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or the painful yet blessed resting and waiting times of the servants of God. Compare Joseph in prison, Moses in the wilderness, David in the mountains, Elijah at the brook Cherith, John the Baptist in prison, John the Evangelist in Patmos, Luther at Wartburg, faithful preachers in sick beds.

I. PAINFUL —

1. To the servant of God whose hands are bound.

2. For the congregations of the Lord who are deprived of their pastors.

II. BLESSED —

1. For the servant of God.

(1)  For quiet consideration.

(2)  Deeper purification.

2. For the Church.

(1)  For the increase of its strength.

(2)  Its grateful estimation of the grace bestowed by God by means of faithful teachers.

(3)  Its earnest continuance is prayer for pastors and flocks.

(K. Gerok.).

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KJV: He hoped also that money should have been given him of Paul, that he might loose him: wherefore he sent for him the oftener, and communed with him.

WEB: Meanwhile, he also hoped that money would be given to him by Paul, that he might release him. Therefore also he sent for him more often, and talked with him.