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Acts
  
5. Paul´s Last Journey to Macedonia and Greece (Acts 20:1-3)
1After the uproar had ceased, Paul called the disciples to himself, embraced them, and departed to go to Macedonia. 2Now when he had gone over that region and encouraged them with many words, he came to Greece3and stayed three months …


Paul recognized in the Ephesians’ uproar that the growing church was not secure against danger and persecution. On the contrary, the more the blessing was spread, the more the attacks of the devil increased. The believers in churches had to pray with vigilance: “Do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.” Paul and his faithful companions prayed during the uproar. The Lord stilled the storm, and saved those who were in trouble, just as he had rebuked the storm on the Sea of Tiberias.
After the explosion of hatred in Ephesus, it became clear to the believers that Paul could not remain either in the city or in the region. The vindictive feelings boiling over in the heart of the mob for the apostle meant that he could no more walk alone along the streets and alleys. The fatherly Paul, however, did not flee out of fear because of the crouching danger in the city. He called the leaders of the disciples of Christ to an organized meeting, one which was filled with the opposite spirit to that of the uproar in the theater. Paul comforted those who mourned with the presence of Christ, who puts his Holy Spirit in all His faithful followers.
Thus the apostle of the Gentiles said a sorrowful goodbye to the people of the church of Ephesus. He began his long journey by passing through the regions of Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea. He himself explained his experiences in his second epistle to the Corinthians (7: 5): “When we came to Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we were troubled on every side. Outside were conflicts, inside were fears. Nevertheless God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us”. Paul did not travel to pass the summer time in relaxation at a seaside resort. He entered the struggle, and with great difficulties fought against fanaticism, hatred, and temptations. Paul was filled with the word of God. He preached with the power of the Holy Spirit, not only for the sake of preaching, but also for the sake of edification, instruction, and strengthening of the churches. Paul was a faithful shepherd, who sought those that were going astray, bandaged the wounds of the afflicted, and punished those persevering in stubborn resistance.
When Paul entered the city of Corinth around A.D. 56 he served the church for three months, a church divided by philosophical and zealous temptations. Yet beside these efforts he found enough time to compose his longest epistle, written to the church in Rome, one which he himself had not founded. In this epistle the apostle emphasized his doctrine in an organized and logical way, with profoundness and exceeding insight. The philosophers in Athens had previously sought wisdom from him, but he did not respond to them. They were not spiritually mature to understand these principles of profound Christian thought. This sermon, in the form of an epistle to the Romans, is until today the best organized presentation of the principles of Christianity. Even today, the Holy Spirit is preaching the words of Paul in this world.

Prayer
O Lord Jesus Christ, we thank You, for You are the triumphant Governor. You keep Your beloved ones throughout the storms, hardships, attacks, and temptations of life. Give us faithful ministers in our churches, and courageous prayers, so that we may altogether honor You with abiding faith, abounding love, and living hope.
Question
Why and under what circumstances did Paul leave the church of Ephesus?