Week 15 | Paul in Rome

Big Idea: The gospel is a call to all but not all will answer.

Scripture: Acts 28:11-31

Intro:

Throughout history, people have often rejected truth—not because it was hidden from them, but because accepting it required them to change. This was especially evident in the first century when the Jewish people, to whom the promises of God were given, refused to see Jesus as the Messiah.

Though He fulfilled prophecy, performed miracles, and preached the Kingdom of God with authority, many dismissed Him. Their rejection wasn’t due to a lack of evidence but rather a hardened heart, an unwillingness to let go of preconceived notions, traditions, and power structures that had defined their faith for centuries.

This same pattern of rejecting truth can be seen in every generation, and it parallels the way many ignored the suffering of the Jews during World War II. People turned a blind eye to reality, choosing to believe propaganda over truth because it was easier, more comfortable, and less costly. Even those who saw the horror firsthand often justified their inaction rather than face the moral obligation to intervene.

Just as the Jewish leaders in Jesus’ time dismissed Him despite the signs before them, so too did many in the 20th century refuse to acknowledge the suffering of the Jewish people, preferring lies over painful truth.

This historical rejection of truth serves as a warning for us today.

Tension:

How often do we reject God—not because He is hidden, but because embracing Him would require us to surrender control?

How often do we ignore His calling because it challenges our comfort, our pride, or the way we’ve always done things?

The Jews in Jesus’ time were expecting a Messiah, yet when He stood before them, many refused to believe because He did not fit their expectations. In the same way, people today reject God because He does not conform to their desires or preconceptions.

The danger of rejecting truth is not just an ancient problem or a historical lesson—it is a deeply personal and spiritual issue. Just as the religious leaders of Jesus’ day resisted the Gospel, we must ask ourselves whether we are resisting God’s truth in our own lives.

Are we allowing pride, fear, or the opinions of others to keep us from fully embracing Christ?

Are we rejecting His lordship because it would require us to change?

Ultimately, history teaches us that rejecting truth comes at a cost. The Jewish people longed for the Messiah, yet many missed Him when He came. Those in World War II who ignored the suffering around them bore the weight of moral failure.

And today, those who reject Christ do so at the peril of their own souls. But for those who are willing to see, to believe, and to surrender, the truth of God is not only visible—it is life-giving. May we have the humility to embrace it.

Big Idea:

The gospel is a call to all but not all will answer.

Truth:

At last, we have reached the final moments of our journey through the book of Acts. While we haven’t been able to cover every event in detail, there are powerful truths that have stood out—truths that continue to shape us as followers of Christ today.

You Are the Church

C:S is not just a ministry within CBC; it is part of the global mission of the Church. The book of Acts isn’t just a historical account—it is our blueprint for how we, as believers, are called to live. The same Spirit that empowered the apostles empowers us today. The same mission that propelled the early church forward is the one we are invited into.

The Mission Is Ours

The call to spread the gospel is not limited to pastors, missionaries, or the apostles of old—it is for every believer. No matter where we are, we carry the message of Christ. Whether at school, with friends, on a team, at home, or even in unexpected or uncomfortable situations, we are called to live on mission. Every interaction, every conversation, and every challenge is an opportunity to share the hope that we have in Jesus.

God Redeems All Things

One of the most beautiful threads woven throughout Scripture is that what man intends for evil, God uses for good.

This truth, which began in Genesis with Joseph declaring, “What you meant for evil, God meant for good” (Genesis 50:20), continues throughout the book of Acts and into our lives today. Persecution, suffering, opposition—none of it can stop the spread of the gospel.

In fact, God often uses these very things to advance His kingdom. The trials faced by the early church led to the spread of salvation to the nations, and God still works through challenges today to bring people to Himself.

Paul’s Final Journey

As we close today, we turn our eyes to Paul’s arrival in Rome. Though falsely accused, imprisoned, and facing an uncertain future, Paul remains unwavering in his mission. He takes every opportunity to proclaim Christ—even when it costs him his reputation, his freedom, and ultimately, his life.

Paul’s story is not just about one man’s faithfulness; it is a reminder of what it means to be completely surrendered to the call of Christ. His willingness to suffer for the gospel should challenge us:

Are we willing to use every opportunity to share Jesus?

Are we living with the same urgency and boldness that Paul did?

Acts does not truly end with Paul—it continues in us. The mission of Christ is still unfolding, and we are invited to be part of it.

Read Acts 28:11-31

Acts 28:11–31 ESV

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.

During Paul’s time in Rome, he dedicates himself to engaging with his own people, the Jews, earnestly reasoning with them from the Scriptures about the fulfillment of God’s promises in Jesus Christ.

He seeks to persuade them that Jesus is indeed the long-awaited Messiah, the one through whom God’s kingdom is being established. However, despite his thorough teaching and the compelling case he presents, the majority of the Jewish leaders remain unconvinced.

Their hearts are hardened, and they reject the message of salvation that Paul proclaims.

