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Paul constitutionally was an earnest man. Every chapter in his life before, and after, his conversion shows him to be a man whose purposes were made red hot with the passion of an ever-glowing nature. His earnestness is here seen —

I. IN HIS NOBLE DEFIANCE OF DANGER. The Jews had "made insurrection with one accord" against him, and he must have felt, even after Gallio had refused to entertain their malignant purposes, their ire was still all aflame. Yet he quits not the scene of duty. "Paul tarried there yet a good while." His sympathy with Christ and the Divine purpose raised him above the fear of all danger.

II. IN HIS SURRENDER OF FRIENDSHIP.

1. His adieu to his brethren at Corinth. "He took his leave of the brethren." He entered this Paris of the old world to fight the battles alone, and the antagonism was immense; and he left it with numerous converts and a prosperous Church. The members of that Church were "his brethren": he loved them. The two letters which he afterwards wrote to them show the depth of his affection. Yet he leaves them at the call of duty.

2. His separation from his dearest companions at Ephesus — Priscilla and Aquila. It must have been not a little painful to a man of Paul's tender sensibilities, to separate from those with whom he had been so closely and so lovingly connected.

3. His departure from Ephesus in opposition to the earnest request of his friends (ver. 20). "Whosoever loveth father and mother more than Me, is not worthy of Me." Paul proved himself worthy of Christ.

III. IN HIS CONSECRATION TO DUTY.

1. He felt that God's will called him to Jerusalem now. "I must by all means keep this feast." He had no doubt about the Divine will upon this point, and hence he was prepared to make any sacrifices to carry it out.

2. He was willing to return to Ephesus, if it were yp this feast." He had no doubt about the Divine will upon this point, and hence he was prepared to make any sacrifices to carry it out.

2. He was willing to return to Ephesus, if it were yp this feast." He had no doubt about the Divine will upon this point, and hence he was prepared to make any sacrifices to carry it out.

2. He was willing to return to Ephesus, if it were yp this feast." He had no doubt about the Divine will upon this point, and hence he was prepared to make any sacrifices to carry it out.

2. He was willing to return to Ephesus, if it were yp this feast." He had no doubt about the Divine will upon this point, and hence he was prepared to make any sacrifices to carry it out.

2. He was willing to return to Ephesus, if it were yp this feast." He had no doubt about the Divine will upon this point, and hence he was prepared to make any sacrifices to carry it out.

2. He was willing to return to Ephesus, if it were yp this feast." He had no doubt about the Divine will upon this point, and hence he was prepared to make any sacrifices to carry it out.

2. He was willing to return to Ephesus, if it were yp this feast." He had no doubt about the Divine will upon this point, and hence he was prepared to make any sacrifices to carry it out.

2. He was willing to return to Ephesus, if it were yp this feast." He had no doubt about the Divine will upon this point, and hence he was prepared to make any sacrifices to carry it out.

2. He was willing to return to Ephesus, if it were yp this feast." He had no doubt about the Divine will upon this point, and hence he was prepared to make any sacrifices to carry it out.

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