Angels From Pentecost to the Last Days
167
of the danger, had hurried him from the place. Angels of God were
sent to guard the faithful apostle.—
Sketches from the Life of Paul,
143
.
As the chief priests and rulers witnessed the effect of the relation
of Paul’s experience, they were moved with hatred against him. They
saw that he boldly preached Jesus and wrought miracles in His name,
that multitudes listened to him and turned from their traditions and
looked upon the Jewish leaders as the murderers of the Son of God.
Their anger was kindled, and they assembled to consult as to what was
best to be done to put down the excitement. They agreed that the only
safe course was to put Paul to death. But God knew of their intention,
and angels were commissioned to guard him, that he might live to
fulfill his mission.—
Early Writings, 202
.
This portion of history has been written for our admonition, upon
whom the ends of the world are come. The Ephesians claimed to have
intercourse with invisible beings, from whom they derived their knowl-
edge of that which was to come to pass. In our day this communion
with spirits is called Spiritualism, and the arts practiced by mediums
are not all sleight of hand, cunning, and pretense. The visible and
invisible worlds are in close connection. Satan is the master deceiver,
and his confederates in evil are in training under him to work in the
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same line in which he works. The apostle says, “We wrestle not against
flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the
rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in
high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that
ye may be able to withstand in the evil day.”—
The Youth’s Instructor,
November 16, 1893
.
That aged prisoner [Paul], standing chained to his soldier guard,
presented nothing imposing or attractive in his dress or appearance,
that the world should pay him homage. Yet this man, apparently
without friends or wealth or position, had an escort that worldlings
could not see. Angels of heaven were his attendants. Had the glory
of one of those shining messengers flashed forth, the pomp and pride
of royalty would have paled before it; king and courtiers would have
been stricken to the earth.... All heaven was interested in this one man,
now held a prisoner for his faith in the Son of God.—
Sketches from
the Life of Paul, 254
.