Acts 21:1

The latter end of the foregoing chapter acquainted us with the sorrowful and heavy parting of the elders and church of Ephesus from the holy apostle.

Now, the first verse of this chapter informs us, that it was not less sorrowful on the apostle's and his companions' part. So much the word here imports, after we were gotten from them, apospasthentas ap' auton: "After we were torn from, and pulled as it were limb from limb from each other;" intimating the mutual endearments which were between them whilst together, and that inexpressible sorrow which was found amongst them at their parting.

Verily, there is no stronger love, nor more endearing affections, betwixt any relations upon the earth, than betwixt the ministers of Christ and such of their people as they have been instrumental to bring home to God. Spiritual affections are stronger than natural; the removing of. spiritual father by death, or otherwise, is like tearing limb from limb; yea, like rending the head from the body.

Lord! with what great difficulty and deep reluctancy did the holy apostle and the church of Ephesus here part from one another! They were pulled and torn one from another, as the word imports.