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ACTS 28:30-31


The words suddenly gripped me. Unexpectedly. I'd just taken my wife to work, leaving the car with her, as she would need it later in the day. And I was walking towards the office. The biblical statement that poured through my mind I have known for many years. And yet the words, far from being overfamiliar, affected me in such a way that I became aware God was offering strength and supplying encouragement.

The statement is found right at the end of Acts, in the New Testament. "He lived there two whole years at his own expense, and welcomed all who came to him, proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance (Acts 28:30-31 ESV).

It describes circumstances that Paul (one of the apostles) found himself in as a result of the ever increasing and intense opposition. Opposition that he faced because of his commitment to Jesus Christ and the gospel. Together with others he had proclaimed the message of salvation throughout Cyprus and Roman provinces in Asia Minor. Planting Christian communities in many places, which became springboards for spreading the good news of mercy and forgiveness. Mercy that is available because of the crucifixion and resurrection of the Son of God who suffered for our sins. Acts describes this powerful movement of the Holy Spirit.

Then, in Jerusalem, Paul was taken captive. He was taken to Rome, the capital of the Roman Empire, and was placed under house arrest (Acts 28:16). Although under house arrest he was allowed to hire his own dwelling. He was not free at this stage and yet in the middle of these circumstances he continued to use every opportunity to talk about Jesus Christ, being a catalyst for the kingdom of God in that city and the regions beyond.

Years before, the Holy Spirit having already warned him that trouble was ahead, Paul said to the elders from Ephesus: "But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God (Acts 20:24 ESV)." There is no suggestion here that we should have an unhealthy morbid desire for self harm. What we do have is an example of the commitment of which our Saviour and Lord is worthy, whatever difficulties we may face.

"For Christ's love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again (2 Corinthians 5:14-15 NIV)."