And finding disciples we tarried there seven days: who said to Paul through the Spirit, that he should not go up to Jerusalem. (5) And when we had accomplished those days, we departed and went our way; and they all brought us on our way, with wives and children, till we were out of the city: and we kneeled down on the shore, and prayed. (6) And when we had taken our leave one of another, we took ship; and they returned home again.
It is very blessed to observe, how the mind of the Apostle was borne up amidst these exercises, in the forebodings of his friends, concerning this journey to Jerusalem. The Holy Ghost had witnessed to Paul, that in every city, bonds and afflictions would meet him, Acts 20:23. But, the vision at Corinth, Acts 18:9, had made Paul more confident. And, as Paul told the Church in the preceding Chapter, his journey to Jerusalem was by the Spirit's direction, Acts 20:22, The intimation, therefore, of those disciples, Paul considered as only a further confirmation of what he had to expect. It is plain, that neither he nor they concluded that it was meant by the Lord to keep him back; but only to prepare him for the encounter. How gracious is the Lord in all his watchings over his people, in preparing them against the time and trials he is preparing for them! Reader! Pause a moment over what is said of the brethren, with their wives and children, bringing Paul and his company on the way, and before separating, committing each other to the Lord in prayer. Oh! What a lovely sight must it have been, to have seen the Apostle thus encircled! And do not overlook that their little ones were of the party. Yes! Those godly parents would seek for early impressions on their offspring, in teaching them to reverence the Lord's faithful ministers, from whom, under God, they owed the knowledge of divine things; and to bring their household with them to be benefitted by their prayers. Where shall we look for such a sight again, as this shore witnessed? Lord! Look with mercy on thy Church, and suffer not a prayerless spirit to be so common as it is in the present hour!