Sermon Central
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An Outline Of Acts 28:17-31
Contributed by Jonathan Spurlock on Feb 17, 2024 (message contributor)
Summary: These last verses of Acts describe Paul's ministry to the Jews of Rome and their reaction. Luke gives a summary of what he did for two years. May we always be faithful even as Paul was!
--One sad result is that, just as in Antioch of Pisidia (Acts 13:13ff), the Jews refused to believe and Paul declared openly that “the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and they will hear it (verse 28). When they heard this, the Jews departed and “had great reasoning among themselves). Luke does not record any of these conversations.
--This passage, in a nutshell, summarizes the results when anyone hears the Gospel. He or she will either believe it, and be saved; or not believe it. That person may accept the message later, or, as many of the others from Paul’s day to ours, disbelieve it; even worse, try to keep others from even hearing the Gospel. Let us all as believers pray for open doors for the Gospel, and for the Lord to open many hearts so that they may hear and believe!
Conclusion, Acts 28:30-31, KJV: 30 And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him, 31 Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.
--The Book of Acts is a study in contrasts, beginning with 11 Apostles and Jesus Himself spending time together in Jerusalem. The book closes with one apostle murdered (James, the brother of John, per Acts 12), the others scattered, and one apostle in Rome. In roughly 30 years the Gospel had spread from one relatively small community to the World Capitol!
--Other contrasts: only Jews and proselytes (Gentile converts to the Jewish faith) to a wide open door of salvation to Gentiles, the vast majority of people for thousands of years. Acts records more of these, more or less openly.
--This last paragraph speaks of Paul’s first imprisonment, sort of: he was able to live in a “hired house (perhaps a rental, but how did he pay the rent?), but most likely still chained to a soldier. According to 2 Timothy, he was later sentenced to death but that doesn’t seem likely here.
--Luke summarizes Paul’s teaching and preaching. We would do well to do the same, by preaching and teaching the Kingdom of God, and the things concerning our Lord Jesus Christ. To Him be all the praise and glory. Amen.
Scripture quotations taken from the King James Version of the Bible (KJV)
