“And after the uproar was ceased, Paul called unto him the disciples, and embraced them, and departed for to go into Macedonia. And when he had gone over those parts, and had given them much exhortation, he came into Greece” (Acts 20:1-21And after the uproar was ceased, Paul called unto him the disciples, and embraced them, and departed for to go into Macedonia. 2And when he had gone over those parts, and had given them much exhortation, he came into Greece, (Acts 20:1‑2)).
Paul had preached the gospel in Macedonia (see chapters 16 and 17) and various local assemblies were formed. He returned to visit them, and his ministry was characterized by exhortation. He counseled them with an abundance of words. We Christians need much exhortation.
“And there abode three months. And when the Jews laid wait for him, as he was about to sail into Syria, he purposed to return through Macedonia. And there accompanied him into Asia Sopater of Berea; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timotheus; and of Asia, Tychicus and Trophimus. These going before tarried for us at Troas” (Acts 20:3-53And there abode three months. And when the Jews laid wait for him, as he was about to sail into Syria, he purposed to return through Macedonia. 4And there accompanied him into Asia Sopater of Berea; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timotheus; and of Asia, Tychicus and Trophimus. 5These going before tarried for us at Troas. (Acts 20:3‑5)).
Paul — knowledgeable of the malicious purpose of the relentless, unbelieving Jews — decided to return through Macedonia. Seven brothers from three nations accompanied him as far as Asia. It seems that he always had companions (“fellow soldiers” — Philemon 22And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellowsoldier, and to the church in thy house: (Philemon 2)), brave believers who were drawn to him, ready to fight spiritual battles and share with him in his sufferings as the Lord’s servant. “Aristarchus” (Col. 4:1010Aristarchus my fellowprisoner saluteth you, and Marcus, sister's son to Barnabas, (touching whom ye received commandments: if he come unto you, receive him;) (Colossians 4:10)) and “Timothy” (Heb. 13:2323Know ye that our brother Timothy is set at liberty; with whom, if he come shortly, I will see you. (Hebrews 13:23)) had been with him in prison.
“And we sailed away from Philippi after the days of unleavened bread, and came unto them to Troas in five days; where we abode seven days. And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight. And there were many lights in the upper chamber, where they were gathered together” (Acts 20:6-86And we sailed away from Philippi after the days of unleavened bread, and came unto them to Troas in five days; where we abode seven days. 7And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight. 8And there were many lights in the upper chamber, where they were gathered together. (Acts 20:6‑8)).
Why does it say that Paul and his company were in Troas for seven days? It appears that they went up on Monday and wanted to be with the brothers for breaking of bread on Sunday, the Sabbath day. The purpose of their meeting was to remember the Lord in His death: “For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till He come” (1 Cor. 11:2626For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do show the Lord's death till he come. (1 Corinthians 11:26)). Paul made use of the occasion to teach them God’s word, but the fundamental purpose of the meeting was to break bread in memory of the Lord Jesus: “this do in remembrance of ME” (Luke. 22:19). The “many lights” make us think that “God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all” (1 John 1:55This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. (1 John 1:5)).The place of His presence was full of light.
Eutychus is a type of the early church which grew tired of hearing Paul’s good doctrine, since before he died “all they which are in Asia” abandoned him (2 Tim. 1:1515This thou knowest, that all they which are in Asia be turned away from me; of whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes. (2 Timothy 1:15)). When the church did not continue in Paul’s doctrine (ministry to the church, Col 1:2525Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God; (Colossians 1:25)), little by little it sunk into the darkness of men’s opinions, until in the DARK AGES the true church was left, by all appearances, dead.
Of course, the occasion of Paul’s visit in Troas was extraordinary, since he spoke hour after hour until midnight. In general, human beings’ minds cannot pay attention for more than an hour, during which “two or three” brothers can give appropriate messages for the “edification, exhortation, and consolation” (1 Cor. 14:3, 293But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort. (1 Corinthians 14:3)
29Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge. (1 Corinthians 14:29)).
“And Paul went down, and fell on him, and embracing him said, Trouble not yourselves; for his life is in him. When he therefore was come up again, and had broken bread, and eaten, and talked a long while, even till break of day, so he departed. And they brought the young man alive, and were not a little comforted” (Acts 20:10-1210And Paul went down, and fell on him, and embracing him said, Trouble not yourselves; for his life is in him. 11When he therefore was come up again, and had broken bread, and eaten, and talked a long while, even till break of day, so he departed. 12And they brought the young man alive, and were not a little comforted. (Acts 20:10‑12)).
