Trials and Victories of Paul
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had been preserved, and that Christianity had not been brought into
disrepute by the tumult at Ephesus. The decision of the recorder and
of others holding honorable offices in the city, had set Paul before the
people as one innocent of any unlawful act. This was another triumph
of Christianity over error and superstition. God had raised up a great
magistrate to vindicate his apostle, and hold the tumultuous mob in
check.
Paul parted from his children in the faith with an affectionate
farewell. He set out on his journey to Macedonia, designing on the
way thither to visit Troas. He was accompanied by Tychicus and
Trophimus, both Ephesians, who remained his faithful companions
and fellow-laborers to the close of his life.
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Paul’s ministry in Ephesus had been a season of incessant labor,
of many trials, and deep anguish. He taught the people in public and
from house to house, instructing and warning them with many tears.
He was continually opposed by the unbelieving Jews, who lost no
opportunity to stir up the popular feeling against him. Again and again
he was attacked by the mob, and subjected to insult and abuse. By
every means which they could employ, the enemies of truth sought to
destroy the effects of his labor for the salvation of men.
And while thus battling against opposition, and with untiring zeal
pushing forward the gospel work and guarding the interests of a church
yet young in the faith, Paul was bearing upon his soul the burden of
all the churches. Nor was he released even from the tax of physical
labor. Here, as at Corinth, he worked with his own hands to supply
his necessities. In weariness and painfulness from unceasing toil and
constant danger, enfeebled by disease, and at times depressed in spirits,
he steadfastly pursued his work.
The news which he received, of apostasy in churches of his own
planting, caused him deep anguish. He greatly feared that his efforts
in their behalf would prove to have been in vain. Many a sleepless
night was spent in prayer and earnest thought, as he learned of the
new and varied methods employed to counteract his work. As he had
opportunity, he wrote to the churches, giving reproof, counsel, admo-
nition, and encouragement, as their state demanded. In his epistles
the apostle does not dwell on his own trials, yet there are occasional
glimpses of his labors and sufferings in the cause of Christ. Stripes
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and imprisonment, cold and hunger and thirst, perils by land and sea,