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Sketches from the Life of Paul
He declares, “These hands have ministered unto my necessities, and
to them that were with me.” Amid his arduous labors and extensive
journeys for the cause of Christ, he was able, not only to supply his own
wants, but to spare something for the support of his fellow-laborers
and the relief of the worthy poor. This was accomplished only by
unremitting diligence and the closest economy. Well might he point
to his own example, as he said, “I have showed you all things, how
that so laboring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the
words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than
to receive.”
“And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with
them all. 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.” By his fidelity to the truth, Paul inspired
intense hatred; but he also inspired the deepest and warmest affection.
Sadly the disciples followed him to the ship, their hearts filled with
anxiety, both for his future and for their own. The apostle’s tears flowed
freely as he parted from these brethren, and after he had embarked
there came to him from the shore the sound of weeping. With heavy
hearts the elders turned homeward, knowing that they could expect
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no further help from him who had felt so deep an interest and labored
with so great zeal for them and for the church under their care.
From Miletus the travelers had a prosperous voyage to Patara, on
the southwest shore of Asia Minor, where they left their ship, and took
passage on another vessel bound for the coast of Phenicia. Again they
enjoyed favoring winds, and, fully two weeks before the Pentecost,
they landed at Tyre, where the ship was to unload its cargo.
The apostle’s anxiety about reaching Jerusalem was now at an
end. There were a few disciples at Tyre, and having succeeded in
searching them out, he spent the next week with them. The Holy
Spirit had revealed to these brethren something of the dangers which
awaited Paul at Jerusalem, and they endeavored to dissuade him from
his purpose. But the same Spirit which had warned him of afflictions,
bonds, and imprisonment, still urged him forward, a willing captive.
When the week was over, Paul left them. So strong a hold upon their
affections had he gained in this brief period, that all the brethren, with
their wives and children, started with him to conduct him on his way;