Manifesto
Opening Prayer
Lord, help me to do what You have called me to and support those who are giving themselves for the Gospel.
Read Acts 28:17-31
[17] Three days later he called together the local Jewish leaders. When they had assembled, Paul said to them: “My brothers, although I have done nothing against our people or against the customs of our ancestors, I was arrested in Jerusalem and handed over to the Romans. [18] They examined me and wanted to release me, because I was not guilty of any crime deserving death. [19] The Jews objected, so I was compelled to make an appeal to Caesar. I certainly did not intend to bring any charge against my own people. [20] For this reason I have asked to see you and talk with you. It is because of the hope of Israel that I am bound with this chain.” [21] They replied, “We have not received any letters from Judea concerning you, and none of our people who have come from there has reported or said anything bad about you. [22] But we want to hear what your views are, for we know that people everywhere are talking against this sect.” [23] They arranged to meet Paul on a certain day, and came in even larger numbers to the place where he was staying. He witnessed to them from morning till evening, explaining about the kingdom of God, and from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets he tried to persuade them about Jesus. [24] Some were convinced by what he said, but others would not believe. [25] They disagreed among themselves and began to leave after Paul had made this final statement: “The Holy Spirit spoke the truth to your ancestors when he said through Isaiah the prophet: [26] “‘Go to this people and say, “You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving.” [27] For this people’s heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them.’ [28] “Therefore I want you to know that God’s salvation has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will listen!” [29] [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! Scripture taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
What doors are opened for Paul?In this last reading, the scene moves back to what Paul does best–preaching about Jesus. He’s still in chains (20), but he has the freedom to call people together and explain his situation, and is able to continue doing what he does best. Some people are persuaded (24), but the controversy about what he declares to be true continues amongst the Jews, and Paul’s feelings about their reluctance to believe spill over (25-28). Verse 31 could be Paul’s mission statement. It typifies his attitude to what he was called to do: although he encountered much opposition he let no situation shut him up. The heart of the matter was the person and work of Christ and the kingdom we are all called to belong to. From the time Paul met Jesus, his whole life was dedicated to spreading the Good News, and our last glimpse of him tells us much about the kind of man he was.
Apply
Pray that your life would reflect to others how wonderful a relationship with Jesus is.
Closing prayer
Lord, regardless of circumstances, let me be part of seeing Your kingdom purposes move forward.
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