Acts 21:13-14 Then Paul answered, What mean you to weep and to break my heart? for I am ready not to be bound only… Paul's conflict of feeling suggestive of very noble and comprehensive character. Some have strength and no tenderness; others tenderness and no strength. Paul had both; notwithstanding he felt the kindness shown, he felt it his duty to be steadfast. I. ITS ABSORBING POWER. 1. As to its evidences. 2. Sense of adaptation. 3. Great personal influence made to bear. Love of Christ. II. ITS IMPELLING POWER. Paul was to go to Jerusalem in fulfilment of his mission, so in — 1. A profession of discipleship. 2. Consecrations of a life of godliness. 3. Active efforts on behalf of the truth. Luther would go to Worms though as many devils there as tiles on houses. III. ITS ASSURING POWER. The apostle's calm and confidence striking. In view of all possibilities, prison, death, he was composed. 1. We can never go wrong with God as our Guide. 2. No trial too great if resting on Him. 3. In view of death the Christian has the loftiest hopes., Latimer, and Ridley at Oxford. Application: What Christianity enables us to do for it is the measure of its hold upon us. In serving God we have a resource and confidence most sustaining and sublime. Christ is Christianity, admit Him to your soul. (G. McMichael, B. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: 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. |
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