Five Places that Paul Visited
But Paul went down and bent over him, and taking him in his arms, said, “Do not be alarmed, for his life is in him” Acts 20:10 (ESV)
While travelling, Paul stopped in the city of Troas. On Sunday, Paul met with a group of Christians there for meal fellowship. It was evening already, and Paul kept on talking till about midnight. In an upper-story room, filled with candlelight, Paul kept on speaking with the brothers. A young man named Eutychus, sitting in the windowsill, grew tired and fell asleep. As he slept, he fell out the window, to his death.That was shocking and sudden to seea young man taken so quickly and unexpectedly. Yet, Paul, by the power of Jesus, raised the young man from the dead and continued to talk with the group till morning.
Wow… like clockwork! The preaching of the Gospel is not fazed by this sudden emotional death, and it has no reason to be, for the Gospel says, “He who believes in me, though He may die, He shall live.” For every Christian life expended in this world, whether they be old or young, the promise is given that they will be raised from the dead by Jesus one day, and on that day, they will have perfect bliss in Heaven.
Many accidents happen in the lives of Christians, including those whom we deem too young. They can catch us unawares, and the grief that ensues from them can be difficult to bear. But even these emotions cannot change the truth that Jesus is risen from the dead, promising to raise the young who have fallen asleep trusting in Him for salvation. A Christ-centered message at a funeral can sometimes feel like the accident of Eutyches, tragic but quick to raise hearts and spirits as we are comforted once more by our Savior.
Christian, dry your flowing tears,
chase your unbelieving fears;
Look on His deserted grave,
doubt no more His pow’r to save.
The Lutheran Hymnal 203:3