I have the privilege to close out our study through the Book of Acts that we titled “Outpouring: The Holy Spirit’s Empowerment in the Acts of the Apostles”. It has been such an encouragement to see how God used such a rag-tag group of people, some uneducated, all of them flawed, and worked mightily through them to bring His redemptive plan for all humanity; first to Jerusalem, then all of Judea and Samaria, and even to the ends of the earth. And that is where we find ourselves in Acts 28. Paul, that most reluctant convert, brought the Gospel of Jesus to the center of the world at that time, the city of Rome. After months of travel, Paul’s desire is to stand before the most powerful man in the world and proclaim that Jesus of Nazareth is the Jewish Messiah, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords!!! Does he get his wish? How does the story end? Or just maybe, the story doesn’t end with the completion of this book???? Let’s investigate!!!

[Acts 28.11-31]

28.11 After three months we set sail in a ship that had wintered in the island, a ship of Alexandria, with the twin gods as a figurehead. 12 Putting in at Syracuse, we stayed there for three days. 13 And from there we made a circuit and arrived at Rhegium. And after one day a south wind sprang up, and on the second day we came to Puteoli. 14 There we found brothers[e] and were invited to stay with them for seven days. And so we came to Rome. 15 And the brothers there, when they heard about us, came as far as the Forum of Appius and Three Taverns to meet us. On seeing them, Paul thanked God and took courage. 16 And when we came into Rome, Paul was allowed to stay by himself, with the soldier who guarded him.

17 After three days he called together the local leaders of the Jews, and when they had gathered, he said to them, “Brothers, though I had done nothing against our people or the customs of our fathers, yet I was delivered as a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans. 18 When they had examined me, they wished to set me at liberty, because there was no reason for the death penalty in my case. 19 But because the Jews objected, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar—though I had no charge to bring against my nation. 20 For this reason, therefore, I have asked to see you and speak with you, since it is because of the hope of Israel that I am wearing this chain.” 21 And they said to him, “We have received no letters from Judea about you, and none of the brothers coming here has reported or spoken any evil about you. 22 But we desire to hear from you what your views are, for with regard to this sect we know that everywhere it is spoken against.”

23 When they had appointed a day for him, they came to him at his lodging in greater numbers. From morning till evening he expounded to them, testifying to the kingdom of God and trying to convince them about Jesus both from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets. 24 And some were convinced by what he said, but others disbelieved. 25 And disagreeing among themselves, they departed after Paul had made one statement: “The Holy Spirit was right in saying to your fathers through Isaiah the prophet:

26 “‘Go to this people, and say,
“You will indeed hear but never understand,
    and you will indeed see but never perceive.”
27 For this people's heart has grown dull,
    and with their ears they can barely hear,
    and their eyes they have closed;
lest they should see with their eyes
    and hear with their ears
and understand with their heart
    and turn, 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 listen.”

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

[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn?

+ The Forum of Appius is over 40 miles outside the city of Rome. When Paul met these brothers in the Lord, the Word says that he “thanked God and took courage”. Share a time when someone or even a group of people encouraged you by doing something out of the ordinary for you and or your family. Find a way THIS WEEK where you can “bring courage” to someone in the faith who really needs it!!!

+ Paul was the only prisoner not turned over to the captain of the guard. Instead, he was placed under house arrest. Why? Also, why did Paul, as a first course of action, seek to speak with the leaders of the Jewish population in Rome?

+ There are three parts to his message to the Jewish leaders. Breakdown each section and discuss within the group. Is there anything we can learn from this interchange that we can use in our mission to bring the Gospel to those we meet?

Verses 17-20: What message is Paul trying to convey in this introduction and in what tone was it given?

Verses 23-24: What does the fact that Paul spoke to this group “from morning till evening” tell you? What does the phrase “the Kingdom of God” mean to you? What was he trying to convince them about Jesus? What was his source document?

Verses 25-29: What message is Paul trying to convey in this section and in what tone was it given? Do you think Paul is being too harsh here? Why or why not?

+ As a recap, share what has been your favorite story or the thing you have learned most from our journey through this historical narrative of the early Church called the Acts of the Apostles.

[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?

+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?

+30 He (Paul) lived there two whole years at his own expense 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.

The Book of Acts starts with the promised outpouring of the Holy Spirit coming upon those very first followers of Jesus. He told them they would be His witnesses to the ends of the earth. Everyone in power tries to stop them, even a zealous Pharisee who ended up being the greatest missionary for the cause of Christ the world has ever produced!!! God’s providential hand was on Paul every step of the way. I am sure Paul thought “something had gone wrong” when he ended up under house arrest for two full years in Rome. But what happens during his stay? He shares the Gospel message to ALL who are able to visit him and he personally witnesses the series of guards chained to him 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We find out later that some of these guards were even part of the Imperial Guard who worked in the palace of Caesar himself. How do we know this fact? From Paul’s letter to the Philippian church, something he wrote while under house arrest in Rome!!! This, along with his letters to the churches in the cities of Colossae and Ephesus, make up the sacred Scriptures that have been read and loved by BILLIONS of people since then. God is sovereign and in control, of that, you can rely upon!!!

“There is no end to the story because the history of the church continues this story on and on through the centuries. Trusting in Jesus, relying on the power of the Holy Spirit and the guidance of the Father, the word of God will continue to spread without hindrance and continue to change lives for the glory of God. The Book of Acts really is a never-ending story”. (David Guzick, 2018)

“Now unto Him, who is able to work so as NONE can hinder, be all honor and glory, dominion and power, forever and ever. Amen.”

[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?

+ What is my next step?