I love the story in Acts 20:7-12 where Paul speaks to a group of Christians in the pagan city of Troas.
Imagine the desire these early Christians had to fully understand their new faith.
Because Paul only had one day with this group of people, I'm sure he wanted to share as much as possible. And I believe they were eager for him to do that, even though it's likely that some of those in attendance were slaves with exhausting schedules.
When I became a Christian, I had two little ones in diapers and a husband with long work hours. But I was eager to spend time in God's Word daily, and I faithfully attended two weekly Bible studies and Sunday worship. It was an exhausting schedule, and there were times I nodded off with the Bible in my hands, but I wanted to know more about my new faith.
Was Paul too long-winded that night in Troas? Was Eutychus bored? I don't think so. I imagine Eutychus was a young slave exhausted by a demanding schedule but eager to hear about the Lord.
When he fell to his death after midnight and Paul resurrected him, instead of bringing an end to the meeting, their fellowship continued until daylight and they went home "greatly comforted" by all that had happened.
I imagine this situation deeply affected Eutychus' faith and the faith of others in attendance.
Let's never lose our desire to learn more about our Lord!
For some insights on Paul's teachings:
Note: There are passages that talk about Paul's personal speaking skills being less forceful than his letters, and there's some speculation that he had a physical problem that affected his speech (Galatians 4:13-15; 2 Corinthians 10:1;10:10; 2 Corinthians 12:7-10). But we also have some powerful examples of Paul's unique apologetic reasoning and bold preaching. For example, see Acts 14 and Acts 17.
BLN
No comments:
Post a Comment