November 30

Acts 28: 16-31

16 When we came into Rome, Paul was allowed to live by himself, with the soldier who was guarding him. 17 Three days later he called together the local leaders of the Jews. When they had assembled, he said to them, "Brothers, though I had done nothing against our people or the customs of our ancestors, yet I was arrested in Jerusalem and handed over to the Romans. 18 When they had examined me, the Romans wanted to release me, because there was no reason for the death penalty in my case. 19 But when the Jews objected, I was compelled to appeal to the emperor-- even though I had no charge to bring against my nation. 20 For this reason therefore I have asked to see you and speak with you, since it is for the sake of the hope of Israel that I am bound with this chain." 21 They replied, "We have received no letters from Judea about you, and none of the brothers coming here has reported or spoken anything evil about you. 22 But we would like to hear from you what you think, for with regard to this sect we know that everywhere it is spoken against." 23 After they had set a day to meet with him, they came to him at his lodgings in great numbers. From morning until evening he explained the matter to them, testifying to the kingdom of God and trying to convince them about Jesus both from the law of Moses and from the prophets. 24 Some were convinced by what he had said, while others refused to believe. 25 So they disagreed with each other; and as they were leaving, Paul made one further statement: "The Holy Spirit was right in saying to your ancestors through the prophet Isaiah, 26 'Go to this people and say, You will indeed listen, but never understand, and you will indeed look, but never perceive. 27 For this people's heart has grown dull, and their ears are hard of hearing, and they have shut their eyes; so that they might not look with their eyes, and listen with their ears, and understand with their heart and turn-- and I would heal them.' 28 Let it be known to you then that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will listen." 29 30 He lived there two whole years at his own expense and welcomed all who came to him, 31 proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance.

The story of the book of Acts ends with the proclamation of the gospel being given with boldness and without hindrance. We are dependent upon other sources for what happens to Paul. For the purposes of this story, he is still debating with the members of the synagogue. Some believe his words and others do not. We are left unsure of what role those who disagree with him will have in his appeal to Nero.

For two years Paul is able to witness to all who come to him. The sharing of the message is the key theme of the book of Acts. We began with the command to be witnesses to Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and the ends of the earth. Rome is a way of seeing the ends of the earth. All roads lead to Rome, thus the gospel is now on the road to the whole world from the ancient perspective.

We assume that Paul is a martyr for the faith. That fact may or may not have been known to the author of this story. Either way, it is not the message of the book. There have been martyrs in the story, Stephen and James. The point is that the gospel is proclaimed with boldness and even in the face of adversity without hindrance. That is the legacy the apostles give the church. Following the lead of the Holy Spirit the gospel is proclaimed.

Reflection questions
1. Why is Paul so single minded in his conversations with the Jews?
2. How do we tell our stories of the faith and keep the primary focus on Jesus?
3. What hinders our boldness and our witness?