138
Sketches from the Life of Paul
Upon receiving warning of the plot, Paul decided to change his
course, and go round by Macedonia, accompanied by a sufficient
number of brethren to protect him. His plan to reach Jerusalem by
the passover had to be given up, but he hoped to be there at Pentecost.
An overruling Providence permitted the apostle to be delayed on this
occasion; for had he been present at the passover, he would have been
accused of instigating a riot and massacre which was caused by the
pretensions of an Egyptian impostor claiming to be the Messiah.
At Philippi Paul tarried to keep the passover. Only Luke remained
with him, the other members of the company passing on to Troas to
await him there. The Philippians were the most loving and true-hearted
of the apostle’s converts, and he enjoyed a peaceful and happy visit
with them during the eight days of the feast.
The passage from Philippi was hindered by contrary winds, so that
five days instead of two, the usual time, were required to reach Troas.
Here Paul remained seven days, and as was his custom, improved the
opportunity to encourage and strengthen the believers.
Upon the last evening of his tarry with them, the brethren “came
together to break bread.” The fact that their beloved teacher was about
to depart, had called together a larger company than usual. They as-
sembled in an upper room on the third story, the coolest and pleasantest
[197]
place for such a gathering on that warm spring evening. The nights
were then dark, but many lights were burning in the chamber. Paul’s
mind was impressed with a sense of the perils that awaited him, and the
uncertainty of again meeting with his brethren; he had matters of great
interest and importance to present before them; and in the earnestness
of his love and solicitude for them, he preached until midnight.
On the broad sill of a window whose shutters had been thrown
open, sat a youth named Eutychus. In this perilous position he sank
into a deep slumber, and at last fell from his seat into the court below.
The discourse was interrupted. All was alarm and confusion. The
youth was taken up dead, and many gathered about him with cries
and mourning. But Paul, passing through the affrighted company,
clasped him in his arms, and sent up an earnest prayer that God would
restore the dead to life. The prayer was granted. Above the sound
of mourning and lamentation the apostle’s voice was heard, saying,
“Trouble not yourselves, for his life is in him.” With rejoicing, yet in
deep humility at this signal manifestation of God’s power and mercy,