The Gospel Reaches Rome: Acts 28:16-31

When we got to Rome, Paul was allowed to live by himself, with a soldier to guard him.

Rome at last. The journey that began with arrest in Jerusalem, continued through trials before governors and kings, survived a shipwreck—now ended at the empire's heart. Paul allowed unusual freedom: his own residence. But still a prisoner: a soldier guarding, a chain connecting.

Three days later he called together the local Jewish leaders.

Paul's pattern held. To the Jew first. Even in Rome, even in chains, he sought the Jewish community.

When they came together, he said to them: My brothers, although I have done nothing against our people or against the customs of our ancestors, I was arrested in Jerusalem and handed over to the Romans.

His defense summarized. Nothing against Israel. Nothing against traditions. Yet arrested. Handed over. The irony persistent.

They examined me and wanted to release me, because I was not guilty of any crime deserving death.

Roman examination. Roman verdict: not guilty. Deserving release.

The Jews objected, so I was compelled to make an appeal to Caesar—not that I had any charge to bring against my own people.

Jewish objection blocked release. Paul appealed to Caesar—his right as a citizen. But not to accuse Israel. He harbored no bitterness.

For this reason I have asked to see you and talk with you. It is because of the hope of Israel that I am bound with this chain.

The chain visible, probably attached to both prisoner and guard. Because of Israel's hope—the resurrection, the Messiah, the promises. Paul was chained for Jewish hope, not against it.

They replied, We have not received any letters from Judea concerning you, and none of our people who have come from there has reported or said anything bad about you.

The Roman Jews had heard nothing. No letters. No reports. A clean slate.

But we want to hear what your views are, for we know that people everywhere are talking against this sect.

They wanted to hear him. But they knew: this sect—the Way, the Christians—was spoken against everywhere. Controversial. Notorious.

They arranged to meet Paul on a certain day, and came in even larger numbers to the place where he was staying.

A day appointed. Larger numbers—the word spread. They came to Paul's rented quarters.

He witnessed to them from morning till evening, explaining about the kingdom of God, and from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets he tried to persuade them about Jesus.

Morning till evening. A full day of teaching. The kingdom of God—Jesus' central message. Law and Prophets—the Jewish Scriptures. Persuasion about Jesus—the purpose of it all.

Some were convinced by what he said, but others would not believe.

The divided response. Some convinced. Others refused. The pattern everywhere repeated.

They disagreed among themselves and began to leave after Paul had made this final statement: The Holy Spirit spoke the truth to your ancestors when he said through Isaiah the prophet:

Disagreement among the listeners. Paul's final word—Isaiah quoted. The Holy Spirit's ancient message.

Go to this people and say, You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving. For this people's heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them.

Isaiah 6. The words of commission to the prophet. Hearing without understanding. Seeing without perceiving. Hearts calloused. Ears dull. Eyes closed. The possibility of healing refused.

Therefore I want you to know that God's salvation has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will listen!

The turn to Gentiles declared. God's salvation sent to them. They will listen—the promise and prediction.

For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him.

Two years. His own rented house—still guarded, still chained, but receiving visitors. All who came—no restrictions. Jew and Gentile, slave and free.

He proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ—with all boldness and without hindrance!

The final sentence of Acts. Proclaiming the kingdom. Teaching about Jesus. Boldness—the word that marked the church from Pentecost. Without hindrance—despite chains, despite guards, the gospel unhindered.

Luke's story ended abruptly. No trial verdict. No execution. No release. Just Paul in Rome, chained but bold, guarded but unhindered, proclaiming Christ at the center of the empire.

The gospel had reached Rome. The ends of the earth were coming into view. The story continued—and continues still.