Paul in Rome
TRANSLATION
(15) When the believers in Rome heard about our arrival, they came to the Forum of Appius and the Three Taverns to meet us. Paul, when he saw them, gave thanks to God and was greatly encouraged. (16) When we arrived in Rome, Paul was allowed to live by himself with a soldier to guard him.
(17) After three days, Paul called together the leaders of the Jews. When they had gathered, he said to them, “Brothers, although I had done nothing against our people or the customs of our ancestors, I was arrested in Jerusalem and handed over to the Romans. (18) After they had examined me, they wanted to release me because I was not guilty of any crime deserving death. (19) When the Jews objected, I was forced to appeal to Caesar, not that I had any intention of bringing an accusation against my own nation. (20) It is for this reason that I asked to see and speak with you. I am bound with this chain for the sake of Israel’s hope (of resurrection from the dead).” (21) They answered him, “We have neither received any letters from Judea concerning you nor did any of the brothers who have come here report or speak of anything bad about you. (22) We want to hear your views regarding this sect, for we know that people everywhere are speaking against it.”
(23) Once they had arranged a time to meet, they came to where Paul was staying in even larger numbers. From morning till evening, he testified about the kingdom of God and tried to persuade them about Jesus, both from the Law of Moses and from the prophets. (24) Some believed what he told them, but others did not believe. (25) And when they disagreed with one another, they began to leave after Paul spoke these final words: “The Holy Spirit spoke truthfully through Isaiah, the prophet, to your ancestors (26) when he said, ‘Go to this people, and say, “You will forever be hearing but never understanding. You will forever be seeing but never perceiving.” (27) For this people’s heart has become calloused. Their ears have been stopped up, and their eyes have been shut. Otherwise, they would have seen with their eyes and heard with their ears and understood with their heart and would have repented so that I might heal them.’ (28) Therefore, I want you to know that God’s salvation has been extended to the Gentiles. They indeed will listen.” (Some manuscripts add: (29) “After he said this, the Jews left, arguing vigorously among themselves.”)
(30) Paul continued to live in his own rented quarters for two years and welcomed all who came to meet with him, (31) proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching the truth regarding the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness without hindrance.
OBSERVATIONS
We have come now to the final verses in the Books of Acts. Several repetitions help us discern the message contained in this last segment of Luke’s history of the early church. “Paul” was mentioned by name seven times (vss. 15, 16, 17, 23, 24, 25, & 30). “Brothers” is found twice (vss. 17 & 21) as were “the Jews” (vss. 17 & 19) and “this people” (vs. 26). Other repetitions include “heart” (vs. 27) and the grouping of “hearing/hear/ears” along with “seeing/see/eyes” (vss. 26 & 27).
OUTLINE
I. Paul introduced himself to the Jews in Rome by explaining to them why he had come. (15-22)
II. Paul later provided a larger group with a more detailed account of his apostolic ministry. (23-29)
III. Paul continued to minister for two years in Rome while awaiting his trial before Caesar. (30 & 31)
IDEA STATEMENT
Having arrived safely in Rome, Paul continued to minister even while confined in accordance with the work to which God called him to proclaim the Gospel to the Gentiles.
APPLICATION
That the Acts of the Apostles ends abruptly without an apparent conclusion has long puzzled readers of the New Testament. We struggle to explain why Luke never provided closure for his account of Paul’s life and ministry. Many reasons have been offered such as Luke’s sudden death or perhaps his having no more reliable information about Paul or possibly something so mundane as his running out of papyrus. However, Luke may have stopped writing where he did because he was aware that the history of the expanding church would not be finished for a long time.
More than one pastor has startled his congregation by announcing that he would be preaching from Acts 29 the following Sunday. The point? In the two thousand years since Luke researched and authored his Acts of the Apostles, the Gospel of Jesus Christ has continued to spread throughout the entire world. Untold multitudes have heard the Gospel and have received the gift of eternal life because of believing the message. Countless numbers of additional chapters have been added to the Acts of the Apostles by faithful believers in all corners of the world since Luke first wrote his history, a story which will only be completed when the Lord himself returns in triumph to rule over the earth as he promised so many years ago. Each of us has the opportunity to add chapters to this ever-expanding history of the church as we faithfully serve the Lord in carrying out his Great Commission wherever we are and with whomever we come in contact.