Dean writes: While I realize that this is speaking about a church- to which I would ask are there not two or more brethren here-and doesn't that make up a church. Paul was deeply concerned that false teachers would come in among the brethren and lead many astray. He feared this so much that he sought God with tears/and warned with tears to prevent this and as history shows-the false teachers came and caused great harm to the flock in Ephesians. The question to ask is why God allowed this to happen even after Paul pleaded for help-the answer is God didn't allow it to happen- the people- did as they ignored the warnings Paul gave.The thing to remember is that false teachers don't always cause people to deny Christ outright-their greatest deception is in the seemly small things which Satan will use to corrupt the greater truths of God word.
Act 20:29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Act 20:30 Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. Act 20:31 Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.1 Gills writes: Act 20:31 - Therefore watch,.... Meaning both over themselves, and the flock; to prevent, if possible, false teachers entering in, and to nip the buds of heresy and schism, as soon as they appear, and to preserve themselves, and the church, from being carried away with the error of the wicked. And remember that by the space of three years; reckoning from his first coming to Ephesus, unto this time, that he now called at Miletus; see Act_18:19 and I ceased not to warn everyone night and day with tears; that is, he was constantly and continually cautioning them against false teachers, and their doctrines, in the most tender and affectionate manner; shedding tears at the thoughts of what mischief would be done, and how many souls would be ruined by them; which gives a lively idea of the apostle, and his ministry, of his affection, zeal, and diligence, very worthy of the imitation of all the preachers of the Gospel. Several copies, and all the Oriental versions, read, "everyone of you". ---------- "Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer every man." (Colossians 4:6) http://www.InnGlory.org If you do not want to receive posts from this list, send an email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] and you will be unsubscribed. If you have a friend who wants to join, tell him to send an e-mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] and he will be subscribed.