Eutychus’ resurrection is the eighth and last of the resurrections narrated in the Bible (“eight” the number of resurrection. Reader, can you find the accounts of the other seven in the Bible, three in the Old Testament and four in the New?)
Expositors on the book of Acts consider the expression, “broken bread, and eaten,” saying that it does not refer to the Lord’s Supper, (Since, if it had been, then the Scriptures would have said, “they broke the bread”); but rather that Paul, after having preached from sunset until midnight, was hungry and ate. Then, he continued speaking until dawn! With an enlarged heart, he communicated many things to his beloved brothers.
Note that, on “the first day of the week,” the disciples gathered “to break bread.” This was the reason they got together — not to hear Paul preach until midnight after taking the Lord’s Supper. This should have the first place in the redeemed’s affections. We note the order in First Corinthians: Chapter 10 talks about the Lord’s Table, Chapter 11 talks about the Lord’s Supper; then Chapter 12 expounds on spiritual gifts. In Chapter 13 we have the spirit of love by which we should be exercised; and, finally, in Chapter 14, we have the instructions about the exercise of gifts for edification, exhortation, and comfort. Is it advisable to postpone the Lord’s Supper until after preaching? Who has the first place, the Lord Jesus, our Savior, who we remember in His death, or the group of believers?
Speaking of Eutychus again as a type of the church, it stayed in darkness for about a thousand years. Almost all of the heavenly light was snuffed out. In the days of Luther and the rest of the Reformers, the Lord opened their eyes to the great truth that, before God, man is “justified by faith” — faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, who died for our sins, and was raised again for our justification (see Rom. 4:25; 5:125Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification. (Romans 4:25)
1Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: (Romans 5:1); 1 Cor. 15:3-43For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 4And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: (1 Corinthians 15:3‑4)). There was a great revival by the Holy Spirit, and thousands believed in God.
But it was not until the 19th century that, so to speak, “the embrace of the Apostle Paul revived the church.” All around the world, Christians that read their Bibles had “the eyes” of their “understanding” (or “heart” according to another translation) opened. They discovered the precious truths given to the church by the Lord Jesus through the inspired writings of the Apostle Paul — truths buried for more than a millennium in the ecclesiastical ruins of religious men. Truths such as the coming of the Lord to take His beloved church from this world, “they that are Christ’s at His coming” (1 Cor. 15:2323But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming. (1 Corinthians 15:23)), and in the way described in 1 Thess. 4:16-1816For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. 18Wherefore comfort one another with these words. (1 Thessalonians 4:16‑18) — a truth that not even the reformer, Martin Luther, knew. The truth of the presence of the Lord Jesus in the presence of two or three that are gathered together in His Name, not in the name of a famous religious man, or of a doctrine, or of a nation (see Matthew 18:2020For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. (Matthew 18:20)). The truth of the church as the body of Christ and the bride of Christ (see 1 Cor. 1216And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? 17If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling? 18But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. (1 Corinthians 12:16‑18); Eph. 120Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, (Ephesians 1:20) and 5; Col. 120And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. (Colossians 1:20)). The truth of the presence of the Spirit in the church, and its sovereign authority to direct her worship and ministry (see 1 Cor. 1216And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? 17If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling? 18But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. (1 Corinthians 12:16‑18) and 14).
Other truths rediscovered were the emphatic distinction between the earthly people, Israel, and that which Scripture (mainly the Old Testament), teaches about Him; and the heavenly people, the church, and what the New Testament teaches about her. Also, the typification of the church in the figures and types hidden in the Old Testament, but revealed in the New. Israel was, and will be, the earthly people. The Church is, and always will be, the heavenly people, “partakers of the heavenly calling” (Heb. 3:11Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus; (Hebrews 3:1)).
All these, and other truths unknown for many years, were recovered. In a word, the “embrace” of the Apostle Paul’s doctrine restored life to the church: there was a great movement throughout the world.
Paul spoke at length until dawn. God wants the believers, every one of us, to not grow tired of examining Paul’s doctrine, and it is of utmost importance to put it into practice.
Between the ports of Troas and Assos, there is a peninsula. It seems that Paul, instead of going around it in the ship, preferred to walk on foot, alone. The Spirit does not make any comment on this. Maybe (just offering a thought) Paul, after a week of intense activity in Troas (see vvs. 6-11), felt the urgent need of personal communion with his Lord, of hearing His voice by faith and of speaking with Him. It is necessary that the Lord’s servant not be absorbed by so many Christian activities (all good in their place) that he loses effectual contact with his master, the Lord.
