In this passage we have reflected or modeled the type of interaction and relationship that should exist between Christian Ministers and the congregations that they serve. The wider context is that Paul was a part of an Apostolic Band that was initially called forth by the Holy Spirit and sent out into the world to plant churches by the leaders of the Church at Antioch:

“Now in the church that was at Antioch there were certain prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen who had been brought up Herod the tetrarch m and Saul. As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, “Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them. Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away.”
Acts13:1-3

Apostles are in fact “Sent Ones” and they emerge out the fivefold gift ministries mentioned by Paul in Ephesians 4:11-12:

“And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.”
Ephesians 4:11-12

Apostles are then teachers, pastors, evangelists and prophets who once given to local church ministry have been set aside by the Holy Spirit for trans-local or itinerant ministry with an emphasis upon church planting. They therefore, as in Paul’s case, have a home base to which they are accountable. This is why Paul returned to Antioch after his missionary journeys. Note Acts 14:26. True preachers are not “loners” doing their own independent thing without reference to a governing oversight! It was in this light that Paul, Silvanus and Timothy came to Thessaloniki. We should then consider the following:

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