Just the Beginning: Acts 28

This week we finished the chapter-by-chapter study of the Book of Acts. Chapter 28 gave us the account of how God got Paul and his companions to Rome. First in verses 1-16 they are in Malta after the shipwreck. There God used Paul and Luke to proclaim the gospel and to heal and cure all who came to them with ailments. There’s also a few verses that tell of a snake biting Paul and Paul not having any ill effects from it.

But, in Rome, once they got there, Paul first went to the Jewish community, as was his custom. He was able to speak to the Jewish leaders. He gave an account of what happened in Jerusalem, explained his work, and tried to use the Scriptures to persuade them to listen to his message. He appealed to them that Jesus was the promised Messiah. Verse 24, says, “And some were being persuaded by the things spoken, but others would not believe.” That’s the way it goes, even in this day and age. Paul fulfilled his responsibilities in sharing with the Jews, and when the Jews became divided, he also shared with the Gentiles. He actually told the Jews: “Let it be known to you therefore [because they had closed their eyes to the truth], that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will also listen (vs. 28).”

And that’s exactly what Paul did. He preached while he was being held under arrest, chained to a soldier, awaiting to speak to Nero. Acts doesn’t tell us about that encounter. There’s a lot of extra-Biblical writings that have accounts of Paul’s life after this point, but they don’t agree with each other. We do know that while he was waiting he was able to preach the gospel message unhindered (presumably by the Jews or the Roman government). The book ends by saying, “And he stayed two full years in his own rented quarters, and was welcoming all who came to him, preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with all openness, unhindered (vs. 30-31).”

One of the commentators said that Acts doesn’t have an obvious ending, wrapping up Paul’s life – or even his presentation to Nero – because Acts really continues today as Christians today continue the spread of the gospel message. The job is not over. It won’t be until Christ comes again in all His glory. Until that day, we must use every opportunity as a platform for the gospel – in our deeds, in our love, in our words. We are to be Christ among the people. We cannot separate ourselves from non-Christians so we may be kept “pure” and “perfect.” Paul’s example is of going to the people, mingling with them, getting to know them, and sharing with them the judgment to come and the mercy we can have in Christ, now and forever.

Next week I will do some summarizing and looking back at the possible applications I wrote down. I believe there will be some reoccurring themes in those applications.