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| 1 And after the ceasing of the tumult, Paul having called near the disciples, and having embraced [them], went forth to go on to Macedonia; |
After the uproar – Instead of wavering and stopping, the apostles went right along and preached the same Gospel which made a disturbance everywhere. R1633:4
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| 2 and having gone through those parts, and having exhorted them with many words, he came to Greece; |
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| 3 having made also three months' [stay] a counsel of the Jews having been against him being about to set forth to Syria, there came [to him] a resolution of returning through Macedonia. |
Three months – During these three months in Corinth, Paul is supposed to have written his epistle to the Romans. R3171:3
His second visit to Corinth. CR278:5
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| 4 And there were accompanying him unto Asia, Sopater of Berea, and of Thessalonians Aristarchus and Secundus, and Gaius of Derbe, and Timotheus, and of Asiatics Tychicus and Trophimus; |
Accompanied him – Seven delegates, representatives of the Church at Thessalonica, Berea, Derbe and Ephesus. R4458:1
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| 5 these, having gone before, did remain for us in Troas, |
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| 6 and we sailed, after the days of the unleavened food, from Philippi, and came unto them to Troas in five days, where we abode seven days. |
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| 7 And on the first of the week, the disciples having been gathered together to break bread, Paul was discoursing to them, about to depart on the morrow, he was also continuing the discourse till midnight, |
First day of the week – All of the Lord's appearances to his followers after his resurrection were on the first day of the week, so it became known to them as the Lord's day. R4600:2
Was not only honored as the memorial of our Lord's resurrection, but was again marked by divine favor at Pentecost and became the memorial of the outpouring of the holy Spirit. R1942:6, 543:4
The question of Sabbath-keeping, like that of circumcision, is one that depends on the spirit or intent of the observer. We cannot gain life by keeping the Law. R543:5
To break bread – An ordinary meal customary in the Early Church. The fruit of the vine is not mentioned in connection with these luncheons, while it is never omitted when the Memorial Supper is referred to. R1382:4, 1014:1, 839:6, 803:1, 466:3, 208:4; E472
These weekly celebrations were love-feasts, commemorative of Christ's resurrection. F472; R2771:4, 1014:1; NS77:2
Never intended to take the place of, nor in any sense to represent, our Lord's Memorial Supper. R2771:4, 1382:4, 1014:1, 208:4
In remembrance of Christ making himself known in "The breaking of bread." (Luke 24:35) F384, F472; R4600:2,4
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| 8 and there were many lamps in the upper chamber where they were gathered together, |
Upper chamber – Their usual meeting places were private dwellings or rented upper rooms. R984:2
Those early gatherings did not resemble those of Babylon, mother or daughters, today. R984:2
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| 9 and there was sitting a certain youth, by name Eutychus, upon the window being borne down by a deep sleep, Paul discoursing long he having sunk down from the sleep, fell down from the third story, and was lifted up dead. |
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| 10 And Paul, having gone down, fell upon him, and having embraced [him], said, 'Make no tumult, for his life is in him;' |
For his life – Greek, psuche; soul, being. E337
Is in him – He has not yet expired. E337
These restorations of a faint spark of life are never called a resurrection in Scripture. R360:2
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| 11 and having come up, and having broken bread, and having tasted, for a long time also having talked till daylight, so he went forth, |
Was come up again – The Lord constantly witnessed with Paul to the truth, by miracles and signs which mightily convinced the people. R1558:5
Had broken bread – A plain meal. R1014:1, 1382:4, 839:6, 803:1, 466:3
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| 12 and they brought up the lad alive, and were comforted in no ordinary measure. |
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| 13 And we having gone before unto the ship, did sail to Assos, thence intending to take in Paul, for so he had arranged, intending himself to go on foot; |
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| 14 and when he met with us at Assos, having taken him up, we came to Mitylene, |
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| 15 and thence having sailed, on the morrow we came over-against Chios, and the next day we arrived at Samos, and having remained in Trogyllium, on the following day we came to Miletus, |
Miletus – About fifty miles south of Ephesus. R4458:1
About thirty miles distant from Ephesus. R3171:3
The seaport to Ephesus. R2220:6
