Paul’s Arrival to Rome
Notes
Transcript
Paul’s Arrival to Rome
Main Idea: The Biblical Church is a Missional Church
Introduction: Palm Sunday
This day 1-week before Easter is known as Palm Sunday, celebrating Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem (Luke 19).
Our King entered the city in triumph knowing what HE came to accomplish: Salvation for God’s people. He had come to finally brake the curse of sin for Genesis 3, and to make a way for sinful mankind to be made right with God.
Today we will be celebrating together by looking at one major thing that came from His life, death, burial, and resurrection - The Church.
In Acts 1, the Church was established
In Acts 2, the Spirit falls on the apostles as promised.
In Acts 2-28, we see God use common men and women to display His extraordinary power through the gospel as He builds His church.
And He is still building today.
Last Week: Acts 28.1-10
We began the last chapter of acts last week, and we focused on the following: Are we living for the glory of God?
Paul and crew had shipwrecked on an island called Malta. The native people welcomed them kindly and provided for them. They thought Paul a god after he was unarmed by a viper that wrapped around his arm.
Paul quickly develops relationships with the locals, including the chief of the island, Publius. Paul heals Publius’ father and may others who had diseases. Upon their departure from Malta, the locals provided for them greatly.
So What? What did the Lord reveal to us through this narrative?
Are we presently focused throughout our days on how best to glorify God through each situation or are we primarily just focused on making it through the day without too much of a headache?
Moment by moment, we should strive God to receive the glory He is due.
Through our relationships, our Lord should be glorified.
We should bring Him glory by humbly and selflessly caring for those in need around us.
And through it all, we should proclaim His provision and glorify His name! Amen.
In these exhortations, where do we find ourselves? Lacking? Welcome to the club.
The reality is that we all fall short of God’s standard of perfection. Praise God we have a perfect Savior who for our sake took on sin and the full weight of God’s wrath so that we may be sinless in His sight.
Our great God is zealous for His glory and we should be seeking the same end in all things.
Our God Has No Equal
33 Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!
34 “For who has known the mind of the Lord,
or who has been his counselor?”
35 “Or who has given a gift to him
that he might be repaid?”
36 For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.
Where are we finishing today?
We have seen too much throughout this wonderful book to recount all that God has accomplished through the early church, but I think there are several things highlighted in these final verses that speak to the themes of Acts as a whole.
We often think about events that changed the course of human history.
The establishment of civilizations and the fall of those civilizations.
Great wars that stretched across continents, and if a few things went differently, this world would look altogether different today.
Human Rights movements.
Revolutions!
The Moon Landing..... is true.
Our Lord looked at 11 men and charged them with changing the entire world for the sake of His name and His gospel.
Those 11 men delivered that message to the original church, and together they began something that the gates of hell cannot stop and the great powers of this world will never be able to stop.
This is called the Church and the good news of the Gospel it proclaims.
Let’s talk today about how we can join in what our Lord began 2000 years ago.
Paul Arrives in Rome
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 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.
1. Go Confidently in His Providence (v.11-16)
1. Go Confidently in His Providence (v.11-16)
At the conclusion of 3 months on Malta, the crew sets sail making their way towards Rome. Luke offered a few details of the new ship they would be travelling in, another Alexandrian ship.
Luke mentions the “twin gods” as the figurehead of the ship.
Twin Gods (Castor and Pollux)
Sons of Zeus and Leda, and were connected to a cult religion (Dioscuroi) that was widespread in Egypt at the time.
For an Alexandrian ship, the figurehead of the gods was considered a sign of good fortune for the sailors.
Map of Paul’s final stops before arriving at Rome.
They make stops in Syracuse on the east coast of Sicily, at Rhegium (modern Reggio di Calabria) which was an important harbor at the toe of the nation of Italy, and a few days later make great progress up to Puteoli (modern Puzzuoli).
Paul’s Freedom in Puteoli (v.13-14)
This would be their final port, and from here they would move towards Rome on foot.
