Acts 20:1

After the uproar had ceased, Paul called the disciples to himself, embraced them, and departed to go to Macedonia.

Acts 20:1

After the riot in Ephesus had calmed down Paul meets with the disciples there. We read, “He called them to himself and embraced them.” It must have been difficult for Paul to go from city to city, preaching the gospel, planting churches and then have to leave these new believers behind. But he didn’t just leave them high and dry, he traveled back to visit as the Lord allowed. He would write letters to instruct and encourage, and he would send others to go and bring back reports on progress.

We have a responsibility as brothers and sisters in Christ to care for each other as well. Peter writes in 1 Peter 3:8-9, “Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous; not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing.” In Galatians 6:1-2 we are told by Paul, “Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”

May God use you to be a blessing and encouragement to a brother or sister today.

Pastor Doug Hardin