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| 16 for Paul decided to sail past Ephesus, that there may not be to him a loss of time in Asia, for he hasted, if it were possible for him, on the day of the Pentecost to be at Jerusalem. |
Paul – At this time Nero, aged 21, was Emperor of Rome, and the Apostle Paul was about 56 years of age, in the full prime of his Christian life and experience. R3171:3
Ephesus – Symbolizing the first of the seven successive stages of the Christian Church (Rev. 2 & 3), covering the period during the lives of the apostles. This stage is commended for its faithful, patient labor and for its discernment of truth and true teachers. R5992:2, 491:1*
Day of Pentecost – Paul and the other apostles subsequently had special trials at this special season, in the Spring. R3179:1
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| 17 And from Miletus, having sent to Ephesus, he called for the elders of the assembly, |
And from Miletus – Because it was uncertain how long the vessel would be detained in changing cargo, etc. R3171:3
Called the elders – Paul sent word to the elders that he would be there a little while and would be glad to meet them once more. R5388:3
That he might have as long as possible with them, without missing his vessel when it would be ready to start. R3171:3
The word "elders" here is the same as presbytery in 1 Tim 4:14. R3172:1, 3173:2
The faithful advanced and active ones. R1524:3
Whose duty it was to take the oversight of the Lord's flock in their vicinity, to feed them with the truth, to guard them from wolves in sheep's clothing, and to act as their representatives. R1890:3, 5388:3
As wise sheep--rams of the flock, leaders--that the sheep learn to follow in the absence of the shepherd. R5389:1
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| 18 and when they were come unto him, he said to them, 'Ye ye know from the first day in which I came to Asia, how, with you at all times I was; |
When they were come – The elders came and held a lengthy conference with Paul. R5388:3
He said unto them – An address from a general overseer to local overseers. R3171:6
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| 19 serving the Lord with all humility, and many tears, and temptations, that befell me in the counsels of the Jews against [me]; |
Humility of mind – Not boastfully. R2221:1, 4458:2
Many tears – His was the grief of an unselfish heart yearning over the salvation of others. R1886:5*
Jews – "False brethren." R4458:2
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| 20 how nothing I did keep back of what things are profitable, not to declare to you, and to teach you publicly, and in every house, |
Kept back nothing – Paul sought to impart to all the same knowledge of the divine character and plan which he himself enjoyed. R2221:1
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| 21 testifying fully both to Jews and Greeks, toward God reformation, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. |
Faith toward – Or, in. R555:3*
Lord Jesus Christ – There is only the one Gospel of Christ to be accepted through faith and turning away from sin. R4458:2
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| 22 'And now, lo, I bound in the Spirit go on to Jerusalem, the things that shall befall me in it not knowing, |
Bound in the spirit – A bondage or restraint upon his mind that Paul could not shake off. R4458:2
He must go to Jerusalem; this was the Lord's providence for him. R4458:2
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| 23 save that the Holy Spirit in every city doth testify fully, saying, that for me bonds and tribulations remain; |
The Holy Spirit – Nothing here necessitates the thought of the personality of the holy Spirit. E277; R373:1
Witnesseth – He received assurances from others through the "gifts" that bonds and imprisonment awaited him at Jerusalem. R4458:2
Perhaps by prophecies like that of Agabus. ( Acts 21:10, 11) E277
Bonds and afflictions – Mobs and stripes and imprisonment were Paul's constant expectation. R1558:2
Abide – Await. R4458:2
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| 24 but I make account of none of these, neither do I count my life precious to myself, so that I finish my course with joy, and the ministration that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify fully the good news of the grace of God. |
None of these things move me – We never hear from him a complaint about the way the world rejected his message, spoke evil of him and maltreated him. R3820:4
He only rejoiced in the privilege thus afforded of testifying of his love to the Lord. R1884:6
"Because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts." (Rom. 5:5) SM271:1
Neither count I – Counting the things of this present time as "not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us." (Rom. 8:18) R5824:5
"I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord." (Phil. 3:8) R3001:3, 5824:5
Paul's prompt transfer of his affections and desires and everything that he possessed to the Lord is most beautifully expressed in his own language. NS159:2
My life – Greek, psuche; soul, being. E337
My earthly life. R3001:3; E191
Dear – Precious, valuable. R3001:3
