28 Therefore let it be known to you that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will listen.”[f]

30 He lived there two whole years at his own expense,[g] 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.

Acts 28:28-3 (ESV) 中文

In Rome

Paul has made it to Rome. After two and a half years of trials by the Jews in Jerusalem then Roman officials in Caesarea, Paul is now in Rome to stand trial before Caesar. This fulfilled God’s promise to Paul (Acts 23:11, 27:23-25) to get him to Rome to witness there – even to Caesar (Emperor Nero at the time). He just spent a day sharing the hope of Israel, Christ, with the Jews there. Some believed; many rejected. And Paul gave them a parting warning.

To the Gentiles!

He now finishes his full day of preaching to the Jews who largely reject Jesus as Messiah and God’s forgiveness and reconciliation. In complete exasperation with the Jews, Paul gives this final exclamation: “This gospel is going to the Gentiles! You guys reject it but God is calling the gentiles to faith. They will believe. They are also God’s people (Romans 9:25-26).” For more on this, check out this article, “The Gentiles Are Included”.

Two years in Rome

Who wouldn’t want to live in Rome for two years!? I have a friend who’s son is there for an education exchange. But Paul was a prisoner.  “Though Paul could not travel, he could teach and preach to all who came to him – and this he did. He also wrote letters; we have these two years of Roman custody to thank for the letters to the Ephesians, the Philippians, and the Colossians.” (enduringword.com) After that, most scholars think he was released, did more ministry to the churches he started, then was re-arrested, brought to Rome again and executed.

Unhindered gospel

Why does Acts seem to end so abruptly? “With this expression [i.e., “unhindered”], which is literally Luke’s last word in Acts, he is saying that largely through Paul’s activities, the Church is now on the march, and nothing can stop it. Paul has built the vital bridge from Jerusalem to Rome.” (planobibelchapel.org quoting Neil) And the gospel crossed that bridge into Europe and other parts of the world, as well as Eastward and Southward.

RЯeflection

• Are you and I part of the church “on the march”? Are we taking the gospel to the ends of the earth – or at least to the person in the next cubicle? Do we pray for God to use us to reach others, to open hearts and to open our mouths? Is our life one lived such that it brings attention to Christ and glory to God?
•  Here ends our study of ACTS. Leave a message in the comments about something in ACTs that motivated or challenged you.