Acts 20:1-12 And after the uproar was ceased, Paul called to him the disciples, and embraced them, and departed for to go into Macedonia.… These verses bring under notice — I. THE FRAGMENTARY CHARACTER OF GOSPEL HISTORY. These few sentences extend over a period of nearly twelve months, during which what wonderful things have occurred, what privations endured, perils braved, discussions conducted, souls converted! We almost wish there had been journalists in those days to have chronicled all the items in Paul's wonderful life. II. THE MYSTERY OF DIFFICULTIES IN CONNECTION WITH DUTY. Antecendently one might have thought that the Divine Father would have provided that a man like Paul should have no thorns in his path, no clouds in his sky. Herein is mystery, and we must patiently await the great explaining day. III. THE UNCONQUERABLENESS OF A CHRIST-LIKE LOVE. Mark it — 1. In Paul's remaining at Ephesus until the "uproar" ceased. He did not abandon the vessel in the storm, but, like a brave captain, remained until it was secure in the haven. 2. In the spirit with which he withdrew — not with the fire of indignation. He calls the disciples together and "embraced them." No amount of trial could cause Paul to relinquish his blessed mission. "The love of Christ constraineth" him. (D. Thomas, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: And after the uproar was ceased, Paul called unto him the disciples, and embraced them, and departed for to go into Macedonia. |
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