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The Acts of the Apostles
of God was shining upon them, to reveal the hidden sins that were
defiling their lives. How would it be received?
After the letter had been dispatched, Paul feared lest that which he
had written might wound too deeply those whom he desired to benefit.
He keenly dreaded a further alienation and sometimes longed to recall
his words. Those who, like the apostle, have felt a responsibility for
beloved churches or institutions, can best appreciate his depression
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of spirit and self-accusing. The servants of God who bear the burden
of His work for this time know something of the same experience of
labor, conflict, and anxious care that fell to the lot of the great apostle.
Burdened by divisions in the church, meeting with ingratitude and
betrayal from some to whom he looked for sympathy and support,
realizing the peril of the churches that harbored iniquity, compelled to
bear a close, searching testimony in reproof of sin, he was at the same
time weighed down with fear that he might have dealt with too great
severity. With trembling anxiety he waited to receive some tidings as
to the reception of his message.
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