Acts 28

Question to ask: Are you a witness that gives account, or a witness that hides away?

Look up crimes that were solved because of witnesses

Acts 28:17–20 ESV

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.”

This sermon is a sermon begging people to cease to only consider doing the easy thing when contemplating their part in the advancement of the gospel. For many of us we think that it is a sign that God is in the midst of a decision when it is easy, and we must obviously be outside of the will of God when things are getting too difficult. This simply isn't the case, when Paul was sailing on the boat and the winds started to toss and turn, and the boat started to rock and things seemed hopeless, Paul could have lost hope. When there were nights on end that were not going his way, sleepless, foodless, anxiety filled nights would have made any of us question if we were within the desire of God on our lives. For Paul, he knew that he was called to live like a sheep to the slaughter. That is the call of the Christian, to give of themselves even when it is uncomfortable, even when it feels like all things are against us. How can we follow God in this way? I want to look at the life of Paul, and show how his faith in the mighty hand of God empowered him to live a life of unimaginable impact. Most of us would like to have an impact like Paul had, but not many of us are willing to live the type of life that Paul lived, and I completely get it, I am someone who doesn't like being uncomfortable. What is it about the human condition that sees things with such little concern for long term impact? We are short sighted people, and we have to learn to look down the road a bit to maximize our impact.

Acts

Following Jesus is difficult! If Paul was persecuted, if Jesus was persecuted, we should question, what is going on if we are not...

Acts 28:21–24 ESV

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.

Paul expounded, meaning he knew his bible

We should stop thinking were not smart enough, and start equipping ourselves to give an account.

We have the Spirit within us, and were made in the image of the all knowing God, yes there are differing levels of intelligence, but God made us to understand

(Law and Prophets) The whole of scripture is about Jesus

Acts 28:

1 Peter 3:15–16 ESV

15 but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, 16 having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.

Acts 28:24–28 ESV

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.”

V27 so how can we see heart change in those whose eyes are closed? Prayer. It is the Spirit who opens the eyes, and we pray with all our might that God would set them free from the dominion of darkness and call them into the kingdom of the beloved Son.

V28 We are all in this room because of the movement of God among the gentiles

Matthew 10:11–15 ESV

11 And whatever town or village you enter, find out who is worthy in it and stay there until you depart. 12 As you enter the house, greet it. 13 And if the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it, but if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. 14 And if anyone will not receive you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet when you leave that house or town. 15 Truly, I say to you, it will be more bearable on the day of judgment for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah than for that town.

Matt 10:11-1

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Acts 28:

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Acts 28:30–31 ESV

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.