And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called to him the elders of the church. (Acts 20:17) And when he had said these things, he knelt down and prayed with them all. (Acts 20:36)
We begin our week with Paul closing his letter to the believers in Rome. As per Paul’s normal mode of operation, he is mindful of those that mean so much to him. It is an interesting list of friends that Paul greets in this letter. Pay special attention to how many of those mentioned by name are women. It is also interesting to see the variety of ministries that are represented among them. Paul introduces Phoebe and informs them that she is a “minister” in the church. He uses the same word to describe Phoebe’s ministry that he used when speaking of Jesus, Apollos, Epaphras, Tychicus, Timothy, himself, and others. He sends greetings to Priscilla and Aquila. Obviously they returned to Rome to help the believers they had left behind. I’m sure their time with Paul brought greater depth to their understanding of The Way and they were eager to return and share with those they loved. Whenever Paul speaks of this couple as husband and wife he refers to them as Aquila and Priscilla, but when he speaks of them in ministry he calls them Priscilla and Aquila. Hmmmm! Why do you think that might be?!? Since the two of them returned to Rome, they had begun pastoring a church together. It is quite obvious that Paul recognizes them both in this work. Paul also recognizes Mary’s “hard work.” He uses this word continuously when he refers to his labor for the Lord. Paul said that he didn’t want to find he had labored in vain, and he wanted to be sure the people in Rome knew that Mary was laboring to the point of exhaustion for them as well. Junias was a fellow prisoner with Paul and he says SHE is outstanding among the apostles. Yes, SHE! Junias is a female name!!! And the list goes on. How many other women are found in this list of beloved friends and co-workers of Paul?
At some point in this part of Paul’s ministry he had gotten a response from his letter to the Corinthians and Paul makes sure he answers them before he begins his journey to Jerusalem. His letter is a rich correspondence of joy, heaviness, concern, encouragement and personal weariness. Although Paul has needs of his own, his heart is still weighed down with concern for those struggling in Jerusalem. The collection Paul speaks of is not for him, but for those to whom he will take their gift.
This week we also join Paul in his journey back to Jerusalem. More than just his travel itinerary is given! This meaningful trip is filled with insights concerning believers’ reactions to the prophetic word of God. At what point and how God revealed to Paul that he was headed for prison and would be going to Rome, we are not told. We have already seen by Paul’s letter to the Romans that God had worked a desire in Paul to go to Rome. I don’t get the sense that Paul knew before he began his trip that his journey to Rome was going to be paid for at the expense of the Roman government because he was going to be shipped there as a prisoner. But by the time Paul got to Miletus he already knew what was ahead for him.
Some of Paul’s friends accepted the word with grief, believing they would never see Paul again. Although they were heartbroken, they never questioned whether Paul should be going. Other tried to rescue him from his fate, begging him not to set foot in Jerusalem. What is confusing about this group is that it says “they kept telling Paul through the Spirit not to set foot in Jerusalem.” So was God warning Paul not to go, and did Paul disregard God’s warning? Or were their words meant to test Paul, like the words Elijah spoke to Elisha when he told him to “stay here please, for the Lord has sent me as far as Bethel.” And then you have Agabus! You may remember him. He was the prophet from Jerusalem who went to Antioch and prophesied of the great famine that was coming, telling them to make provisions for those who would be in great need. Agabus’ words were direct and to the point, without commentary and personal thought. This is what God said and that’s the way it will be! End of story!!! Spoken like a true prophet!!!!! But the most important acceptance of God’s word is Paul‘s attitude towards it! He knew what God had spoken to him and was prepared for what he would face. He knew how to grieve with those who grieved, encourage those who didn’t understand, and accept the difficult prophecy that merely confirmed what he already knew. He did not become confused or shaken when others didn’t agree with the determinations of his heart. He did not allow the grief of others to deter him from pouring out his life as a sacrifice to God, nor was he unmoved by their tears. Paul displays a beautiful blend of compassion and resolution. He shows us how to love and lead with a tender heart and a steadfast spirit. Yes, I truly love this servant of God and always enjoy the times I spend walking with him through the pages of the Book. I trust his words are teaching and encouraging you as well.
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