“And when he met with us at Assos, we took him in, and came to Mitylene. And we sailed thence, and came the next day over against Chios; and the next day we arrived at Samos, and tarried at Trogyllium; and the next day we came to Miletus. For Paul had determined to sail by Ephesus, because he would not spend the time in Asia: for he hasted, if it were possible for him, to be at Jerusalem the day of Pentecost” (Acts 20:14-1614And when he met with us at Assos, we took him in, and came to Mitylene. 15And we sailed thence, and came the next day over against Chios; and the next day we arrived at Samos, and tarried at Trogyllium; and the next day we came to Miletus. 16For Paul had determined to sail by Ephesus, because he would not spend the time in Asia: for he hasted, if it were possible for him, to be at Jerusalem the day of Pentecost. (Acts 20:14‑16)).
We have already noted that Paul had proposed in his spirit (not the Holy Spirit) to go to Jerusalem (Compare Acts 19:2121After these things were ended, Paul purposed in the spirit, when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying, After I have been there, I must also see Rome. (Acts 19:21)). We see how tenaciously he continued with his purpose. Instead of making another, and last, visit to Ephesus, which was very close to Miletus, we read that he “sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church. And when they were come to him, he said unto them, Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons, Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews: And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publicly, and from house to house, Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ” (Acts 20:17-2117And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church. 18And when they were come to him, he said unto them, Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons, 19Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews: 20And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have showed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house, 21Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. (Acts 20:17‑21)).
In this passage, there are various things to note. Paul did not just call one elder, who directed the whole Ephesian church. No, instead, he called a group of elders (Peter also wrote to a group of elders: 1 Pet. 5:1-41The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: 2Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; 3Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. 4And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away. (1 Peter 5:1‑4)). The notion that one man is placed by Christ, the Head of the church, to direct everything in a Christian church, has no basis in the Christian epistles of Paul, Peter, James, John and Jude.
Paul, by the grace that was given him, could tell them that he had served the Lord with all humility, many tears, and temptations. The immense majority of believers cannot say that they serve the Lord “with many tears and temptations.” However, everyone can serve him “with all humility.”
Paul was faithful: he did not preach his favorite topics to them, but rather everything that was beneficial “for [a] doctrine, for [b] reproof, for [c] correction, for [d] instruction in righteousness” (2 Tim. 3:1616All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: (2 Timothy 3:16)).
Paul was not found preaching a sermon every week in a certain place, but was ready to teach “publicly and from house to house.” The word “publicly” includes many things: streets, parks, beaches, forests, markets, buildings, hospitals, prisons, etc. But of equal importance is the Christian teaching given “from house to house.” In the homes of believers and even of sympathizers, the Lord’s servant, if he is called to it, can work with the occupants’ spiritual exercises and then give the word that is needed at that time. Of course, Paul’s preaching included two necessary themes as much for the Jews as for the Gentiles: (a) “repentance toward God” and (b) “faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.” Repentance is to judge yourself in the presence of God in agreement with the Word of God. Repentance does not save — but there is no salvation without repentance. A strong swimmer laughs at lifejackets; but if he is suddenly attacked by cramps and made defenseless, he shouts: “Save me!” On the other hand, faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, the only person who can save us, is the hand (so to speak) that holds onto the life jacket. “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved” (Acts 4:1212Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. (Acts 4:12)).
“And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there: Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me. But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God” (Acts 20:22-2422And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there: 23Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me. 24But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God. (Acts 20:22‑24)).
As we have already mentioned in the previous chapter, Paul was obsessed with the idea of going to Jerusalem; so he was bound in his own spirit, while the Holy Spirit testified to him of the imprisonment and tribulations that were waiting for him in the road he pursued; but because of his obsession, it appears that he had forgotten his great commission and the warning that the Lord had given him many years before: “Make haste, and get thee quickly out of Jerusalem: for they will not receive testimony concerning me ... Depart: for I will send thee far hence unto the Gentiles” (Acts 22:18, 2118And saw him saying unto me, Make haste, and get thee quickly out of Jerusalem: for they will not receive thy testimony concerning me. (Acts 22:18)
21And he said unto me, Depart: for I will send thee far hence unto the Gentiles. (Acts 22:21)). However, Paul’s motive was pure: He just wanted to fulfill his ministry and preach the gospel of God’s grace; so the Lord did not reprimand him.
