“And they all wept sore, and fell on Paul’s neck, and kissed him, Sorrowing most of all for the words which he spake, that they should see his face no more. And they accompanied him unto the ship.” Acts 20.37, 38
A quip I’ve often hear quoted is: “Everyone is a blessing – some when they are coming and others when they are going.”
Sometimes, I think, we have a crusty view of the Apostle Paul. After all, he cheered on as Stephen was being stoned, holding the coats of those throwing the rocks. After his conversion, He became an ardent follower of Jesus Christ – preaching and singing his way into the hearts of both Jew and Gentile. As we read through his letters, we find a man of God who loved God enough to speak truth to those who weren’t living a righteous life. He was firm and he was direct (the kind of thing that causes many a church member to move to a church down the road where they will be comfortable in their sin).
In Acts 20, we notice a scene in which the people whom Paul loved were rapt with the message he was preaching. They were so into the word that they hadn’t noticed the clock. Without air conditioning and in a crowded hall, these folks were intensely on the preaching – well, all except for maybe one – a man named Eutychus.
Eutychus had found an airy loft upon which to perch while listening to the preaching of God’s Word – an open third story window. The hour grew late and a cool breeze wafted through the hall – through the window opening lulling Eutychus to sleep. Sure enough, Eutychus gave in to the flesh and fell asleep – causing him to fall from the window and crashing to the ground. (Acts 20.9) The short version is that Paul laid himself across the body of Eutychus and Eutychus was revived.
Paul’s heart was set on making it to Jerusalem for Pentecost. (Acts 20.16) So, he made travel plans to arrive at Jerusalem in time for the celebration. Being forced to leave Ephesus because of time restrains, Paul had to leave quickly. Those who had heard him preach hadn’t had enough. They wanted more. (Acts 20.37) The bond between this long-winded preacher and those hearing the message grew more and more solid – the bond of love was unbreakable. God was doing a work in their midst.
We hear nothing of any of the hearers leaving because the message was too long. We hear nothing of Paul cutting the message short because someone had a roast in the oven. We hear nothing negative – nothing. I suppose the fact that Paul raised Eutychus from the dead had a focusing effect upon all. However, when Paul left, the crowd, along with Paul, were saddened that they may not see Paul again.
John quotes Jesus in his Gospel record: “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” John 13.15) When visitors attend your church for the first time, are they immediately aware of the love you all have for each other and for our Lord? Or, do you go to your assigned seat and wait to be entertained?