It seems that Paul developed a good relationship with Julius the Centurion because Paul was afforded certain freedoms along this long journey.
What was Paul’s focus in Puteoli? Seeking out fellow brothers and sisters! Paul had been given this same freedom previously in Sidon (Acts 27.3) before their voyage began. It is unknown how the gospel came to this region Puteoli, but Paul sought the communion found only with those that shared his faith in Christ.
Brothers and Sisters come to Greet Paul (v.15)
During their 7-day stay in Puteoli, the news of Paul’s arrival likely made it to Rome. We see that brothers and sisters in Christ came as far as:
Forum of Appius (~43 miles)
Three Taverns (~33 miles)
All just to greet their fellow brother in Christ! Certainly Paul’s ministry of gospel proclamation and establishing churches had become well known across the church, but don’t forget they had recieved a letter from Paul years before while He was in Corinth.
Paul’s Intent to Come to Rome
13 I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that I have often intended to come to you (but thus far have been prevented), in order that I may reap some harvest among you as well as among the rest of the Gentiles.
22 This is the reason why I have so often been hindered from coming to you. 23 But now, since I no longer have any room for work in these regions, and since I have longed for many years to come to you, 24 I hope to see you in passing as I go to Spain, and to be helped on my journey there by you, once I have enjoyed your company for a while.
Paul’s Response to the Greetings
Paul responds to the company and kindness by praising God and taking courage! The Lord had provided once again as Paul continued towards uncertain days in Rome.
What was the Lord doing through all of this?
The Lord providentially brought Paul to Rome, as He said He would (Acts 23:11)! This was no short, quick event but took years to come to pass. The Lord used people, armies, mobs, Governors, and Kings to accomplish His will.
Paul had endured unthinkable hardships throughout his ministry (2 Corinthians 11:23-28. AD56), and yet the Lord sustained Him because his work was not yet finished!
Through the Lord’s provision, not the idols of Castor and Pollux, had Paul been brought safely through all things so that he might testify to the name of Christ in Rome (Ac23.11)
Paul had desired this for years, and for the sake of the gospel, the Lord provided.
APPLICATION:
What does the Lord’s provision mean for us?
We can go confidently, regardless of circumstance, because God is always faithful to His word.
Paul’s journey was rocky, uncomfortable, and difficult. But the call of Christianity is not a call of prosperity or ease, but a call to come give up your life for the sake of Christ’s name.
Trials will come to those seeking to make much of Jesus and his gospel, the scriptures guarantee it. And we can walk confidently knowing our Lord is working through all things and nothing is outside of His sovereignty. Even the worst things in this world.
We cannot discount the importance of the body of Christ! In His provision, the Lord connected Paul to fellow brothers and sisters in Christ while journeying to Rome, for encouragement!
He has gathered His church today for the same purpose! To go to one another, be with one another, encourage one another, and meet the needs of one another personally and in ministry.
Knowing our mission as the church body, Go confidently together where we live, work, play, farm, and to the nations knowing that we are not alone and our Lord has set before us good works that we should walk in them and make much of His name.
2. Go Repeatedly to The Lost (v.17-23)
2. Go Repeatedly to The Lost (v.17-23)
Paul arrives in Rome, and seemingly did not stop to celebrate but got to work quickly!
He called together the local Jewish leaders to testify to why he had arrived and why he was in chains.
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.
Paul recounts what he has previously stated many times (Ac 25.8) that he has done nothing against the Jewish people or the customs of “our fathers”.
Paul does not put aside his Jewish heritage, but uses it to benefit his message and give in credibility.
In v.18-19, Paul tells of Festus and Agrippa desiring to set him free. But in the Lord’s will, Paul had appealed to Caesar in Rome.
Why then did Paul gather them?
In v.22, we see that the Jewish leaders desire to hear Paul’s view regarding the “sect” (or Christianity) that is spoken against everywhere.
When the days comes, Paul speaks from morning until evening pleading with them to see Jesus as the Messiah, and he used the Law and the prophets teaching to do so.
