Retrospect.
An interval in Paul's labors; how long cannot be known. Probably a needed rest; possibly connected with a vow. Employed in visiting Ephesus, sailing to Caesarea, his long fellowship with the Church there, repairing to Antioch and recounting his successes, for some time; and then revisiting the scene of his labors in Galatia and Phrygia. Thus it was a time of comparative bodily rest, of reflection and preparation for the future, and of confirmed intercourse and fellowship with brethren. Notice, therefore—
I. THE EXAMPLE OF WISE METHOD IN CHRISTIAN WORK.
1. Mingle pauses of rest and thought with activity.
2. Revisit places where seed of truth has been scattered, both to watch the doctrine and strengthen the confidence of new converts.
3. Maintain brotherly sympathy with those laboring for the same Master, but in different ways and places. We should avoid mere individualism in Church life and evangelistic efforts. Paul constantly referred himself to Antioch, and never forgot that he had been recommended to the grace of God by his brethren.
II. AN ILLUSTRATION OF PROVIDENTIAL APPOINTMENT IN THE LIVES OF GOD'S PEOPLE.
1. The absences of Paul from his converts the occasions of his letters, so of his instruction to the universal Church.
2. Apollos made way for at Ephesus. His mission important. Possible necessity among the Ephesians of other elements besides the Pauline; hence both Apollos and, subsequently, the Apostle John.
3. The immense influence of Paul's personal narration of his successes at Antioch, and of his confirmation of the disciples in the infant Churches of Asia Minor. "Man proposes, God disposes," wonderfully illustrated in the early history of Christianity.—R.