And it came to pass, that after we were gotten from them, and had launched, we came with a straight course unto Coos, and the day following unto Rhodes, and from thence unto Patara: (2) And finding a ship sailing over unto Phoenicia, we went aboard, and set forth. (3) Now when we had discovered Cyprus, we left it on the left hand, and sailed into Syria, and landed at Tyre: for there the ship was to unlade her burden.
The separation between the Apostle and the Church at Ephesus, must have been very painful. The word made use of to express it, is strong; signifying being torn from each others' embraces. And what added to the sorrow, was the consciousness on both sides, that it was final. There is an affinity between faithful pastors and their people, which far exceeds the common relationships in natural life. And when death, or a separation like this, which was as death, being final, takes place, there is great cause for sorrow. The children of Israel wept thirty days at the death of Moses, Deuteronomy 34:8. But, Reader! what a relief to the soul is it, amidst all the separations of life, and the deaths, or departures of everyone around; Jesus departs not, but is with his people forever! Oh! thou dear Lord! let the thought of this comfort and support my soul, amidst all the dead. and dying circumstances, of a world passing away. Jesus lives, and loves, and is with his people forever, Matthew 28:20.