Paul in Chains For The Hope of Israel
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.”
Paul declares he is in chains because of the hope of Israel. This begs the question: What hope has Israel been hopeful for?
Jesus Presented at the Temple
Luke 2:25–32 (ESV)
25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26 And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. 27 And he came in the Spirit into the temple, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the Law, 28 he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said,
29 “Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace,
according to your word;
30 for my eyes have seen your salvation
31 that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and for glory to your people Israel.”
Simeon’s response is amazing. This is the Christ that has long been promised to come! This was not a NT promise, but a promise from old, proclaimed through the prophets.
God Will Swallow Up Death Forever
9 It will be said on that day,
“Behold, this is our God; we have waited for him, that he might save us.
This is the Lord; we have waited for him;
let us be glad and rejoice in his salvation.”
Like Jesus on the road to Emmaus in Lk24, Paul interpreted to them how the Scriptures, the Law, and the Prophets all testify to Jesus, the Messiah.
APPLICATION:
Why does Paul go to such effort to convince the Jews?
Mankind is spiritually dead. Paul new this fact of his own people who had long been blinded by the Law and works-based righteousness (meaning they tried to earn their way to God).
This is not a NT concept, but began back at the Fall in Genesis 3 and is reflected throughout the OT writings.
The Fool Says Their is No God
1 The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.”
They are corrupt, they do abominable deeds;
there is none who does good.
2 The Lord looks down from heaven on the children of man,
to see if there are any who understand,
who seek after God.
3 They have all turned aside; together they have become corrupt;
there is none who does good,
not even one.
The Israelites likely didn’t view themselves in this manner, but this is true of all people.
GOSPEL Presentation
After being brought from death to life, it is also foolish to think God’s grace will abound in our disobedience to His commands. We have been brought from death to life in Christ by God’s grace to walk faithfully with Him until He brings us home or He returns.
Love for Christ is inseparable from obedience to Christ.
Jesus Speaks to His Disciples (Last Supper)
15 “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.
Therefore, go repeatedly to the lost knowing only God through the gospel has the power to bring those wandering in the darkness of sin into the light of truth.
3. Go Humbly Proclaiming the Truth (v.24-29)
3. Go Humbly Proclaiming the Truth (v.24-29)
Following Paul’s dictation from morning until evening, we see that some were convinced! But yet others did not believe.
A divided response to the truth of Jesus being the Christ was common throughout the Book of Acts (Acts 14, 17, 19, 23).
Disagreements arise, and the Jewish leaders in disagreement depart specifically because of one statement made my Paul (v.25b-28).
Paul’s Concluding Statement
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.”
What was offensive about this statement?
Paul quotes from Isaiah 6:9-10 and makes some astonishing, direct comments towards the Jewish people.
1. The scriptures are authored by God through men.
Paul declares the the Spirit of God was the one speaking through Isaiah, meaning the work of the prophets, including the scriptures you and I have the honor to be reading now, ultimately come from God!
This has become a common attack on Christianity, that the texts we adore were only written by mere men.
Apart from the clear evidence in scripture (2 Timothy 3:16-17), the God that created all things in this universe is powerful enough to reveal himself truly through sinful man empowered by His Spirit, and then preserve such things throughout the ages.
2. The Israelites and its Leaders were far from God.
Paul declares that this people’s heart is dull, unable to hear, and blinded by their own traditions and commandments.
But how could this be possible? They were God’s chosen people, right?
Paul’s heart For His People On Display
3 For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my kinsmen according to the flesh. 4 They are Israelites, and to them belong the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises. 5 To them belong the patriarchs, and from their race, according to the flesh, is the Christ, who is God over all, blessed forever. Amen.
With all of the above true, the Israelites had departed from the promises of God from old and had clung to the Law of God thinking it would bring them righteousness.
Paul uses Galatians 3 and also Romans 3 to open the eyes of the churches to the reason the Law of Moses was given.
Why Was The Law Given?
