Sunday 1-5-25
In the kind providence of God, a long-standing desire in the heart of the Apostle Paul was fulfilled when he was arrested and sent to Rome. Paul knew that the gospel must take root in one of the chief cities of the world if the great commission was going to be fulfilled. The book of Acts closes with the missionary-apostle being under house arrest in Rome. Even though he was under guard, the Word of God was unleashed as the Gospel spread, culminating in a church being planted which would receive a letter from Paul—the book of Romans.
14b and that is how we came to Rome. 15 And from there the brothers and sisters, when they heard about us, came as far as the Market of Appius and the Three Inns to meet us; and when Paul saw them, he thanked God and took courage.
16 When we entered Rome, Paul was allowed to stay by himself, with the soldier who was guarding him.
17 After three days Paul called together those who were the leading men of the Jews, and when they came together, he began saying to them, “Brothers, though I had done nothing against our people or the customs of our fathers, yet I was handed over to the Romans as a prisoner from Jerusalem. 18 And when they had examined me, they were willing to release me because there were no grounds for putting me to death. But when the Jews objected, I was forced to appeal to Caesar, not that I had any accusation against my nation. 20 For this reason, therefore, I requested to see you and to speak with you, since I am wearing this chain for the sake of the hope of Israel.” 21 They said to him, “We have neither received letters from Judea concerning you, nor has any of the brothers come here and reported or spoken anything bad about you. 22 But we desire to hear from you what your views are; for regarding this sect, it is known to us that it is spoken against everywhere.”
23 When they had set a day for Paul, people came to him at his lodging in large numbers; and he was explaining to them by solemnly testifying about the kingdom of God and trying to persuade them concerning Jesus, from both the Law of Moses and from the Prophets, from morning until evening. 24 Some were being persuaded by the things said by Paul, but others would not believe. 25 And when they disagreed with one another, they began leaving after Paul said one parting statement: “The Holy Spirit rightly spoke through Isaiah the prophet to your fathers, 26 saying,
‘GO TO THIS PEOPLE AND SAY,
“YOU WILL KEEP ON HEARING, AND WILL NOT UNDERSTAND;
AND YOU WILL KEEP ON SEEING, AND WILL NOT PERCEIVE;
27 FOR THE HEARTS OF THIS PEOPLE HAVE BECOME INSENSITIVE,
AND WITH THEIR EARS THEY HARDLY HEAR,
AND THEY HAVE CLOSED THEIR EYES;
OTHERWISE THEY MIGHT SEE WITH THEIR EYES,
AND HEAR WITH THEIR EARS,
AND UNDERSTAND WITH THEIR HEART AND RETURN,
AND I WOULD HEAL THEM.”’ 28 Therefore, let it be known to you that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will also listen.” 29 When he had spoken these words, the Jews departed, having a great dispute among themselves.
30 Now Paul stayed two full years in his own rented lodging and welcomed all who came to him, 31 preaching the kingdom of God and teaching things about the Lord Jesus Christ with all openness, unhindered.
Unleashed (Acts 28:14b-31)
As the Word is unleashed, let’s note Paul’s:
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Acts 28:30-31 (NASB)
And Paul 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.