Christ Apostolic Church Sunday School Lesson For October 12, 2025 Lesson 38: Title - PAUL KEEPS DISCOVERING AND ‎DEVELOPING LEADERS (II) ‎

Christ Apostolic Church Sunday School Lesson For October 12, 2025 Lesson 38: Title - PAUL KEEPS DISCOVERING AND   ‎DEVELOPING LEADERS (II)   ‎ 

‎Theme: PREPARING GOD'S PEOPLE FOR LEADERSHIP 

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‎JANUARY TO DECEMBER 2025.

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‎OCTOBER 12, 2025.

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‎LESSON 38

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‎Unit 5: Leadership Preparation In 

‎The New Testament (II)

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‎Topic: PAUL KEEPS DISCOVERING AND 

‎DEVELOPING LEADERS (II) 

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‎Memory Scriptures

‎Because for the work of Christ he came 

‎close to death, not regarding his life, to 

‎supply what was lacking in your service 

‎toward me (Philippians 2:30). 

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‎Paul's commitment to developing Christian leaders through support and guidance greatly influenced the early church's leadership. 

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‎1. BRIEF COMMENT

‎Paul continuously discovered and nurtured leaders like Epaphroditus

‎who displayed unwavering commitment to Christ. Epaphroditus exemplified unparalleled dedica tion, nearly sacrificing his life in service to the Lord-a rare feat among professed followers of Christ today. His selflessness deserved recognition and commendation, as he

‎willingly endangered himself to aid others in ways beyond the capacity of many. 

‎While the entire Church couldn't personally assist Paul, Epaphroditus stood out as one who embraced the honour of serving and leading uniquely. This passage challenges the notion that only martyrs receive admiration for their sacrifice, emphasising that those who risk their lives in Christ's service are equally deserving acknowledgment and recognition. It underscores the significance of diverse roles in the Church community, with those shouldering more demanding responsibilities warranting appreciation from their peers who support them from behind. 

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‎DEVOTIONAL BIBLE READINGS

‎Mon. 6: Be Anxious For Nothing (Php. 4:4-8) 

‎Tue. 7: Be Sober-Minded; Be Watchful (1 Pet. 5:8) 

‎Wed. 8: Be Watchful; Stand Firm In The Faith (1 Cor. 16:13) 

‎Thu. 9: Be Prayerful At AlI Times (Php.4:5-7) 

‎Fri. 10: Be Thankful ln All Things (Eph. 5:20) 

‎Sat. 11: Be A Godly Giver (Matt. 6:19-21) 

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‎2. DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

‎1. We have a noble calling as Christian leaders: to serve God through serving others. 

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‎2. Christian leaders must embrace feedback, learn, invest in growth, decide 

‎wisely, resolve conflicts, stay resilient, and promote innovation. 

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‎83. BACKGROUND SCRIPTURE: 2 Timothy 3:10 

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‎4. AIM AND OB]ECTIVES 

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‎AIM: To show the place of discovery, correction, development and leadership 

‎in God's programme for His Church by His Spirit. 

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‎OBJECTIVES: By the end of this lesson, learners should be able to: 

‎i. explain how Paul discovered and developed Gaius and Epaphroditus; and 

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‎ii. describe how Paul was elevating both Euodia and Syntyche as equal co-workers While also recognising Clement as a leader.

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‎INTRODUCTION

‎TEXTUAL SOURCE: Romans 16:23; Philippians 2:25ff; 4:2-3,9,18-20; Philemon 1:10-16; 3 John 1:1ff 

‎Glory and honour be unto God as we proceed with the series of the Sunday school focusing on 'Preparing God's People for Leadership'. 

‎The previous lesson illustrated how Titus and Silas were identified and cultivated as leaders by Paul. It also aimed to challenge and rectify contemporary leadership strategies, which ought not to be founded solely on personal merit but on the calling and power of the Lord. Like Titus and Silas, we should embrace discipleship with humility. 

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‎This lesson is titled, "Paul Keeps Discovering and Developing Leaders 

‎(II)". It delves into how Paul identified and nurtured Gaius, Epaphroditus, Euodia, Syntyche, and Clement. It reveals the significance of these remarkable individuals in shaping our understanding of faith, generosity, hospitality, steadfastness, humility, obedience, fidelity and leadership. May we possess the humility to stand resolute in Christ and propagate His message faithfully, in the name of Jesus. Amen. 