Unto myself – These are courageous words. R4458:2
Finish my course with joy – Under tests of great and ever-increasing severity his character developed into most graceful and beautiful proportions. R1885:2
And the ministry – And fulfill the ministry. R2221:2
The gospel – The same Gospel we are preaching today. R4458:3
The truth. R110:5
The grace of God – Manifested in the gift of God's Son, that he should taste death for every man; and further manifested in an outline of how the death of Christ was designed to bring blessings to our race. R4458:3
Paul was a miracle of grace. R1558:5
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| 25 'And now, lo, I have known that no more shall ye see my face, ye all among whom I did go preaching the reign of God; |
The kingdom of God – For the rule of mankind; for the suppression of sin and death. The divine proclamation first calls out the "Little Flock" to be joint-heirs with their dear Redeemer in that Kingdom. R4458:3
See my face no more – Parting with no hope of seeing each other again this side the veil is a doubly severe ordeal. R4458:3, 5388:3
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| 26 wherefore I take you to witness this day, that I [am] clear from the blood of all, |
Pure from the blood – Paul was bearing in mind his personal responsibility as a steward of the Lord and the solemn significance of it as indicated by the Prophet. (Ezekiel 33:7-9) R1558:6
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| 27 for I did not keep back from declaring to you all the counsel of God. |
Not shunned – Paul did not compromise the truth, nor mix it with human philosophy to make it more palatable to either Jews or Gentiles, or to avoid thus any measure of the otherwise inevitable persecution. R1558:6
Did not shrink from. R1151:2*
The gospel which the apostles preached was not such bad tidings and they were not ashamed of it, and had no need to blush or apologize for any part of it. R922:5
To declare – This proves that Communism is no part of the Gospel, nor of the counsel of God for this age. R1862:4
Paul wrote more than one-half of the New Testament. R4552:2
All the counsel – Whole counsel, or will. R1151:2*, 1572:1
Nor did the apostles keep back a part. R922:5
Nor can we imagine any need for more apostles; for we still have those twelve with us--their testimony and the fruits of their labors. F209
Yet Paul said not one word about there being one God and at the same time three Gods; nor that man cannot die but must live everlastingly in pleasure or woe. R1572:1
And not one word respecting eternal torment. R4458:4, 4552:2, 1572:1, 1085:5, 922:5; HG222:2; 306:6; 608:4; NS701:1
Nor does he anywhere recommend the Church to undertake the world's moral uplift and regeneration in the present time. R2515:1
Whatsoever, therefore, is additional to that which was stated by the Apostle is not the counsel of God. R2414:1
Revealings capable of elaboration under the Spirit's guidance, but quite sufficient for such elaboration. R2419:3
The Apostle exercised wisdom in his method of dealing with those whom he desired to bless, hiding from them for a time truths which at first they were not prepared to receive, but later he made plain to them. R3675:1
Strong meat for men and milk for babes. (1 Cor. 3:1, 2; Heb. 5:12-14) R3675:1
Of God – In the strongest form. R5126:4
Not my own opinions. R1419:3; HG311:6
The same message which has come down to us in Paul's epistles. R4458:4
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| 28 'Take heed, therefore, to yourselves, and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit made you overseers, to feed the assembly of God that He acquired through His own blood, |
Take heed – A watch of our motives, a watch of all that we do. CR124:1
Those who do not keep guard over their own hearts cannot faithfully serve the interests of the Church in general. R3171:6
The elders of the Church were not only consecrated to the Lord, but as teachers of the Church, they had a double responsibility--in respect to themselves and to the Church over which the Lord had made them overseers. R4458:6, 3943:3, 2221:2
Unto yourselves – Written to the elders at Ephesus. R5388:2
His charge applied not only to such persons then living, but down even to our day. R1524:3
As those who should give account of their opportunities and responsibilities, which they must recognize as from both the Lord and the brethren. R5305:6
Lest, having preached to others, they themselves become castaways. (1 Cor. 9:27) R4459:1
Elders need first of all to watch themselves. F283; R4459:1, 3943:3, 2221:2
Because in every trial the most favored and most prominent have the severest besetments and tests. R4346:4
Elders are in danger of being carried away by a feeling of self-importance, self-conceit, of becoming arrogant. R5388:3
We should each first examine our own hearts. R3943:3; CR124:1
It behooves every one to take heed to himself more than to others. R5388:3
None can successfully care for the salvation of others who neglect their own. R3171:6
To all the flock – The young, the advanced and strong, and the weak and delicate, who need special assistance. R2808:2
Not merely the well-favored financially, socially, educationally, or otherwise. R3172:1
