God's Grace

Acts 28

God’s providence sometimes requires that we pass through some interesting and even painful experiences so that He can grant us—and even others—His blessing and accomplish His Will for His Kingdom.

“I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, 13 so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ. 14 And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.” Philippians 1:12–14 (ESV)

Paul and his fellow shipwreck victims learned that they had run aground on Malta, just south of Italy. When Paul survived the bite of a poisonous snake, the people looked upon him as a god.
When he then healed the governor’s father, many others came to him and were healed—and presumably heard the gospel.

After three months on Malta, Paul finally sailed to Rome, where he was warmly welcomed by fellow believers. He was permitted to live on his own, with just one soldier to guard him. It was a.d. 60, some 25 years after his conversion on the Damascus road.

“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. 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.’ Acts 28:23–27 (ESV)

Paul met with the local Jewish leaders and explained how, because of his teaching about the Messiah, the Jews in Jerusalem had falsely accused him, leading him to appeal to Caesar. He used the OT to explain the gospel. Some accepted the message, others rejected it, bringing to Paul’s mind Isaiah’s sad prophecy concerning Israel’s unbelief.

Their response is ironic given that Paul was essentially telling them, “Don’t be like your foolish forefathers. Believe the Scriptures—all of which point to Jesus as the Messiah.”

“Therefore let it be known to you that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will listen.” Acts 28:28 (ESV)

God’s gift of grace will not go unappreciated. If some reject it, there are others who will gladly accept it.

Harold Wilmington writes in his Bible Handbook, “Under arrest, but free to preach. For the next two years, as Paul awaited trial before Caesar, he was free to preach the gospel from his home—apparently with great results. During this time he wrote his letters to the Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and to Philemon. Paul was apparently freed after those two years, then imprisoned again sometime later. He probably wrote 1 Timothy and Titus after his first release, with his final book, 2 Timothy, being written during his second imprisonment, as he awaited certain death. According to tradition, he was executed by decapitation in about a.d. 67–68.”

Dr. Tony Evans writes in his CSB Study Bible Notes, “The book of Acts ends where it began—with an emphasis and focus on the kingdom of God. Paul engaged in proclaiming (preaching) the kingdom of God and teaching people about … Christ.”

He goes on to explain that, “Biblical preaching focuses on persuading people with kingdom truth in order to bring about an obedient response. Biblical teaching focuses on delivering a clear understanding of the King.”

This dual emphasis of the kingdom and its King should dominate every pulpit and flow throughout our conversations as we seek to share Jesus with a lost and dying world.
How has God used you and your difficulties to advance the Gospel? Are you using your testimony or story to help other understand the work God is doing through you?
Are you praying for , caring for, and sharing with others the birth, life, death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ? Are you being compelled to teach and preach the Gospel to your circle of influence?

Pray today that the Spirit moves before and give you clarity on the mission He has for you.

---