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‎LESSON OUTLINE

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‎I. PAUL, GAIUS AND EPAPHRODITUS 

‎II. PAUL, EUODIA, SYNTYCHE AND CLEMENT 

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LESSON EXPOSITION

‎I. PAUL, GAIUS AND EPAPHRODITUS (Rom. 16:23; Php. 2:25ff; 4:9,18-20; Phm. 1:10-16; 3 Jn. 1:1ff) 

‎Yet considered it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier, but your messenger and the one who ministered 

‎to my need I(Php. 2:25). 

‎a) Phm. 1:10-16: Paul met Gaius during his ministry and saw his strong faith and loyalty (Rom. 16:23). Gaius showed leadership by serving others and staying devoted to Christ, showing him as a potential future Christian leader. 

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‎b) 3 Jn. 1:1ff: Paul invested time and effort in nurturing Gaius spiritually, guiding him in his walk with the Lord. Gaius humbly showed openness to Paul's mentorship and willingness to learn. 

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‎c) Php. 2:25-30: Paul identified Epaphroditus as a potential leader and 

‎entrusted him with responsibilities. Epaphroditus exhibited courage and selflessness in his service--qualities essential for leadership. 

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‎d) 4:18-20: Paul guided and supported him, helping him grow in his faith and leadership. Embracing Paul's teachings, Epaphroditus showed notable growth, earning trust as a leader in the Church. 

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‎e) Rom. 16:23; Php. 2:25ff: Gaius and Epaphroditus worked with Paul in evangelism and supporting others. Their joint efforts in spreading the gospel forged a close relationship with Paul and facilitated their growth as leaders. 

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‎f) Both formally in ministry settings and informally in meals and gatherings, Paul spent time with them, pastorally nurturing their spiritual growth and addressing their needs. Gaius grew in 

‎understanding the gospel message and in his relationship with God. 

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‎g) Paul's letters, including mentions of Gaius and Epaphroditus, provided guidance and encouragement for their leadership development. 

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‎h) Php. 4:9: Paul's life and ministry served as a powerful example for Gaius and Epaphroditus, aiding their spiritual growth and leadership maturity through their close partnership. 

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‎i) Paul discovered and developed Gaius and Epaphroditus as leaders, reflecting the progression of their relationship with Paul and their growth in the early Christian Church. What is your attitude to the upcoming ones? 

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‎II. PAUL EUODIA, SYNTYCHE AND CLEMENT (Php. 4:2-3) 

‎Do not grumble against one another brethren, lest you be condemned. Behold, the judge is standing at the door! (James 5:9). 

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‎a) Php. 4:2-3: Paul acknowledged Euodia and Syntyche as fellow labourers in the gospel, recognising their leadership potentials and valuing their partnership in ministry. 

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‎b) Paul urged Euodia and Syntyche to reconcile their differences as brethren (vv. 2,3), showing his investment in their leadership growth and stressing the importance of unity and cooperation among leaders.

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‎c) v.3: Paul extolled Clement as a fellow worker whose name is recorded in the Book of Life, implying Paul's mentorship towards his , activeness is further in ministry and leadership in Christ's body. 

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‎d) Paul's mentorship with Euodia, Syntyche and Clement shown in: 

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‎* Paul's teachings guided their understanding of Christian faith, ethics and theology, providing spiritual instruction (cf. 2 Tim 3:16-17). 

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‎* He likely mentored them, offering personal encouragement and support in their Christian journey (cf. Tit. 2:7-8). 

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‎* Paul's establishment and nurturing of churches allowed them to connect with fellow believers and contribute to church life (Acts 14:21-23). 

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‎• Paul's example as a dedicated follower of Christ inspired them to emulate his love for the Church (cf. 1 Cor. 11:1). 

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‎e) These had remarkable impact on Euodia, Syntyche and Clement: 

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‎* As they engaged in church life and learnt from Paul, their relationship deepened, with Paul offering necessary support, encouragement and correction (cf. Acts 20:20). 

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‎* Paul imparted teachings through personal interactions, letters and possibly, through other leaders, like in his letters mentioning Euodia and Syntyche, serving as guidance for believers (Col. 4:16). 

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‎f) Paul's teachings on unity impacted Euodia, Syntyche and Clement, fostering their spiritual growth and leadership development His commendation of Clement affirmed his active ministry involvement, inspiring continued service. 

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‎LESSONS DERIVED

‎1. A good leader remembers that a God-given vision requires teamwork for success. 

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‎2. Leaders should allow people to mature and not hinder their service due to past, reconciled transgressions. 

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‎QUESTIONS

‎1. Lists the influences of Gaius on Christian history and the biblical account. Give a succinct description of Epaphroditus. 

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‎2 Who are Euodia and Syntyche? What is the identity of Clement?

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