I wonder what John thought about this. I wonder what he thought about Peter and Paul gaining notoriety and prominence in the Church. Did he feel insecure about this? Did he ask, "What about me, Lord?"

Like I have said before, it is human nature to compare ourselves with others. Sometimes, I look at others talents, abilities, and successes and compare myself to them. People SEEM to be more anointed and favored by God than I am. When I feel this way I need to turn to God and find my worth in Him. I need to trust Him. I need to go by what I know rather than what I feel. I know God sees me and knows all about me [Psalm 139]. I need to trust God with my "todays" and my "tomorrows". He is working all things for my good [Romans 8:28].