The "sheep" and "lambs" are far better a little lonely in the "green pastures" and beside "still waters" than in communication with the "grievous wolves" of this evil day. R1851:1
Those who accept the ministry or service of the Church should realize that they have assumed a weighty responsibility, for which they must "give an account to God." (Rom. 14:12) R4459:1
To warn, to encourage, to assist all of these, as opportunity may offer. R4459:1
This does not mean fault-finding with the brethren; an elder, too, should follow Matt. 18:15. R4459:1
An elder, by his very election, has been asked to take an oversight of the affairs of the congregation. R4459:2
Over the which – The Revised Version says, "In the which." The elders are not a superior class, but members of it--overseeing members. R5935:2, 4458:6, 3172:1, 2221:3
The Holy Spirit – Elders are to realize they are chosen of the holy Spirit. R5388:3, 2221:2
By directing or overruling in the matter of their selection. E278
God, through his holy Spirit, sets apart men to various offices which he deems needful to the Church. R373:2
Whoever, by the grace of God, is placed in a position of opportunity to feed the Lord's flock should consider it one of the highest privileges of life. R2808:2
Made you overseers – Elders, shepherds. R4122:4, 5935:2, 4184:3, 3143:1
Bishops. R5935:2, 4458:6, 4184:3, 4122:4, 1957:1; F244, F283
Caretakers. R2808:2
One charged with a duty respecting others. R3172:1
Every appointed elder was recognized as an overseer of a work great or small. F244
It means an oversight, a care of all the interest of the congregation and the individuals of it. R4459:1
The Lord does not raise up rulers from among our brethren; but he does raise up faithful leaders, to whom earnest heed should be given. R1559:4
The position of a bishop gives no authority over the Church, except that which properly comes from great piety, wisdom and experience. R3172:2
Whose duty it was to take the oversight of the Lord's flock in their vicinity, to guard them against the wolves in sheep's clothing, and act as their representatives. R1890:3
This applies in a still wider sense, every member is to some extent a keeper of every other member, and is commissioned to help in watching over the Lord's flock. R2221:2
Applies to all who are truly the Lord's; every one is to be a preacher of righteousness, a servant of the truth. R2229:5
A great mission, an important service, to be rendered in the name of the Lord. R5388:3
Wild animals choose as their leaders those who have shown themselves finding good pastures and guarding against enemies; a good illustration for us. R3172:2*
The most unbishoply character a man can have is to be blind. R3172:3*
To feed – Teach. R4122:4
Neglect no part--feed the flock. R118:3*
Give them the meat in due season. (Matt. 24:45) CR124:3
The green pastures and still waters (Psa. 23:2) of divine truth. R2221:3, 1890:3
The responsibility for spiritual things properly rests in the hands of the elders. Q481:4
Applies to each member of the flock in proportion to his capacity and ability, but specially to the elders. R3136:1
The chief work of the Master's followers has been to minister to the needs of the spirit-begotten sheep. R5052:5
It is also necessary that each under-shepherd give attention to his own spiritual feeding and refreshment. R4184:3
Not to pen up in sects, nor as so much mutton to feed upon and from which to shear the golden fleece. R2221:3, 3142:2
The most unpastoral character a man can have is instead of feeding, to want to be fed. R3172:3*
The church – Ecclesia. F81, F283
There is no recognition in Scripture of sects or factions in the one Church. F81
Of God – The Church does not belong to the elders. R2221:3
They are to recognize their position as representatives, not only of the congregation, but also of the Lord. R5388:3
He – Christ. R1524:3
Purchased – This purchase value in the Lord's sight should be so deeply impressed upon their minds that they would be willing to lay down their lives for the brethren in any service. R4459:2
With his own blood – With the blood of his own beloved Son. E51; R5981:3, 3943:2, 3172:3, 1299:1*; CR124:2; NS859:1
"By the blood of his own." (Diaglott) R4168:1, 4085:2, 735:5
"Son" being understood. R4085:2
It was the giving up of Christ's life that paid our ransom price. (Matt. 20:28) R1336:1, 3142:6, 1230:3
"Being now justified by his blood." (Rom. 5:9) E446
His blood became the basis for the forgiveness of our sins, made peace, reconciliation, changing us from sentenced culprits to sons of God. R1230:3
Not only for the "Church of God," but also for the whole world. R1336:1
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| 29 for I have known this, that there shall enter in, after my departing, grievous wolves unto you, not sparing the flock, |
After my departing – With the death of the apostles, there came upon the Church gradually a horror of great darkness. With the coming of the error of doctrine came multitudes of nominal Christians. NS633:5, 6
"While men (the special servants, the apostles) slept, an enemy came and sowed tares." (Matt. 13:25) F201
Grievous wolves – Self-seeking ones who never were true sheep. R3767:5, 5388:3
