"When we got to Rome, Paul was allowed to live by himself, with a soldier to guard him. ...For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. Boldly and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ." Acts 28:16, 30-31
The story of Acts ends with Paul under "house arrest" chained to a Roman soldier. We are not told the outcome of this trial, or of Paul's further work, or his eventual martyrdom. Although these are facts we would be interested in, it seems the book of Acts ends at this point to highlight the true star of the story and the ongoing mission of the church. It is not Paul the Apostle but the Lord Jesus Christ who was the star. It is the preaching of the good news of Jesus that is the ongoing mission. So the story ends with Christ being preached. Paul was chained but the Gospel was still going out unhindered (see 2 Timothy 2:8-9). Whether it is Paul or the next person the mission remains to proclaim Jesus Christ to our world and the Holy Spirit is still with His church to enable this bold proclamation.
Father, help our church to continue the mission of proclaiming Jesus in our day through the power of the Holy Spirit. And help me regardless of my circumstances to do my part.
I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark
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Good morning Pastor Mark,
ReplyDeleteSometimes weget off track by honoring the vessel more than the Savior. It so encouraging to see how Paul kept first things first by boldly and without hindrance preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ. We must keep Christ first because he truly the power of God until salvation. This passage also remind us that as we try to convince others about Jesus Christ some will be convinced and others will not believe. That is such a sad thing, but only God know who is his, our commission is just to go out and tell them. I pray that that the love of Christ will compel all of us to tell the good news of Jesus Christ to someone today. LOve in Christ Francie
I think a lot of people,then and today,feel sorry for Paul.He was wrongly accused and falsely imprisoned for two years.But knowing Paul's character and faith in CHRIST,he welcomed this imprisonment.For the first time in many years he had a roof over his head.He was cared for and fed daily.But most importantly,he was able to preach the gospel freely without fear of persecution.He was under Roman imprisonment which equated to Roman protection from Roman Jews.GOD had granted Paul a respite from his travels and persecutions but not from his mission.Believers today sometimes need time to recharge but we should never quit or forget our mission.Preaching the kingdom of GOD and teaching about our Lord Jesus Christ.
ReplyDeleteHoly FATHER, YOU are an awesome GOD.Creator of all things.YOUR ways are higher than our ways,YOUR thoughts higher than our thoughts.We can never fully understand the circumstances YOU allow us to go through.I pray we can have the faith and courage of Paul.To KNOW! that YOU are always with us till the end of the age.