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As we come to these concluding verses in Acts Chapter 28, let’s recap on what we have been studying, remembering that recapitulation is a significant aspect of teaching. Nothing has really been taught until it is learned!

We have been reading of Paul arriving in Rome. Over these past weeks we have read the detail of that exciting sea journey - the accuracy of Luke's account - the way God spoke with Paul - how all 276 were kept safe - because of God's man, Paul.

We have read of the miracles on Malta - the journey to Italy - his being allowed to fellowship with friends for a week - and the brothers in Rome coming down to meet him, which was such an encouragement to Paul. The importance of our presence must never be under-estimated.

We read of his meeting with these Jewish leaders in Rome - discovering that Paul's method has not changed over these years - and neither has the content of his preaching - and that is vitally important.

Paul spoke about the kingdom of God. He spoke about Jesus. He spoke from the Word of God, from morning 'til evening - no retirement for this servant of God. He is as eager and keen to speak now as during these early days. There is no sitting back and leaving it to others. On he goes witnessing - explaining - serving - teaching. What an example.

And the Word of God was at work. This sharp two-edged sword was at work. Some believed and some would not believe. There are always these reactions. There are those whose eyes are opened and they see and say - "I'm convinced. I believe that this is true. I accept it. I surrender to it." Others can react so differently - "I cannot accept that. I can't believe that. I'll argue against and battle and fight against all that."

We are aware of this happening in various places in the world just now.

Those people began to argue amongst themselves, and Paul watched those Jews go away. As he does so he remembers those words of Isaiah, Go and preach and speak to the people. They shall hear but never understand. They shall see, but it will be only partial sight, and they won't come to know what it is all about."

Their hearts were hard. They listened to this apostle of Jesus Christ - this precious servant of God - but nothing he said would go in. They saw, but they were spiritually blind. Paul discerns their dullness and blindness and spiritual hardness. But the Gospel is not hindered.

God does say, that if you don't accept the Good News of Jesus Christ - that He shed His Blood for you to wash you from all your sin and cleanse you and forgive you and heal you - that He died for you - that He is Risen and Alive and His desire is to give you Life - if you will not accept and receive that - then, I'll give it to someone else. Having first gone to the Jew Paul turns to the Gentile. Verse 28.

For two years, Paul remained in Rome, and ministered to all who came to him. Right to the very end he was preaching those things concerning the Lord Jesus Christ - boldly - confidently - and he is preaching about the Kingdom of God - the Government of God. On he goes right to the very end. Paul does not change or modify or dilute his message.

The messenger is confined and limited in certain ways, but the message is not. Paul's ministry simply takes another form. He was a prisoner but in no way was the Word of God limited or restricted, and as we know from his letters written at this time, he did not regard himself as a prisoner of Rome, but a prisoner of Jesus Christ, which is perfect freedom.

"'Winging It" from Stan Smith

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