Near to Jesus

Acts of the Lord 18:19-21

And he came to Ephesus, and left them there: but he himself entered into the synagogue, and reasoned with the Jews.

Here Paul arrives at an undesirable place with his co-laborers in the gospel, so leaving them there. Some have tried to understand the root meanings of the name Ephesus. However, it carries with it strong conotations of epistles, written words, and testimonies of being out of Jesus. Thus, the city itself and the people within could do nothing without some supernatural guidance. Nor can the believers today without him. It is important to understand from whence these come so that we might better see where they are going. See, the city near Christ would receive him with open arms at this time the gospel had been preached. No matter the time, storms, or weather, so would they seek him. My, it is good indeed to be so founded upon Christ that nothing can move you. So also therein remains a danger of exceeding the grace of God. It seems the church at Ephesus had a besetting sin of leaving their first love as told in Revelation 2:1-7. Yet even here Paul commits their keeping unto the one who in all things is faithful. As history passes, others might come and go. Records indicate that some differing gods, goddesses, and sundry officials were praised who could do nothing of themselves. Galatians 1:1-7 itself bears witness that these things are so. With such came another gospel to this place. Instead of resting in God alone, some sorry ones intended to trouble the people and pervert what God had done. For along with them crept all that man would try to have done. Because of them, no longer would God get the glory for his work in this region. Despite the best efforts of man the church would linger in these regions near him until the end of time. The true qualities of this region are best displayed in the reception of the Jews at their house of worship. Here Paul is met with all sincerity and openness. The text even says that he reasoned with them whereas before to speak he forebore not. Nor did our apostle hold his tongue as some found in this situation are wont. Instead, he spoke of Jesus their Messiah and the burden of the church to them. Unbelievably they listened.

When they desired him to tarry longer time with them, he consented not; But bade them farewell, saying, I must by all means keep this feast that cometh in Jerusalem: but I will return again unto you, if God will. And he sailed from Ephesus.

I see that Paul is once more leaving so soon. To me it is clear that worry for the Galatians spiritual condition prompted such a hasty retreat. It can be hard to stay somewhere you were not meant nor have been called. Yet when you find a place like this near the Lord, best to let him take care of it. For so he keeps such things and people therein better than any I know. See, Paul has been kept as the apostle of God, not unto man at all. Thus, the situation very much rests on the basis of the Lords will. Now I know some people who will use that excuse for almost anything. But Paul really is not joking or even lying. He has been sent for a purpose known only to God and to the apostle. See, his driving mission was to keep a feast at Jerusalem. For what reason, only God knows, nor will I dare venture a guess. However the feast of first fruits would certainly be fitting considering all that had taken place in the apostles life. Hence his finds some comfort in the traditions of Judaism which Christ fulfilled. Though here he is seen as adamant against all ministers of that way: the way of Judaism I mean. In this leaving we see, as time and time before, the eternal fatherhood of God. So this epistle finds the little church of Galatia and regions surrounding from God the Father and Jesus Christ the righteous. For trust me, he has forgotten none. So he can be trusted also to raise up not only Paul but also all the brethren likewise. In such a hope do we trust and find our grace and peace from above. Notice how his sacrifice for sins became our portion forever until he deliver us even from this old, mean, cruel, hateful, nasty world you and I live in now. Nor is this by our own needs and desires but rather by the will of God in whom we glory always. So does the church give him all praise and glory for delivering them both now and in eternity. To him somebody out to shout, amen.