Paul's foreknowledge that "grievous wolves would enter in"
It's amazing (what it must have felt like), how Paul wept daily, in his concern (and foreknowledge - Acts 20:25) that after his final departure from this church, false prophets would come into their church - teaching heresies - and lead astray some of them. They could no longer be under Paul's protection, after his final departure. Paul knew that the people in this church were sincere in their faith in the gospel - but that they were still young in the faith. And as such, more vulnerable to heresies they might encounter.
This is one reason we are more mature Christians, need to be faithful in praying for God to help keep all Christians firm in their hold upon the true gospel, and to help keep them growing in the Lord.
It is also a reason why all Christians, whether young in the Lord, or more mature in the Lord, are not to be neglectful of daily praying and asking for the Lord's help and guidance in life, and for His protection - especially in times of great temptations. See Matthew 26:41.
Acts 20:23-24 Reveals why Paul realized that he would never see this church again, after his soon departure. The Holy Spirit gave him foreknowledge of this.
Acts 20:25-32
25 And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more.
26 Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men.
27 For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.
28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.
29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.
30 Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.
31 Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.
32 And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.
KJV
It's amazing (what it must have felt like), how Paul wept daily, in his concern (and foreknowledge - Acts 20:25) that after his final departure from this church, false prophets would come into their church - teaching heresies - and lead astray some of them. They could no longer be under Paul's protection, after his final departure. Paul knew that the people in this church were sincere in their faith in the gospel - but that they were still young in the faith. And as such, more vulnerable to heresies they might encounter.
This is one reason we are more mature Christians, need to be faithful in praying for God to help keep all Christians firm in their hold upon the true gospel, and to help keep them growing in the Lord.
It is also a reason why all Christians, whether young in the Lord, or more mature in the Lord, are not to be neglectful of daily praying and asking for the Lord's help and guidance in life, and for His protection - especially in times of great temptations. See Matthew 26:41.
Acts 20:23-24 Reveals why Paul realized that he would never see this church again, after his soon departure. The Holy Spirit gave him foreknowledge of this.
Acts 20:25-32
25 And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more.
26 Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men.
27 For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.
28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.
29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.
30 Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.
31 Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.
32 And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.
KJV
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