The Sight of Christian Friends Enlivening
W. Jay. Acts 28:15 And from there, when the brothers heard of us, they came to meet us as far as Appii forum, and The three taverns: whom when Paul saw… The narrative teaches us — I. THAT CHARACTERS THE MOST DISTINGUISHED IN THE CHURCH OF GOD MAY SOMETIMES NEED ENCOURAGEMENT. What made the apostle now droop we cannot determine. Perhaps he had heard what a tiger Nero had lately become; or felt some melancholy thoughts as to the result of his trial. But whatever was the cause, it seems that even his courage failed, who, in writing to these Romans, could say, "if God be for us, who can be against us?" People often imagine that Scripture saints were a race entirely different from modern Christians. This is a mistake. Our case is not peculiar — we neither sigh nor tremble alone. II. THE BENEFIT THAT IS TO BE DERIVED FROM INTERCOURSE WITH CHRISTIAN FRIENDS. When Paul saw these brethren, he was inspired with new life. "Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart, so doth the sweetness of a man's friend by hearty counsel. Iron sharpeneth iron, so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend." In no condition is it "good for man to be alone." Religion, instead of destroying the social principle, refines and strengthens it. Our Saviour promised that, "where two or three are gathered together in His name, He will be in the midst of them." To cheer and animate each other, "He sent forth His disciples two and two." "Two are better than one." Have you ever been in distress? How soothing was the presence of a tender and a pious friend! Have you ever been in spiritual darkness and perplexity? — you sighed, "No one was ever like me!" But a Christian related his experience, and announced the same feelings, and you were set at liberty. Or have you, in a scorching day, been ready to perish for thirst? Like another angel, in the case of Hagar, "He opened your eyes and showed you a well" — and you "went on your way rejoicing." How pleasing is it, when travelling to heaven, to overtake those who will be "our companions in tribulation." What a glow of satisfaction does a man, called by Divine grace, diffuse in a Church when he enters to ask for communion and fellowship with them. "They that fear Thee will be glad when they see me, because I have hoped in Thy Word"! How desirable is the Lord's day, and the Lord's house, in which we see so many of our brethren! How charming will heaven be, where we shall see "a multitude which no man can number," etc.! III. THAT WE MAY BE EDIFIED BY THOSE WHO ARE BELOW US IN STATION AND IN TALENTS AND IN GRACE. Thus these private Christians helped an inspired apostle. Apollos was an eloquent man, and mighty in the Scriptures; but he was "taught the way of the Lord more perfectly," by two of his hearers, Priscilla and Aquila. Naaman the Syrian was a mighty man; but he was indebted for his cure to a little maid. "The king is served by the labour of the field." There is no such thing as independence — that there is a connection among men which embraces all ranks and degrees — and a dependence founded upon it; so that no being is above the want of assistance, and no being is useless or unimportant. It is in the world, and it is in the Church, as it is in the human frame. "The eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee," etc. IV. ALL THE COMFORT AND ADVANTAGE WE DERIVE FROM CREATURES SHOULD AWAKEN GRATITUDE TO GOD. It is said, "he thanked God." Doubtless the apostle was sensible of his obligations to these brethren, and thanked them. But says Paul, "Who made these Christian friends, and rendered them the means of restoring my soul?" God uses channels to convey blessings to us, but all our springs are in Him. (W. Jay.) Parallel Verses KJV: And from thence, when the brethren heard of us, they came to meet us as far as Appii forum, and The three taverns: whom when Paul saw, he thanked God, and took courage. WEB: From there the brothers, when they heard of us, came to meet us as far as The Market of Appius and The Three Taverns. When Paul saw them, he thanked God, and took courage.