36. “And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all.”
Even one with as mighty a spiritual gift and as vital a spiritual service as the Apostle Paul ended his communications with an expression of dependence upon God, the Source of all love, wisdom and power. How do we end our happy times of fellowship together with our dear brethren in Christ?
37. “And they all wept sore, and fell on Paul’s neck, and kissed him.”
A sweet and appropriate expression of love for one who had been so used in their blessing! Perhaps if there were more ardent love for the Lord Jesus in our hearts, there would be a more ardent display of holy affection and appreciation for our brethren.
38. “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.”
Paul had warned them of “grievous wolves” and those from among themselves who would cause havoc in the assembly. That warning should have caused them greater sorrow and grief even than the loss of their beloved spiritual father.
The Ephesian saints loved the Apostle deeply and rightly. But we are reminded of what the Lord had to say to the Ephesian assembly in Revelation 2:44Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. (Revelation 2:4): “Thou hast left thy first love.” Nothing not even a beloved servant of Christ ought to be allowed to replace our hearts’ affections for our blessed Lord Jesus Christ.
We should be very thankful for the servants He has given to minister among us. But let our deepest affection always be for the only One worthy of it.
Chapter 21
13. “And it came to pass, that after we were gotten from them, and had launched, we came with a straight course unto Coos, and the day following unto Rhodes, and from thence unto Patara: and finding a ship sailing over unto Phenicia, we went aboard, and set forth. Now when we had discovered Cyprus, we left it on the left hand, and sailed into Syria, and landed at Tyre: for there the ship was to unlade her burden.”
4. “And finding disciples, we tarried there seven days: who said to Paul through the Spirit, that he should not go up to Jerusalem.”
Though it is a day of great weakness, God honors each desire to gather with brethren to give public expression to the one body of Christ through the remembrance of the Lord. Having found brethren, Paul and his company stayed long enough at Tyre to enjoy that most precious privilege.
The Spirit then used the brethren to warn him not to go to Jerusalem. Those saints in Tyre may not have had much gift, but they were brethren (Prov. 17:1717A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. (Proverbs 17:17)).
The assembly morally is still a city of refuge a place of care for those gathered. If we listen to the Spirit’s ministry rather than looking at the ministers, we will benefit. Being occupied with the failures or supposed legalities of the “vessel” through whom God may choose to bring His exhortations may result in loss to the hearer.
5. “And when we had accomplished those days, we departed and went our way; and they all brought us on our way, with wives and children, till we were out of the city: and we kneeled down on the shore, and prayed.”
Here is another sweet example of how much prayer was a part of the early church may it be so with us. Let us give ourselves to earnest collective and private prayer brothers, sisters and children.
6-7. “And when we had taken our leave one of another, we took ship; and they returned home again. And when we had finished our course from Tyre, we came to Ptolemais, and saluted the brethren, and abode with them one day.”
Paul’s voyage ended. Yet, though he may have been eager to continue on to Jerusalem, time was taken to spend one day with the brethren. Let’s not neglect the happy privilege of day-by-day opportunities for fellowship with our dear brethren.
8. “And the next day we that were of Paul’s company departed, and came unto Cæsarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the seven; and abode with him.”
Paul and his company had fellowship with elders in Ephesus (shepherds of Christ), disciples in Tyre (followers of Christ), brethren in Ptolemais (brethren of Christ), and now an evangelist in his home (messenger of Christ). With whom do we seek our fellowship during our pilgrimage through the world?
9. “And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy.”
What a beautiful moral pattern for one seeking to minister the mind and heart of Christ. Divinely given prophecy (“forth-telling” the mind of God) is characterized by being fully suited to the circumstance (“four”), able to bear fruit if heeded (“daughters”), and purity in its content (“virgins”).
Philip’s home was a place of refuge from the world. His daughters were kept safe from the world’s defilement, and Paul’s company found rest there.
10-11. “And as we tarried there many days, there came down from Judea a certain prophet, named Agabus. And when he was come unto us, he took Paul’s girdle, and bound his own hands and feet, and said, Thus saith the Holy Ghost, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owneth this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.”
The Spirit of God carefully differentiates between proper spheres of ministry. Though Philip’s four daughters prophesied and Paul was staying in their father’s house, God did not use any of them to deliver His warning to the beloved Apostle. It would have been an unseemly service for Philip’s daughters or for any sister. God sends His message through a brother, and, solemnly, it is a brother from the very place that Paul intended to visit Jerusalem.
12-13. “And when we heard these things, both we, and they of that place, besought him not to go up to Jerusalem. Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.”
Though we are solemnized by Paul’s refusal to listen to the Lord’s warnings, we dare not criticize, for he was motivated by deep love for the earthly people of God. For us, all too often, self-love and self-will motivate our refusal to heed God’s word of warning.
14. “And when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, The will of the Lord be done.”
Rather than arguing with or rebuking the beloved servant of God, those of his company cast all on the Lord. Oh that we might have more of that spirit when there is disagreement or tension among brethren!
Ed.