This moment in Acts 28 is significant because it highlights a major turning point in the spread of the gospel. While Paul initially focuses on his fellow Jews, his message is not limited to the nation of Israel alone. The kingdom of God is now open to all who would hear and believe, including the Gentiles. Recognizing the resistance from the Jewish leaders, Paul boldly declares that salvation has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will listen (Acts 28:28).

This passage serves as a culmination of the entire book of Acts, reinforcing the central theme that the gospel is for all people, not just for the Jewish nation.

The rejection by many Jews contrasts with the openness of the Gentiles, who are more receptive to the good news of Jesus. Paul’s shift in focus reflects God’s broader redemptive plan—one that extends beyond ethnic boundaries to include all who put their faith in Christ.

Even in Rome, under house arrest, Paul continues to preach the kingdom of God and teach about Jesus “with all boldness and without hindrance” (Acts 28:31). His unwavering commitment to spreading the gospel, despite opposition and imprisonment, testifies to the unstoppable nature of God’s mission.

The book of Acts ends on this note of triumph: the message of Jesus is not bound, and the mission continues.

Application:

As we wrap up this series, it’s crucial to remember that we are not just spectators in God’s story—we are active participants in His mission. The book of Acts isn’t just a history lesson; it’s a call to action for us today.

As followers of Jesus, we are part of His church, and that means we have a responsibility to continue the work that began with the early believers. Just as Paul was relentless in spreading the gospel, even in the face of rejection and hardship, we are called to do the same in our own lives.

Our mission is clear: we are to take the hope we have in Christ and share it with the world.

This isn’t just for pastors, missionaries, or church leaders—it’s for every believer, including you. No matter your age, background, or situation, you are called to be a witness for Jesus. And how do we do that? With gentleness, respect, and a deep love for those around us. Sharing our faith isn’t about winning arguments or forcing people to believe—it’s about pointing others to the life-changing grace of Jesus and showing them what it means to truly follow Him.

But sharing the gospel isn’t just about words—it’s also about making disciples. Jesus didn’t just tell His followers to spread the good news; He commanded them to help others grow in their faith. That means walking alongside people, encouraging them, and showing them what it looks like to live for Christ in everyday life. It’s not just about getting someone to believe in Jesus; it’s about teaching them how to follow Him.

As we reflect on this passage and consider what it means for us today, I want to highlight two key ways we can apply these truths in our own lives:

Faith Has No Boundaries – Share It Boldly!

Just like Paul, who shared the gospel even while under house arrest, your circumstances don’t limit your ability to tell others about Jesus.

Whether at school, with friends, or online, you have opportunities to be a light for Christ.

Don’t let fear, doubt, or rejection hold you back—God’s message is for everyone, and He can use you right where you are!

Turn Challenges into Kingdom Opportunities!

Paul didn’t let rejection or hardship stop him; instead, he saw every challenge as a new way for God to work.

When you face difficulties—whether it’s peer pressure, struggles at home, or feeling like an outsider—remember that God can use those moments for His glory.

Rather than seeing obstacles as roadblocks, view them as doors God may be opening for His mission in your life!

Landing :

As we close today, I want to challenge you with this: The gospel is a call to all, but not all will answer. That reality should stir both urgency and hope in our hearts.

Throughout Acts, we’ve seen how the message of Jesus spread—not in comfort or ease, but in the face of persecution, trials, and relentless opposition. Yet time and time again, we saw that the gospel was unstoppable. The early church did not shrink back in fear.

The apostles did not remain silent. And Paul, despite being arrested, beaten, shipwrecked, and imprisoned, never wavered. Even as he sat in chains in Rome, awaiting his appeal to Caesar, he continued boldly proclaiming the kingdom of God, because he knew this truth: The gospel cannot be hindered.

But here’s the tension we must wrestle with—not everyone who hears the gospel will accept it. Some will reject it because it challenges their way of life. Others will turn away because following Jesus requires surrender. Some will be indifferent, unwilling to see their need for a Savior.

Yet despite all of this, the call remains the same. The mission does not change. The hope of salvation is still available to all who will receive it.

The question we must ask ourselves is this: How will we respond to this call? Will we be like those who rejected Jesus because He called them to something greater than themselves? Will we allow fear, doubt, or comfort to keep us from living on mission? Or will we surrender to the reality that Jesus is Lord, no matter the cost?

Paul’s life reminds us that our calling is not dependent on our circumstances—it is dependent on our faithfulness. Whether we face opposition from others, struggle with our own doubts, or feel unqualified to share our faith, we are still called to make Christ known. The mission is not reserved for the boldest or the best—it is for all who believe.

So as we wrap up this series in Acts, let’s commit to living out our faith boldly. Let’s be a church that doesn’t just attend services but answers the call. Let’s be a ministry that doesn’t just talk about the gospel but embodies it in the way we live. Let’s be people who, like Paul, refuse to let fear, rejection, or hardship keep us from proclaiming the hope we have in Jesus.

Because the story of Acts doesn’t truly end—it continues in us. The mission is still unfolding, and the gospel is still advancing. The only question is, will we be part of it?

Pray