Ambitious for power, influence, etc., they would not hesitate to barter the interests of the flock for their own advancement. R3172:4, 1559:1
False teachers enslaved the people with fear through errors, then extorted money for the relief of the fears. OV361:2; R3142:3, 1558:6
The Papacy and destructive Higher Critics. F222
The docile, innocent sheep are deceived until these wolves begin biting and devouring and scattering the flock. R4459:3
The wolf does injury with his mouth, and so do these--slandering, backbiting. R4459:4
The faithful elders will be quick to discern and prompt to warn and defend the flock against all such influences. R1890:5
Ravenous, greedy, selfish: "Through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you." (2 Pet. 2:3) R3747:1
"I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves." (Matt. 10:16) R3331:3
In sheep's clothing, of course; otherwise they would not be received. R3142:5, 5388:6, 4459:3, 2221:3
"Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheeps' clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves." (Matt. 7:15) R5388:6
Enter in among you – The wolves are not part of the flock at any time. A certain class of people of a wolfish nature would seek to associate themselves with the Church. R5388:3
Not sparing – Destroying them as new creatures, and dragging them down to death. R5388:6
Such were the great and destructive papal powers. R1319:3
The flock – Sheep are very timid, but among them are wise sheep which they follow as leaders. These old rams of the flock would represent elders of the Church of Christ. R5389:1
Whenever any one manifests the improper goat disposition, the ecclesia should strictly avoid making him a leader. R5389:4
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| 30 and of your own selves there shall arise men, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them. |
Of your own selves – From your own company, from those whom you have hitherto regarded as members of the Body of Christ and who still claim to be such. R1319:6
Especially amongst the elders, desirous of being leaders, they would not hesitate to produce a schism in the Church to help along their ambition. R4459:2
Our severest trials come not from without. R5118:3
Danger would be from within. R3172:4
Shall men – Hymeneus, Alexander, Phygellus, Hermogenes and Philetus, all false teachers, had their rise in Ephesus. (1 Tim. 1:20; 2 Tim. 1:15, 2:17) R2221:4, 4459:4
Those who come under the power of the Adversary. R4477:4
Arise – Be puffed up by ambition. R3172:4, 5118:3, 4459:2, 2221:3, 2219:6, 1524:3
"Heady." (2 Tim. 3:4) R2221:3
Pride may sink its possessor in ruin and death. R496:2*
Perverse things – Wrong, misleading doctrines. F248
Signifies distorted, twisted. R4459:2
Things different from what I, Paul, have taught. R3142:5
"Many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of." (2 Pet. 2:2) R4477:5
They will distort the truth, to make it harmonious with some false theory. R2221:4, 4459:3
There seems to be a class who pervert the truth, injuring the flock, stirring up arguments that confuse the flock. R5388:6, 1319:6
Paul declared that many would "depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils." (1 Tim. 4:1-3) SM676:1; OV415:4
To draw away – Taking for granted that some of the Lord's people are more stupid than the ass, they do their best to turn them from the Master's crib. R4044:3
Such, ministering to their own exaltation as teachers, would lead the flock into dangerous paths. R496:3*
To injure the flock in general through personal ambition. R5118:3, 4459:2, 3172:4
The tendency of knowledge is to puff up, make vain and conceited, and to become a temptation. R2219:6
Disciples – Followers. R3142:5, 2219:6
Falsely claiming to be apostles. R5752:1
Their sentiment seems to be, "This is my class, my flock," not recognizing that the Church is the Lord's flock. R5389:1
After them – Artfully attract followers after themselves. F248; R5389:1
The special trials of this "hour of temptation" (Rev. 3:10) begin with the leaders. R4473:6
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| 31 'Therefore, watch, remembering that three years, night and day, I did not cease with tears warning each one; |
Therefore watch – Warning voices and wholesome counsel are necessary. R3331:2
It is the duty of the elders to watch against these evils. R4459:4
Watch for the interests of the flock as against the wolves. R4459:4
Watch also against those sure to arise "of your own selves." R4459:4
These ambitions do not suddenly germinate and bear fruit; the process is a gradual one, and hence more dangerous. R4459:3
Proper watching will begin with our own hearts, saying, Lord, is it I? R4459:4
The oneness of thought, mind and action is required of the Church of God. R1130:6*
To warn – Admonish. R3172:5
The great Apostle felt properly the weight of responsibility resting upon him as a servant of God. R4459:5
With tears – The Apostle did not remind them of the large number of entertainments, fairs, suppers, festivals and money-making schemes he had engineered. R3172:5
His entreaties on behalf of righteousness and spirituality, which, with tears, were much better backing than frivolities of any kind. R3172:5