In principle, maybe we have had the same experience. We have been possessed by another obsession, and believed that we should do this or that, when maybe the Lord wanted us to stay where we were, humbly serving him there.
“Never wait for the moment of some great action,
Nor hope that your light will go far;
Throughout life give attention to even the smallest acts,
Shine in the place that you are.”
“And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more. Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men. For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God. Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which He hath purchased with His own blood” (Acts 20:25-2825And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more. 26Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men. 27For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God. 28Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. (Acts 20:25‑28)).
We do not know how Paul knew that they would not see him again; What is important is that the Scriptures tell us everything that is beneficial — but they are not written to satisfy human curiosity or give us information without benefit.
So, Paul, knowing that he was going to say goodbye to the elders of the Ephesian church for the last time in this world, told them that he was pure from the blood of all men. Because he had faithfully preached to them the counsel of God, he had been absolved from his responsibility. At the same time, Paul exhorted them to “Take heed therefore unto yourselves.” The devil was going to attack them, as well as the flock. Because of that, the elders would have to walk in communion with the Lord, “with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Eph. 4:2-32With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; 3Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. (Ephesians 4:2‑3)). First comes personal care, everyone of themselves, as Paul exhorted Timothy: “Take heed unto thyself.” Next comes the doctrine: Take heed to “the doctrine” (1 Tim. 4:1616Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee. (1 Timothy 4:16)).
Finally comes the care of “all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers.” The flock of the Lord (the believers) always needs good spiritual food — the lambs as well as the sheep. Because of this, the great Shepherd has placed “bishops” in His flock. Unfortunately, the word “bishop” (which should be translated “overseer”) has lost its correct meaning because of the ecclesiastical corruption of Christianity. Now the title “bishop” is a person who takes possession over not just one sheepfold, but of many congregations — including those in an entire country. But the simple truth of the word of God is that there is a plurality of “bishops” (or rather, “elders”, since the two words describe the same people, see Titus 1:5-95For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee: 6If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly. 7For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre; 8But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate; 9Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers. (Titus 1:5‑9)) in the local church, as there was in Ephesus. We also note that the Word says, “the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers.” No, beloved brethren, the best bishop is the one who is most humble, considering himself lower than others (Compare Phil. 2:33Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. (Philippians 2:3)).
Scripture says “to feed the church of God.” The bishops (elders) should think hard on the fact that the flock is the property of the Lord, the great Shepherd, and should selflessly take on their responsibility of taking care of it and feeding it.
“Which He hath purchased with His own blood.” What a great price Christ paid to redeem us!
“I am redeemed, but not with silver;
I am bought, but not with gold;
Bought with a price — the blood of Jesus,
Precious Price of love untold.”
Paul spoke prophetically, since what he preached did not just happen in Ephesus, but has had its tragic fulfillment in the heart of the church throughout many ages. In the long era called “the Dark Ages,” ravenous wolves almost destroyed the Church, scattering the sheep and lambs of the Lord’s flock. “Ravenous wolves” refers to unbelieving men. But Satan has also managed to scatter the sheep through another sad method: He has taken advantage of the bad conduct of Christian leaders. Note the following: “Also of your own selves shall men arise” — there is no doubt that they were true believers.
However, the Apostle does not call them “brethren” but rather “men” since their work is that of the enemy. He also said that these men would rise up, meaning that they would praise themselves more than act humbly in the flock. Then the truth would not be spoken purely, but rather twisted (either a lot or a little) outside of its context and correct meaning. And finally, the hidden reason for their actions would be shown: “to draw away disciples after them.” How many times this prophecy has had its sad fulfillment, a thousand sects being the result! It is advisable that everyone look at themselves: “Take heed unto thyself.”
With respect to this, we read 1 Corinthians 11:1919For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you. (1 Corinthians 11:19): “For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you.” A “heretic” is not necessarily a man who has false doctrine. It is, essentially, a headstrong man who insists on following his own will and has the personality, determination, persuasion, and energy to be able to influence other believers and get them to follow him. Having said that, those that “are approved” are the humble ones in the flock who do not follow such men.
“Therefore watch” and Paul wrote to the Thessalonians: “Pray without ceasing” (2 Thess. 5:17). Our Lord Jesus exhorted us: “Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Matt. 26:4141Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. (Matthew 26:41)). If we do not live depending on the Lord in every moment, we are in danger of falling.
