The Pilgrim Path---Acts 20: 1 – 6

After the uproar had ceased, Paul sent for the disciples, and after encouraging them, he said farewell and departed for Macedonia. When he had gone through those regions and had given them much encouragement, he came to Greece. There he spent three months, and when a plot was made against him by the Jews as he was about to set sail for Syria, he decided to return through Macedonia. Sopater the Berean, son of Pyrrhus, accompanied him; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timothy; and the Asians, Tychicus and Trophimus. These went on ahead and were waiting for us at Troas, but we sailed away from Philippi after the days of Unleavened Bread, and in five days we came to them at Troas, where we stayed for seven days.

“…ACCOMPANIED HIM”

Paul left the church at Ephesus (Acts 19). Before he left, he encouraged the believers. He made his way toward Macedonia. Along the way, he sought to build up the saints---from previous missionary endeavors. Once in Greece, the opposition from Jewish leaders was quite fierce. He was accustomed to this (but probably weary of the burden). He determined it was time to head “back” through Macedonia. Look at the text---and note the number of brothers who accompanied him. It is good to know that we do not travel alone in our pilgrimage with King Jesus. Paul had been “adding fabric” to the faith of many souls. He could now use the sweet camaraderie, prayer, and support of fellow Christians on the journey. Remember that we are part of the Body of Christ. Church History is littered with believers who only “took counsel” from themselves---and then separated from the Church, only to think it had no place in their lives. Go back through the Pastoral Epistles (First and Second Timothy / Titus) and “see” afresh that the LORD God Almighty has a remarkably high view of the Church and its place in the world. We are to love the Church of Jesus Christ---and her people. We are to labor to strengthen Her and make Her salt and light in the world. Loving the King---and loving His subjects---serious business. In blessing the Church---we receive manifold benefits. As your health affords you the opportunity---be among the people of God as often as you are able. When you cannot be among them bodily---be among them spiritually---with your prayers and good thoughts…

---Forgiveness is the key that unlocks the door of resentment and the handcuffs of hatred. It is a power that breaks the chains of bitterness and the shackles of selfishness. Corrie ten Boom

---The real secret of an unsatisfied life lies too often in an unsurrendered will. James Hudson Taylor

---Godly lives convince more than miracles themselves. Thomas Brooks

“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” Hebrews 10: 24, 25

Grace and Peace in Jesus, the Only Redeemer of broken and wretched souls, Pastor Jason