Reading: Acts 27 and 28

Acts 28:31 – “Unhindered and with complete confidence, he [Paul] continued to preach God’s kingdom and to teach about the Lord Jesus Christ.”

Today we conclude the book of Acts. Paul sails to Rome and then settles into two years of evangelism there. The journey to Rome begins well. Paul is treated kindly by Julius, the centurion in charge. Soon the going becomes difficult and slow. The voyage becomes potentially dangerous because it is now fall. Against Paul’s advice, they sail on. A violent storm begins. The ship is wrapped in cables as they drift along. Cargo then the ship’s gear gets tossed overboard. All hope faded.

An angel comes to Paul and assures him that he will get to Rome and that all on board have been “graciously given to you.” Nearing land, the sailors try to abandon ship. Following Paul’s advice, Julius stops them. Paul encourages all to eat and all 263 eat. The next day they see and make for a beach. The ship hits a sandbar and begins to break apart. Because of Paul, Julius intervenes and saves the prisoners. All reach shore safely.

On Malta now, they are received kindly. Paul is unaffected by a bite from a poisonous snake. He heals Publius’ father, then all who were sick on the island. After three months they set sail. Arriving in Rome, Paul is welcomed and encouraged by the brothers and sisters there. He then gathers the Jewish leaders. After explaining why he is in Rome, Paul teaches and preaches Jesus from the Law and Prophets. Some believe and others refuse to believe. Paul declares that salvation will come to the Gentiles because they will listen.

Paul lives in Rome, under house arrest, for two years. He welcomes all who visit. Acts closes with this: “Unhindered and with complete confidence, he [Paul] continued to preach God’s kingdom and to teach about the Lord Jesus Christ.” May it be so for you and for me too!

Prayer: Lord God, maybe be unhindered, undignified, and unafraid as we proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ. May we teach and preach in word and deed so that some may be saved. Amen.