Of Vows

Acts 18:18

And Paul after this tarried there yet a good while, and then took his leave of the brethren, and sailed thence into Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila; having shorn his head in Cenchrea: for he had a vow.

My, this is a far cry indeed from those cozy marketplace meetings in far off lands so long ago. It seems the new season is already upon him. For so it has begun. Here you begin to see clearly the growth of the sharp monkish look and shepherd's cowl traditionally associated with the apostle Paul. There also is another small matter about this vow. It has come to my attention that some have certain few questions about the workings of such a vow. Now let us not be vulgar nor yet unholy. Neither mutter anything about expired leftovers in the couple's fridge. But in all matters trust him to the faithful keeping of God. Yes please, dear reader, for God's sake shut that door behind you. Let the midnight candles burn and our apostle scratch pen over paper once more. Now has the time of God's leading come. Some of you really ought to trust him a little more. See the significance of his vow in the city with a little pulse at the head of the whole region. The text says its name is Cenchrea, and does it not remind you once more of a certain woman named Lydia. Now I will dwell upon her no more, for neither does the Scripture. But see the significance of her impact upon the apostle's life. No longer would a little pulse of either death, loss, or sorrow dictate his life or his God-given direction. Now I know some of you are saying, 'my that seems cold-blooded.' Not really, just practical. Herein is the Lord preparing him for those things which are to come. It seems a far cry from those days of near death in Asia and looking but finding not in Mysia. Here our apostle covets both the believers prayers and their affection towards one another. See the significance of his instructions to greet one another with a holy kiss of God in relation to his circumstances and his vow. Therein also lies the commandment to make this letter be read unto all brethren whether great or small among them.

Cheer up little church. For there is faithfulness in your work. Nor is such yet without reward. You of all people should understand the faithfulness of God and his willingness to keep his promises at any cost. Once he has begun the good work of his promise, he will continue to purify his people until the end. See his keeping of the spirit, soul, and body of all who trust in him until such time as he should require them again. So also does he preserve them blameless for when he should return. Now we release these to time, the weather, and the grace of our God and Savior Jesus Christ the righteous who is with us always. To that I have got to say, 'amen.'

1 Thessalonians 5:23-28

The territory to which he has gone so called Syria,which also goes by Aram in ancient Hebrew. Now I know of no better place than that of the Lord's provision. Remember the sacrifices of Isaac with the ram the Lord provided.