An Ongoing Gospel

Paul is now on his way to Rome… Acts 26:32

Acts 26:32 NASB95

And Agrippa said to Festus, “This man might have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.”

Paul’s Wishes earn him a voyage by sea...

Storms/ detours/ shipwreck/ snakes/

All along the way God is with Paul and using him

His testimony for Christ is lived out daily through every situation

Our lives should point to Christ to those around us watching

In Rome he waits years...

He is under house arrest able to live in a house with a guard

He is trusted, proven himself even in the trip, he is respected

We see here that Luke is with him writing in the first person… experiencing these things firsthand even shipwreck!

As he waits to to testify before Caesar Paul continues to testify never failing to take the opportunity to share Christ!!!

Paul had a heart for Rome (He already wrote to the church in Rome “Romans”)

Written around the end of third missionary journey

A heart to minister to the people in Rome the heart of the empire!

Not only that but we see a heart for his Jewish brothers who were there

Paul everywhere he went would seek to share the gospel of hope first to his Jewish brothers (Synagogues)

Paul calls them to himself… Listen to what Luke writes here… Acts 28:16-20

Acts 28:16–20 NASB95

When we entered Rome, Paul was allowed to stay by himself, with the soldier who was guarding him. 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. “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 Declarations:

He is innocent regarding the Jews claims

The Roman officials find him innocent

He had no other option but appeal to Caesar

He has no intent to bring charges against Israel only his acquittal

He really wants them there to share the “Hope of Israel”

The fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy of the Messiah!

They are open to hear / well at best some will listen… Acts 28:21-24

Acts 28:21–24 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.” 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. Some were being persuaded by the things spoken, but others would not believe.

Paul Proclaims The Messiah!!!

All Scripture is God breathed… This Messiah is nothing new, just the One who has been declared and promised for generations

Law of Moses refers to the Pentateuch (first five books) and all the prophets

They had the scriptures, they knew the prophecies, it was right in front of them...

Our responsibility is to declare the truth, know the truth, be ready to give an account for the HOPE we have

Other than Christ Paul was probably one of the most articulate in his argument (read Romans)

We do not carry the burden of persuading people to faith...

If we can talk someone into it another can talk them out of it

We share the truth and the Holy Spirit is the One who convicts “persuades” the heart

You and I should warn people though, listen to Paul’s warning… Acts 28:25-29

Acts 28:25–29 NASB95

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, 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; 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.” ’ “Therefore let it be known to you that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will also listen.” When he had spoken these words, the Jews departed, having a great dispute among themselves.

Rejection of the Messiah

How sad to hear truth… yet not listen or heed it

To see the scripture and not be blind to it BUT CLOSE their eyes to the truth!!!

This is ACTIVE refusal of Jesus Christ!

Therefore it will go to the gentiles and they will listen...

Let me quickly address verse 29:

There some ancient manuscripts that did not have this verse or statement in them

The ones who translated our scriptures did not desire to take out yet allow the reader to know this

In the front your bible indicates how it handles these passages… [some] others omit and put it in footnotes with an indication***

Either way imagine having heard and recieved the truth… and the discussions that would occur with these Jews following.

Luke closes his writing of this account in this way 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.

God Uses Us Where We Are!

Paul is confined… he is a prisoner… time is going by days, weeks, months, years… (Talk about patience)

Waiting to speak with Caesar… I mean by the worlds perspective this would be the pinnacle of Paul’s ministry right?

Paul keeps teaching and preaching… look at Philippians 1:12-14 and Philippians 4:21-23

Philippians 1:12–14 NASB95

Now I want you to know, brethren, that my circumstances have turned out for the greater progress of the gospel, so that my imprisonment in the cause of Christ has become well known throughout the whole praetorian guard and to everyone else, and that most of the brethren, trusting in the Lord because of my imprisonment, have far more courage to speak the word of God without fear.

Philippians 4:21–23 NASB95

Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren who are with me greet you. All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar’s household. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Paul was being used there, with full access to the guard and household of Caesar!!!

Did you notice Paul is writing while there!? These letters are known as the prison epistles

Philippians, Ephesians, Colossians, and Philemon

These are NOT writings of woes rather victory and wonderful living as heirs with Christ as His Church, His bride!!!

The narrative keeps going… Christ is building His Church!

It Is Not the End

Closing

Sermons Are Ongoing continuing to be preached

Testimonies are still being shared and impacting the lives they are shared with

Christ is still building His Church and He is Using His church (His people) to do it!