19 Why then the law? It was added because of transgressions, until the offspring should come to whom the promise had been made, and it was put in place through angels by an intermediary.
20 For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin.
Jesus used every opportunity to expose the hypocrisy of the Jewish religious leaders who had taken the perfect Law and distorted it to a place where it was unrecognizable.
7 You hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy of you, when he said:
8 “ ‘This people honors me with their lips,
but their heart is far from me;
9 in vain do they worship me,
teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’ ”
This salvation through Christ had gone forth to the Gentiles, and God began making much of His name among all nations, tribes, and languages.
Paul humbly brought the Jewish leaders the Truth of the gospel because truth was nowhere to be found in their religion. If they would simply recognize their sinfulness and turn, they would be healed.
APPLICATION:
In a present society where objective truth in many things seems to be challenged, we must stand firm on the Word of God.
Bring people the hope that truth does exist! We humbly seek the unshakable truths of the scriptures and GO declaring the following:
Who is God?
Who is man?
What is sin?
Is there hope?
Him we proclaim, not ourselves.
4. Go Boldly Without Hindrance (v.30-31)
4. Go Boldly Without Hindrance (v.30-31)
NOTE:
Your Bible translation may or may not have v.29. Some manuscripts have v.29 in them, which states that the Jews departed and there was much disagreement among themselves.
This is not critical to understanding the text, just something for us all to be aware of.
The End of the Book of Acts
Paul lived in Rome for the next two years, welcoming all who came to him and proclaiming the Kingdom of God.
Let’s not forget that Paul was still in chains and under guard. Paul was not a free man though he was afforded certain freedoms.
What did Paul do during this time?
Paul taught all who came to him about the Lord Jesus Christ with all BOLDNESS and WITHOUT HINDRANCE.
Paul’s ministry continued locally! In writing to the Church at Philippi, Paul rejoiced in the advancement of the gospel through his present situation.
Gospel Advancement Through Imprisonment
12 I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, 13 so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ.
Paul could have easily look around and determined that this was the end of his “good fortune”, but instead only sees gospel opportunity!
The Prison Epistles
And not only that his local ministry, but also from these days comes to us some of Paul’s most wonderful writing in the Prison Epistles.
While in chains in Rome:
Paul writes to the Church at Ephesus displaying the scope of God’s eternal plan for salvation through the gospel to both Jew and Gentiles alike (one family of God).
Paul writes to the Church at Philippi with overflowing joy and thanksgiving for their partnership in the gospel with him. Paul speaks of contentment in any situation through Christ.
Paul writes to the Church at Colossae to equip them to stand against false teaching. Paul points to Christ’s deity and superiority over all human philosophies and traditions.
Paul proclaims Christ boldly through continued local ministry and by discipling the churches he helped establish into greater spiritual maturity.
Paul found great joy in doing the Lord’s will, even through trial. Consider James’ words regarding joy through trials.
Joy Amidst Great Trial
2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
APPLICATION:
I understand this message includes me telling us all to “GO, GO, GO…” repeatedly.
But I believe this is the main thrust of the Book of Acts, and it points us to a wonderful, encouraging reality for those found in Christ and in His church:
Nothing can stop the church and the gospel.
Peter Confesses Jesus As The Christ
15 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” 16 Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 17 And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. 18 And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
Since God is the one building His church through the proclamation of Jesus and His gospel, its ultimate goal of reaching all nations is certain!
It is God that brings people to salvation and then sends them on mission with the truth to their neighbors and the nations.
Listen to our Lord’s words in Isaiah 55.
God’s Word Will Accomplish Its Purpose
10 “For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven
and do not return there but water the earth,
making it bring forth and sprout,
giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater,
11 so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth;
it shall not return to me empty,
but it shall accomplish that which I purpose,
and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.
God will accomplish His will and His glory will reach all peoples of this earth, but at the same time He calls those who have been brought from death to life in Christ to obedience. After all, If we love Him, we will obey Him.
Do we love Him?
46 “Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you?
Is His mission your mission? I pray it is.
