From Jerusalem to Rome and the ends of the earth

READ Job 13,14; Psalms 38; Acts 28

SCRIPTURE: Acts 28: 30 For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him.
31 He proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ—with all boldness and without hindrance!

OBSERVATION: After reading all the difficulties of the voyage to Rome when Paul was taken to Rome, we expect that the Lord would do great things in Rome. Luke instills a picture of Paul standing before Caesar in three chapters (Acts. 25-27). But in Acts 28, only 16 verses say about Paul’s ministry in Rome. Out of 16, the last two verses of Acts hint about what Paul did during the two years in Rome, and the remaining 14 verses tell us of his interaction with the Jews. Acts 28:30-31 does not say anything about whether he stood before Caesar and his ministry to the gentiles. How shall we know the purpose of the Lord who brought Paul to Rome?

Although the book of Acts did not say what Paul did after reaching Rome, Paul’s epistles testify what the Lord did through him in Rome and how his ministry encouraged the churches in other places. Paul’s four epistles—Ephesians, Colossians, Philemon, and Philippians—were written during the two years. They say more about what the Lord accomplished through Paul. He writes, “what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel, ”and “most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear” (Phil.1:12-14). Phil.4:22 suggests that there were Christians even from “Caesar’s household.”  Colossians 4:10-11 says that Paul was not alone but with his fellow workers. In his last epistle from Rome, Paul says, “the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it” (2 Timothy 4:17). Although he was a prisoner in Rome, his imprisonment helped advance the Gospel, and many were encouraged to preach the Gospel boldly and without fear. Nothing can stop the Gospel work.

Our Lord Jesus told his disciples, “You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). The Church began its Gospel ministry from Jerusalem and spread it to other places from the Pentecost day onwards so that all may hear the Gospel of Jesus. The Church’s ministry did not end with Acts 28. “With all boldness and without hindrance,” the Church continues to preach the Gospel even today. Like the Lord worked with his disciples and confirmed his word, he works with us even today. Until all people hear the Gospel, there will be no end to the book of Acts.

APPLICATION: I should preach the Gospel, “with all boldness and without hindrance!” As a disciple of Jesus, I have the responsibility to continue the work of the Lord and spread the Gospel. I must live a worthy life to say, “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain” (Phil.1:21).

PRAYER: Father God, thank you for the Holy Spirit who anoints me to be your witness. Jesus, fill me with your Spirit and help me to use my time wisely to spread the Gospel message of the Kingdom of God everywhere.  Amen.  

- Arputharaj Samuel
+91 9538328573

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