RE Verse reading–Acts 20:17-35 (day five) “I know that after my departure savage wolves will arise. . .speaking perverse things, to draw the disciples away. . .and now I commend you to God and the word of His grace which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified.” (vs 29-30, 32) Strange comfort. Paul’s attitude. He sees hardship ahead, savage stuggle. It isn’t pessimism. Kingdom progress has always been opposed. “The days are evil”( Ephesians 5:16). Problems should not surprise or discourage us. They should motivate us to pray. Hard times are NOT the full story. Hope is. To commend these elders and their young church to God and to the word of His grace was Paul’s expression of confidence. No matter what they would face in the coming days, God had promised grace (help, power, courage, wisdom) that would be more than sufficient. Now unto Him who is ABLE. . . even when hard times come.
