to keep it always strung, it would lose its spring, and become useless." "Even so," replied John, "be not offended at this my brief relaxation, which prevents my spirit from waxing faint."</ref>
Return to Ephesus and Second Abode There.
from laodicea a second time to ephesus.[1]
(Aa. 179–181).
58. Some time passed without any of the brethren ever being afflicted by John. But now they were afflicted, when he said, "Brethren, it is time for me to go to Ephesus—for such is the agreement with those who remained there—that they become not light-minded, being for a long time without their pastor. But you may direct your mind to God, who leaves us not." And when the brethren heard this, they became sad that they should be separated from him. And John said, "Though I go from you, Christ is always with you. If you love him purely, you shall continually enjoy the blessing of his communion. For though he be loved, he loved those first who love him."
59. Having spoken thus, and having parted from them, he left much money to the brethren for distribution, and went to Ephesus, all brethren being sorrowing and weeping. Those that were with him from Ephesus were Andronicus and Drusiana, Lycomedes and Cleobius and their attendants.
- ↑ This heading is found in Codex M (Venetus Marcianus graecus, 363, 12th cent.). The following narrative is also given in Greek by Zahn, Acta Joannis, p. 225 ff. ; see also ibidem, p. LXXXIII.
