Paul Preaches In Rome Series

PAUL PREACHES IN ROME

Text: Acts 28:17-31

Introduction

1. The Book of Acts ends, not with a period, but with a comma. We don’t get a tidy conclusion to Paul’s story, but we do get a powerful reminder that the mission of the Church is far from over.

2. In Acts 28:17–31, we see Paul in Rome, under house arrest, yet still preaching the gospel “with all boldness and no one tried to stop him.”

3. This final snapshot of Paul is a testimony to one central truth: the gospel of Jesus Christ is unstoppable.

4. Read Acts 28:17-31

Transition: Let’s get a ring side seat, as Paul finally preaches in Rome.

I. The Messiah Has Already Come

A. After being set up in a rented house, Paul waste little time before getting to work. In vv. 17-20, Luke tells us, “Three days after Paul’s arrival, he called together the local Jewish leaders. He said to them, “Brothers, I was arrested in Jerusalem and handed over to the Roman government, even though I had done nothing against our people or the customs of our ancestors. 18 The Romans tried me and wanted to release me, because they found no cause for the death sentence. 19 But when the Jewish leaders protested the decision, I felt it necessary to appeal to Caesar, even though I had no desire to press charges against my own people. 20 I asked you to come here today so we could get acquainted and so I could explain to you that I am bound with this chain because I believe that the hope of Israel—the Messiah—has already come.”

1. After three days, probably to get settled in his new living quarters, Paul called for all of the Jewish leaders in Rome to come and meet with him.

2. He proclaimed his innocence of any wrongdoing concerning their Jewish faith or customs.

3. In fact, he stated that the Roman government wanted to release him because they found no evidence to convict him.

4. However, the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem wouldn’t give up, and although it’s not stated here, we know they planned to assassinate him. Therefore, he found it necessary to appeal to Caesar.

5. His reason for wanting to get acquainted with them was to explain why he was in chains, and the reason was that he believed the Messiah, Jesus, had already come.

B. After hearing Paul, the Jewish leaders said, “We have had no letters from Judea or reports against you from anyone who has come here. 22 But we want to hear what you believe, for the only thing we know about this movement is that it is denounced everywhere.”

1. These Jewish leaders had heard nothing bad about Paul or the accusations against him, but they had heard things about the followers of Jesus, and most of what they heard was bad.

2. The people they had heard from were probably those who had heard what was going on in Israel, and some skeptical Romans who criticized Christians for no reason.

3. The followers of Jesus were criticized everywhere because they were seen as a threat to the Roman way of life.

4. They believed in one God, where the Romans believed in many gods, especially Caesar.

5. However, they wanted to hear what he believed and what he had to say.

C. Next, Luke tells us, “So a time was set, and on that day a large number of people came to Paul’s lodging. He explained and testified about the Kingdom of God and tried to persuade them about Jesus from the Scriptures. Using the law of Moses and the books of the prophets, he spoke to them from morning until evening. 24 Some were persuaded by the things he said, but others did not believe.”

1. As a result of his meeting with the Jewish leaders, a meeting was set up for people to come to Paul’s house.

2. Notice that the text says that “a large number of people,” came to hear what Paul had to say. Jesus had promised Paul that he was going to preach the Good News in Rome, and here was his chance!

3. It was an all-day event (and you think my sermons are long), in which Paul used the OT to explain the Good News to them. No doubt Paul went all the way back to Abraham, as well as the prophets.

4. Then, with great mastery, he showed how Jesus coming, living, dying, and rising, completely fulfilled all of God’s promises and every Jewish hope.

5. Paul’s main focus was on the Kingdom of God, which ironically, was also a major focus of Jesus. “One day the Pharisees asked Jesus, “When will the Kingdom of God come?” Jesus replied, “The Kingdom of God can’t be detected by visible signs. 21 You won’t be able to say, ‘Here it is!’ or ‘It’s over there!’ For the Kingdom of God is already among you.” (Lk. 17:20-21).