Best Not to Enter

None could ever say that Paul was lacking courage. How many times did he face possible physical death as he contended for the faith? But once in Ephesus he consented to the wishes of his brethren not to risk his welfare because he would very likely have been mobbed and the great work he was doing would have been terminated.

Because of the riot created by image makers of the city, Paul wished to speak to them but the other disciples thought better of it. They sent him to Macedonia. It was more expedient on this occasion to allow the enemies of truth to have their way and live to fight another day.

There are circumstances even today when such a decision may be more profitable. Jesus must have also thought that when He said there would be times when it was best to shake off the dust from your feet.