Possibly, Paul shed tears over the unbelief of some who he may have previously respected in the local synagogue (Acts 19:8-9). Paul may have been brokenhearted because of the unbelief of those whom he first respected in the synagogue. Concerning the Jewish background of the Torah, the rejection of the truth and the grace of God via such a beautiful bridge may have been much to bear emotionally. Separation not only showed a lack of belief in the truth which Paul bore; rather, it was a sign of ultimate rejection of those who accepted Jesus as the Messiah.
The tears that are have said to be shed were not a product of an empty emotionalism. The tears spoken of represented a true love of the Apostle for the people God had given him. Thus, Paul by the example of his tears, shows his utter devotion to the Lord’s glory by loving the people to whom he had been entrusted. What/Whom has a value worth shedding tears? As the Pauline letters are examined, it becomes clear as to the issues which were of great importance. As the Elders had personal contact with Paul, it is reasonable to believe they would have been acutely concerned about similar issues as listed below.
- The Gospel is preached and one is fixed in his/her unbelief (Romans 9:3)
- One within/without the church suffers physically and/or emotionally (Romans 12:15)
- One within the church experiences spiritual hardship (Philippians 4:2)
- A professing Christian’s walk turns indecent (1 Corinthians 11:17-19)
- Wolves attack the people of God for whom one is under-shepherd (Colossians 1:28-2:1)
- A professing Christian forsakes the assembling of the saints (Hebrews 10:24-25)
- One falls away giving evidence of a false profession of faith (Hebrews 6:13)
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