Roman Imprisonment
Notes
Transcript
Oh what a journey
Oh what a journey
Oh what a journey Paul has been on.
A religious zealot became an apostle, bond-servant to Christ
Not readily accepted, but always ready to preach and teach
He suffered for the truth of the gospel
He knew His mission and stayed to it, for knew the promise of God that he would preach to kings and in Rome, that is where we are now, ready to bring the message to Rome.
Your journey, is your journey, sure it has up’s and down’s, are you amazed at what God has done, is doing in your life?
When Paul got to Rome he was Imprisoned along with his companions (Act28:16) where he had made an appeal to Caesar (Act25:9-12) and we will see the wait in our passage today.
While this will be the written end of the bible account, Luke’s account of the life of an apostle, his impact went on then, and still impacts today. Today we will look at the passage, and a few other passages, next week we will look at the impact and close this series.
The final acts recorded
The final acts recorded
Turn to and read Act28:17-22
17 After three days Paul called together those who were the leading men of the Jews, and when they came together, he began saying to them, “Brethren, 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 “And when they had examined me, they were willing to release me because there was no ground for putting me to death. 19 “But when the Jews objected, I was forced to appeal to Caesar, not that I had any accusation against my nation. 20 “For this reason, therefore, I requested to see you and to speak with you, for I am wearing this chain for the sake of the hope of Israel.” 21 They said to him, “We have neither received letters from Judea concerning you, nor have any of the brethren come here and reported or spoken anything bad about you. 22 “But we desire to hear from you what your views are; for concerning this sect, it is known to us that it is spoken against everywhere.”
After arriving he waited three days to call the leaders of the Jews together (remind you Nehemiah?)
Paul was ready to make a defence, found out there was no letters or rumors about him. (Act28:17-20)
The leaders had heard of the sect “the way” and wanted to hear from him for this sect was spoken badly of (Act28:21-22)
Turn to and read (Act28:23-29)
23 When they had set a day for Paul, they came to him at his lodging in large numbers; and he was explaining to them by solemnly testifying about the kingdom of God and trying to persuade them concerning Jesus, from both the Law of Moses and from the Prophets, from morning until evening. 24 Some were being persuaded by the things spoken, but others would not believe. 25 And when they did not agree with one another, they began leaving after Paul had spoken one parting word, “The Holy Spirit rightly spoke through Isaiah the prophet to your fathers, 26 saying, ‘Go to this people and say, “You will keep on hearing, but will not understand; And you will keep on seeing, but will not perceive; 27 For the heart of this people has become dull, And with their ears they scarcely hear, And they have closed their eyes; Otherwise they might see with their eyes, And hear with their ears, And understand with their heart and return, 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 also listen.” 29 When he had spoken these words, the Jews departed, having a great dispute among themselves.
They appointed a day (Act28:23) and they heard him testify.
Much like Peter on Pentecost who attested to Jesus (turn to and read Act2:22-24, 36)
22 “Men of Israel, listen to these words: Jesus the Nazarene, a man attested to you by God with miracles and wonders and signs which God performed through Him in your midst, just as you yourselves know— 23 this Man, delivered over by the predetermined plan and foreknowledge of God, you nailed to a cross by the hands of godless men and put Him to death. 24 “But God raised Him up again, putting an end to the agony of death, since it was impossible for Him to be held in its power.
and
36 “Therefore let all the house of Israel know for certain that God has made Him both Lord and Christ—this Jesus whom you crucified.”
He spoke of the kingdom of God and Jesus like Philip (Act8:12)
12 But when they believed Philip preaching the good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were being baptized, men and women alike.
Or look at this what Jesus said Himself (turn to Lk24:44-47
44 Now He said to them, “These are My words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things which are written about Me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” 45 Then He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, 46 and He said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ would suffer and rise again from the dead the third day, 47 and that repentance for forgiveness of sins would be proclaimed in His name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem.
Paul did this from morning to evening. As long as people were listening he was preaching and teaching!
There was a mixed reaction, some believed, others refused to believe (Act28:24) and as they left Paul gave the unbelievers a warning that came from Isaiah (Act28:25-28, Isa6:9-10); the message went out to the Gentiles and they received it
That caused a dispute as the departed among themselves (Act28:29)
In the last couple of verses you can see that the same message was done time and time again (turn to read Act28:30-31)
30 And he stayed two full years in his own rented quarters and was welcoming all who came to him, 31 preaching the kingdom of God and teaching concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with all openness, unhindered.
I think when Paul told the Corinthians (1Cor4:17) he taught the same in all the churches it was the same
In the Synagogues, houses, beaches, jails and prisons- regardless of where, the message of the kingdom of God does not change the hope of the gospel does not change.
Paul’s way of life in Rome
Paul’s way of life in Rome
Paul’s circumstances may not have been as he liked, but God used them for the good.
Paul had many companions on his journey
Timothy, Epaphras, Onesimus, Tychicus, Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Luke, Jesus (Justus), Epaphroditus.
We need people in our lives to, friends to take our journey with us, to help, support, pray along the way.
Paul’s preaching continued despite being in chains
He was instrumental in conversion of Onesimus
He preached to all of Caesar’s household
Paul’s letters (instructions, comfort, assurance) happened while in chains
Wrote Philemon, Colossians, Ephesians (61-62AD); Philippians in (63AD)
Paul’s love for the churches did not change
Even ones he had not been to like Colossi
Those he spent much time in Ephesus, Corinth, and Philippi whom was dear to his heart.
Paul’s prayers for the churches continued as referenced in
(Col1:9-11; Eph1:15-21, 3:14-19; Php1:9-11)
In spite of his own circumstances his concern for others was seen (turn to and read Php1:12-13)
12 Now I want you to know, brethren, that my circumstances have turned out for the greater progress of the gospel, 13 so that my imprisonment in the cause of Christ has become well known throughout the whole praetorian guard and to everyone else,
Paul’s faith and joy even in his suffering
He rejoiced in his suffering (ref: Col1:24; Php2:16-18)
He just sought to magnify Christ in it (Php1:20)
20 according to my earnest expectation and hope, that I will not be put to shame in anything, but that with all boldness, Christ will even now, as always, be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.
Paul lived out what he preached (turn to Rom5:3-5
3 And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; 4 and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; 5 and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
Paul truly believed God works out things (quote Rom8:28)
Did Paul get out of prison, it would appear yes, for he planed to vision Philemon, told the Philippians he would see them soon, inferences in 1&2 Timothy, and Titus, as well later writers like Chrysostom, Jerome, Eusebius and Clement of Rome.
Invitation “Life in Christ”
What does your life, your journey look like?
Are you in Christ? make that decision today.