Chains

ACTS 28:30-31

Intro

The conclusion of Acts. Luke concludes his second volume by presenting a Church capable of penetrating the heart of the Roman Empire, just as Jesus said: And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church,and the gates of Hades will not overcome it (Matthew 16:18 - NIV).

The end of Paul. These last verses do not tell us what Paul's end was:

Some say that he was executed by Nero;

Others say that he visited the churches of Asia again;

Others say that he fulfilled his goal of reaching Spain. 

We only know that Paul is in chains.

Sermon's outline. Regarding these chains I would like to consider the fact that they represent:

A shame for Israel;

A prestige for Paul;

A comfort for Believers.

N. 1 - A SHAME FOR ISRAEL

Failed mission. Paul's chains testify to Israel's failure to be an example and a blessing to all nations. In fact, God had promised Abraham that his descendants would be a blessing to all people.Read Genesis 12:1-3 - NIV: The Lord had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you.“I will make you into a great nation,     and I will bless you; I will make your name great,     and you will be a blessing. 3 I will bless those who bless you,     and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth     will be blessed through you."

Yet it was the Jews who crucified Christ: “Fellow Israelites, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know. 23 This man was handed over to you by God’s deliberate plan and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross (Acts 2:22-23 - NIV).

It was always the Jews who persecuted the first Christians, who killed men like Stephen, and finally who persecuted the apostle Paul: The next morning some Jews formed a conspiracy and bound themselves with an oath not to eat or drink until they had killed Paul (Acts 23:12 - NIV). 

Seeing Paul in chains is a great shame for the people of Israel. 

Those who were supposed to support and promote Paul's mission were the main opponents.

We do not act like Israel. We don't put chains on anyone. 

May God help us to encourage others in service.

Let wives encourage their husbands to serve the Lord and vice versa.

N. 2 - A PRESTIGE FOR PAUL

Honour. Despite those chains, Paul was able to be a blessing to everyone. In fact, during his imprisonment in Rome, Paul wrote:

Ephesians;

Colossians;

Philemon;

Philippians;

The pastoral letters.

Furthermore, Luke tells us the themes addressed by Paul during his imprisonment:

The Kingdom of God;

The Lord Jesus.

Paul's way of communicating the Gospel is also highlighted by Luke:

Courageously;

Without hindrance or limitations.

Blessed chains. Paul's experience in chains shows us once again that trials and difficulties make us better.

Like Paul we are more productive, we become more specific in the topics to be covered and our skills are improved.

N. 3 - A COMFORT FOR BELIEVERS

It can happen. Paul's chains are a warning to all believers who are going through problems and difficulties and are wondering why. 

These believers wonder how it will end. Paul reminds all of us that it will end well, very well indeed. 

Our life will be formed and shaped by God precisely in the chains we are experiencing. 

Our life will end like the book of Acts: courageous believers living their faith without limits.

Conclusion

The soldier. I would have loved to be in the shoes of the Roman soldier guarding Paul: When we got to Rome, Paul was allowed to live by himself, with a soldier to guard him (Acts 28:16 - NIV).

He saw a victorious Paul in chains, an apostle capable of blessing all the churches he founded, for the glory of God and to the shame of Israel. 

That soldier did not have a prisoner before him, but a hero of the faith who, despite being in chains, served the Lord faithfully.