because by that miracle He has furnished a solid ground of belief for all men; and that on a day fore-ordained and known to God, He will judge all men in equity.
Application. God is never far from you! He is always with you 1 Remember His holy Presence, especially when you are tempted to sin, and do not dare to do wrong in His sight. Remind yourself of His holy Presence during the day, and often make the ejaculation: "O my God, I love Thee with my whole heart!”
Chapter XCVII.
ST. PAUL’S THIRD MISSION (A. D. 55—58).
[Acts 18, 19 to 20.]
AFTER Paul had remained some time at Antioch, he passed a third time[1] through the greater part of Asia Minor, and came to Ephesus, the capital of the Roman province of Asia (Fig. 97, p. 796). Here he met some twelve disciples, and said to them: “Have you received the Holy Ghost?” They answered him: “We have not so much as heard whether there be a Holy Ghost.” Paul asked them again: “In what, then, were you baptized?” They replied: “In John’s baptism.” Then Paul said: “John baptized the people with the baptism of penance, saying that they should believe in Him who was to come after him, that is to say: Jesus.” Hearing this they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then Paul laid his hands upon them, and they received the Holy Ghost, and prophesied.
Paul remained two years at Ephesus, so that all those who dwelt in the Roman province of Asia heard the word of the Lord. Moreover, God was pleased to work many wonderful miracles by the hand of the holy apostle, and no sooner were handkerchiefs or aprons[2] that had touched his body applied to the sick, than they were instantly cured. Seeing these things a great fear came upon all the people, and they magnified the name of Jesus.
- ↑ A third time. On his third journey Paul was accompanied by Titus, who was born of heathen parents either at Antioch or Corinth. He was a spiritual son of St. Paul, having been converted by him to the true faith. He was consecrated by him bishop of Crete, and died at the advanced age of ninety-four.
- ↑ Aprons. Or girdles.
