Paul's Journey Ends

Paul’s Journey

When Paul arrived in Rome he did not waist any time. He first called the Jewish leaders together for a meeting. Acts 28:17

Acts 28:17 NASB95

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.

He quickly identified himself as a fellow Jew. First he calls them brethren, then refers to our people, and finally our fathers. Paul wanted to establish that he was a Jew and no different than his people.

Identify with the lost person

This is important when we tell people about Jesus. We should not come across as a holier than thou. After all we are no different than the lost person we are telling about Jesus regarding our sin. We are all sinners in need of a savior. We all have a past that we are not proud of. We should not pretend or come across as though we are any better than the person we are sharing the gospel with.

You may gain credibility if you share your struggle with sin and they identify with your struggle. You will need to use discernment on how much you share.

Share your story

Paul began to share his story of how he got to Rome. Acts 28:18-20

Acts 28:18–20 (NASB95)

“And when they had examined me, they were willing to release me because there was no ground for putting me to death. “But when the Jews objected, I was forced to appeal to Caesar, not that I had any accusation against my nation. “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.”

Paul began to share that he ended up in Rome as a prisoner because the Jews opposed the message of the gospel.

You will recall that Paul faced trials with Claudius, Felix, Festus, and King Agrippa. All four Roman officials found Paul innocent of the charges the Pharisees were bringing against him. Because he was found innocent the Pharisees plotted to kill him. He found out about the plot and had to appeal to Caesar to save his life from his own people.

Everyone of us have a story of our Journey to Christ. Notice Paul did not give all the details of his Journey. He just told the important ones that would be meaningful to Jewish leaders. We too should not give all the details of our story. Your story should be no longer than elevator ride.

Because Paul identified with the Jewish leaders and shared his compelling story, the Jewish leaders afforded him the opportunity to share his views on the very issue he was being condemned for. Acts 28:21-22

Acts 28:21–22 (NASB95)

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. “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.”

We should never presume that we have the right to share our views with others. We will be better served to ask permission. For example, we may say “May I share with you my view and how the Bible answers the question?”

If we get permission, SHARE THE GOSPEL!

Paul Shares the Gospel

Once Paul got permission he set a date to share the gospel and his views on “The Way” Acts 28:23

Acts 28:23 NASB95

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.

Paul shared the gospel from morning until evening to a large crowd of people. Notice that he used what the people were familiar with. He used the Law of Moses and the Prophets. In essence, he was speaking their language. He was not using concepts that they could not understand. He spoke to them plainly in a way that they could understand.

This is important when we share the gospel. Remember that our goal is to lead them to Christ, not show them how much theology or Bible we know, but to share with them the simple plan of salvation.

Acceptance and Rejection

After Paul shared the gospel some of the people believed and others rejected. Acts 28:24

Acts 28:24 NASB95

Some were being persuaded by the things spoken, but others would not believe.

We see here that when Paul shared the gospel, some people believed and some “would” not believe. It wasn’t because Paul didn’t do a good job sharing the gospel, it was because their heart was not prepared to receive it.

This is an important factor in sharing the gospel. Everyone we share the gospel with is not going to believe. If you believe that they are, this is an unrealistic expectation. Some people’s hearts are not ready to receive and there will be people that never receive. The important thing is that you shared the gospel and planted a seed that will hopefully sprout into salvation!

Consequences of Rejection

Paul quoted Is. 6:9-10

Isaiah 6:9–10 (NASB95)

He said, “Go, and tell this people: ‘Keep on listening, but do not perceive; Keep on looking, but do not understand.’ “Render the hearts of this people insensitive, Their ears dull, And their eyes dim, Otherwise they might see with their eyes, Hear with their ears, Understand with their hearts, And return and be healed.”

Paul shared that they had heard the truth but because of their hearts they were not willing to see or hear truth. As a result they would not be healed. We also need to share the consequence of rejection of the gospel in our gospel presentation.

It is often tempting just to share the glory of heaven by accepting the gospel without sharing the truth of rejecting the gospel. That truth is that they will not be healed from their sin and will have to account for their sin. The ultimate result is eternal separation from God in the lake of fire.

Paul’s Perseverance

Paul did not get discouraged or give up. For two years he continued to share the gospel. Acts 28:30-31

Acts 28:30–31 (NASB95)

And he stayed two full years in his own rented quarters and was welcoming all who came to him, preaching the kingdom of God and teaching concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with all openness, unhindered.

Just because the Jews rejected the gospel, Paul did not give up on them. He continued to share the gospel with them and to the Gentiles. God gave him that opportunity as we see that he was unhindered and could share openly. This must have been a welcome change. Everywhere prior he faced opposition, persecution, and even jail time.

God opened a door of opportunity that has yielded tremendous blessing. Paul started the planting churches all over the known world, has written much of the New Testament, and blessed us with the books of Acts and Romans. These books have led countless people to Christ.

We should persevere in our efforts to share the gospel. It will never return void. I have had many opportunities to share the gospel with so many people over the the years. Some have received Christ and some haven’t. Most I don’t know their decision. One thing I do know is that I will continue to share the gospel and disciple people. How about you?