March 19, 2016
Today’s reading from Encounter with God

Paul Preaches in Rome

Please see the links to our EXTRA Bible Study notes at the bottom of the page.

Opening Prayer

Dear Father, I praise You for this new day, a page in the present chapter of my life.

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] 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

“How long will you people turn my glory into shame? How long will you love delusions and seek false gods?” (Psa. 4:2). We need Paul’s boldness in the face of apathy and rejection.

Paul’s mission strategy was to go first to Jews and, once expelled from their synagogues, to turn to the Gentiles. So he called together the Jewish leaders in Rome to defend his innocence of any Jewish infringement of the Law or traditions and to assure them that he was guiltless according to Roman law. He maintained that his appeal to Caesar had been necessary, because of the “hope of Israel” (20). Jerusalem leaders hadn’t bothered to contact them first-hand, nor sent a delegation to present their accusations. They knew it would have no chance of success in the imperial court. Therefore these Jews seem curious as to why the Christians in general, and Paul in particular, were regarded with disfavor. 

Later, a larger number met with Paul, who taught at length about Jesus and the kingdom of God, showing how he was the fulfillment of their Law and Prophets. It seems that the majority were not persuaded and in their attitude they embodied Isaiah’s commission (Isa. 6:9-10). They heard and saw but their hard hearts would not understand God’s word of salvation to them through Jesus. They rejected him. Luke concludes his narration by reaffirming to his readers and the Jews in Rome that the salvation of God was to be freely offered to Gentiles, who were already listening and responding.

Paul never gave up preaching the Gospel in spite of threats to his life, lies, injustice, imprisonment, persecution, violence, danger, apathy and rejection. He faithfully fulfilled his calling and boldly proclaimed Jesus as the Hope of Israel, the Savior of the world. How much more should we boldly take the same Gospel wherever we go! It may meet with opposition and we may suffer for our faithfulness, but the world needs to hear: Jesus’ salvation is still Good News for all.

Apply

Who are the people God has put in your life for you to bring the Good News of Jesus to? Pray, love and speak with them as he opens opportunities.

Closing prayer

Loving Lord, I ask for wisdom as I seek to share my faith. Give me a clear perception of those who are open and ready to hear the Good News.

Click here to sign up to receive the EXTRAs via email each quarter.

© 2024 Scripture Union U.S.A. All rights reserved. Reproduction of the whole or any part of the contents without written permission is prohibited.

Encounter with God is published in the USA under license from Scripture Union England and Wales, Trinity House, Opal Court, Opal Drive, Fox Milne, Milton Keynes, MK15 0DF.

View all readings

Get ENCOUNTER:

in your email:

in Print:

Become a Member | Visit our store