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| 32 and now, I commend you, brethren, to God, and to the word of His grace, that is able to build up, and to give you an inheritance among all those sanctified. |
Commend you to God – God, is on our part, is on the part of all those who are seeking to cooperate with his arrangements. (Psa. 118:6, 7) R4459:5
Word of his grace – The Gospel message. R4459:6
Faith is based upon the Word of God. (Rom. 10:17) R69:4*
The Word of God is able to build us up substantially. R3172:6
The Word of God is sufficient, "that the man of God may be thoroughly furnished." (2 Tim. 3:15-17) OV396:1
The Scriptures contain the power which leads us to consecration and setting apart to the Lord's service and to maintain our sanctified relationship. NS734:4
Neglect of God's Word of grace, means a deficiency of strength to bear the trial which is our portion. R4459:6
An inheritance – Implies a gift or a promise--future. CR392:1; R985:5
These promises are indeed a great power of God unto salvation to all them that believe and obey them. R1009:5
Sanctified – The true Church, the true Priesthood. R985:5
"Sons of God." (1 John 3:1, 2) R69:4*
Only the sanctified of the present age are to get the inheritance that is now offered--the heavenly inheritance with our Lord Jesus. NS734:4
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| 33 'The silver or gold or garments of no one did I covet; |
No man's silver – Following in the steps of Jesus will not lead us in the direction of salaries. F287
The Apostle was not serving them for the accumulation of wealth, nor to secure the comforts of the present life. R4460:4
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| 34 and ye yourselves know that to my necessities, and to those who were with me, minister did these hands; |
These hands – Paul had labored with his own hands. R3173:2; F287
Have ministered – Used his trade as tent-maker for his own support, and for financial assistance of those associated with him in the Gospel work. R5935:2, 4460:4
He never let his business run away with him, or interfere with his religious life. R619:2*
My necessities – He found it necessary to do so; thus showing them their duty. R449:6*
Them that were with me – Apparently some others who were of St. Paul's company had no trade or could find no profitable employment. Apparently they were largely dependent on him for things temporal, as well as things spiritual. R4460:4
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| 35 all things I did shew you, that, thus labouring, it behoveth [us] to partake with the ailing, to be mindful also of the words of the Lord Jesus, that he himself said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.' |
I have shewed you – Illustrated to you in. R2221:5
The exhortation of a living example. R1559:1
In all things set before them an example of how they also as elders (presbyters) and overseers (bishops, episcopos) ought to help the weak. R3173:2
Support the weak – The stronger of the brethren should take pleasure in helping the weaker up to the stature of manhood in Christ. R5926:2, 2221:6
Bear with the weaker ones. (Rom. 14:1; 15:1; 1 Thes. 5:14) R2163:4*
More blessed to give – Where the giving is willing and voluntary. R4777:6
The art of giving himself is one of the secrets of a happy Christian life. R5935:5, 2221:6
Paul was happy, "joyful in tribulation" (2 Cor. 7:4), giving constantly for the R4526:2
He was more blessed in the giving than any of his hearers in the receiving of his message. R4526:2
In the dark pathway of sorrow, there are abundant opportunities to be generous. R4526:5
A kind word of sympathy or advice, even a kind look, has sometimes been worth more to a discouraged brother than a handful of gold. R4526:5
God himself is the great Giver, even providing a ransom for all. R3173:2
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| 36 And these things having said, having bowed his knees, with them all, he did pray, |
When he had thus spoken – When we may suppose the sailing of the vessel was announced. R3173:5
And prayed – The apostles not only prayed to the Father in secret, but also prayed publicly before the Church. R2023:3
"The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." (James 5:16) R1559:4
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| 37 and there came a great weeping to all, and having fallen upon the neck of Paul, they were kissing him, |
They all wept sore – The thought that they should never see Paul again filled them with sadness. R3173:5
Notice the strong affection with which Paul inspired those who came to know him. R1886:1*
Theirs were the tears of natural affection, mourning its own loss. R1886:5*
Paul found it necessary to labor with his own hands (verse 34). Whether they felt any compunction for laying this necessity upon him, might have had something to do with their weeping. R449:6*
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| 38 sorrowing most of all for the word that he had said that they are about no more to see his face; and they were accompanying him to the ship. |
Unto the ship – Paul and his company were finally obliged to break away from them, to get aboard their vessel. R2222:1
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