How much love and devotion the Apostle Paul had for the Lord’s redeemed, especially those who he himself had gained for Christ! His faithful reprimands are accompanied by tears! These days, where do you see tears running down the cheeks of those who are called ministers of Christ?
“And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified” (Acts 20:3232And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified. (Acts 20:32)).
Paul, the Apostle sent by the Lord Jesus “to the Gentiles” (Acts 22:2121And he said unto me, Depart: for I will send thee far hence unto the Gentiles. (Acts 22:21)) DID NOT place his Christian brothers in the hands of a successor, but rather commended them to “God, and to the word of His grace.” God gave us His word by writing in the Holy Scriptures, so there would not still be a succession of apostles, since not even the Apostle Paul gave a successor. He was sent by the Lord to the Jews (Compare Gal. 2:99And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision. (Galatians 2:9); 1 Pet. 1:11Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, (1 Peter 1:1)). When he realized that he would soon have to leave his tabernacle (that is, his body), he wrote his “second letter” to those scattered among the Jews and exhorted them to remember everything that he had faithfully taught them (see 2 Pet. 1:12, 15; 3:1-2, 1812Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present truth. (2 Peter 1:12)
15Moreover I will endeavor that ye may be able after my decease to have these things always in remembrance. (2 Peter 1:15)
1This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in both which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance: 2That ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour: (2 Peter 3:1‑2)
18But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen. (2 Peter 3:18)); and we have his teaching written down in his two epistles.
No one can steal our inheritance. We are “heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ” (Rom. 8:1717And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. (Romans 8:17)). How marvelous is the grace of God! As Hannah exclaimed: “He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set them among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory” (1 Sam. 2:88He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set them among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth are the Lord's, and he hath set the world upon them. (1 Samuel 2:8)).
“I have coveted no man’s silver, or gold, or apparel. Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me” (Acts 20:33-3433I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel. 34Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me. (Acts 20:33‑34)).
The Lord Jesus said: “And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: Even as the Son of Man [Christ himself] came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give His life a ransom for many” (Matt. 20:27-2827And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: 28Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many. (Matthew 20:27‑28)).
Greed is a sin that eats away at the soul like gangrene. It was prohibited by the tenth commandment in God’s law (see Ex. 20:1717Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbor's. (Exodus 20:17)). The Christian in 1 Timothy 6:6-106But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. 9But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. 10For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. (1 Timothy 6:6‑10) is exhorted: “But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root [not the only one] of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.”
Paul was not advocating a “Social Security” program, but rather was emphasizing the Christian duty of overseeing and helping those in the body who were weak, those that were unable to help themselves. Not those that can, but do not want, to work. Paul wrote, for people like this, “that if any would not work, neither should he eat” (2 Thess. 3:1010For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. (2 Thessalonians 3:10)).
Paul reinforced his exhortation, quoting what the Lord Jesus Himself said: “It is better to give than to receive.” Everyone who considers the good of his neighbor has proved that what the Lord said is true: “Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom” (Luke 6:3838Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again. (Luke 6:38)). He does not say “in your wallet” but in “your bosom.” The Lord will repay the cheerful giver now by giving him joy in his heart. Later, before the court of Christ He will give him his complete reward. “And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all. And they all wept sore, and fell on Paul’s neck, and kissed him, Sorrowing most of all for the words which he spake, that they should see his face no more. And they accompanied him unto the ship” (Acts 20:36-3836And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all. 37And they all wept sore, and fell on Paul's neck, and kissed him, 38Sorrowing most of all for the words which he spake, that they should see his face no more. And they accompanied him unto the ship. (Acts 20:36‑38)).
It is always suitable for Christians to say goodbye to each other with prayer, although, not necessarily with much crying. We note that the Ephesian elders did not cry — but Paul himself — when he told them that men would rise up among them, speaking grievous things, bringing disciples along behind them. “Sorrowing most of all for the words which he spake, that they should see his face no more” (Acts 20:3838Sorrowing most of all for the words which he spake, that they should see his face no more. And they accompanied him unto the ship. (Acts 20:38)). Their spiritual weakness was shown because they loved Paul as a brother more than they appreciated and guarded the Spiritual unity in the bond of peace. So it is today: the brotherly bonds are sweet and strong; and when one may branch off from the way of truth, the others are disposed to follow him and form a division rather than retain “the head,” Christ (Col. 2:1919And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God. (Colossians 2:19)), to not break the “unity of the Spirit” (Eph. 4:33Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. (Ephesians 4:3)).