Acts 28 - 8.25.26
SCRIPTURE: Acts 28:28 - 31
28 “Therefore I want you to know that God’s salvation has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will listen!” [29] (Some manuscripts include here “After he said this, the Jews left, arguing vigorously among themselves”)
30 For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. 31 He proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ—with all boldness and without hindrance!
OBSERVATION
Paul is in Rome and gathered with the local Jewish leaders where he witnessed to them all day about the kingdom of God, the Law of Moses and the Prophets to persuade them about Jesus. Some were convinced and some would not believe. He then quoted from Isaiah the prophet in Isaiah 6:9-10 about their unbelief (verses 25 – 27) which applied to this very situation – specifically the Jews who would not listen and were arguing about the message Paul had given to them about Jesus. Paul’s response, in verse 28, starts with “Therefore” which is saying in response to the Prophet Isaiah and your stubborn unwillingness to hear the salvation message of Jesus, this is the result: “you’re not listening but the Gentiles will.”
Although the scripture doesn’t mention how they felt after hearing Paul say the salvation message is for the Gentiles and they will listen, I imagine the Jews were probably shocked and quite upset with those words. To this day, Jews are known as “God’s chosen” people but Jesus brought salvation to all.
Verses 30 – 31 show that although some of the Jewish leaders in Rome did not agree with Paul’s witness, he continued his ministry for two years to all who would listen, with boldness and without anyone interfering! Neither the Jewish or Roman leaders interfered with his work. God gave him great favor.
APPLICATION
When sharing the salvation message to others, some will have a hard heart and won’t listen. You can spend all day sharing the truth and scriptures, only for the person to turn a blind eye and deaf ear to everything shared. But don’t give up and don’t be discouraged!! Be like Paul and continue sharing the message to others, welcoming people and sharing God’s love.
Paul welcomed “all who came to see him.” To welcome someone into your home, it means sharing your place of refuge and peace, and willingly sharing it with others. Just like sharing God’s love and the message of salvation, we welcome others into fellowship and God’s peace. Being hospitable is showing God’s love.
Paul shared the Gospel message with boldness! He was not afraid to tell everyone about the salvation message. Being bold can be intimidating (I can attest to this) yet it’s just another way of standing firm on what you believe. This is something I’m learning more and more about. One thing that helps me not be so afraid of “being bold” is reading Paul’s experience in Rome (and many other situations). He shared the truth, he stood firm and was bold, and some believed and some didn’t. The potential outcome didn’t seem to matter to him. He stood on the truth of the Gospel knowing it’s up to the recipient of the message to accept or deny it. Sometimes I put too much emphasis on the outcome, wanting it to always be a “yes, I believe” when I need to let God handle that part. The outcome is not up to me but I can stand firm on what I believe, share the truth in love, and let God do the rest.
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for your word which is full of so many powerful messages about sharing the salvation message to others. Give me the right words, help me to be bold, and not be concerned about the outcome. Holy Spirit, empower me with your wisdom and words in sharing the salvation message. Open up the eyes and ears to those around so they will hear and accept Jesus as their savior. In Jesus name, amen!
- Mary Oberg
Acts 27 - 8.24.26
SCRIPTURE: Acts 27:21-26
“After they had gone a long time without food, Paul stood up before them and said: “Men, you should have taken my advice not to sail from Crete; then you would have spared yourselves this damage and loss. But now I urge you to keep up your courage, because not one of you will be lost; only the ship will be destroyed. Last night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood beside me and said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.’ So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me. Nevertheless, we must run aground on some island.” “
OBSERVATION
The Apostle Paul was on a ship headed to Rome to appeal to Ceasar and was arrested by the religious leaders for spreading the Gospel message of Jesus. Paul was among other prisoners and soldiers on the voyage, and they set sail from Crete after leaving Judea at a wrong time in face of a storm that would destroy the ship. The other passengers were panicking, but Paul knew that God would ensure his safe passage to fulfill His Word. Paul not only gave the crew members, soldiers and prisoners encouragement, but he testified of the faithfulness of God even through the storm.
APPLICATION
Paul was truly walking by faith. I believe that the Lord put the Church in Rome on Paul’s heart. He wrote the Epistle to them saying that he wanted to visit them, and God was making Paul’s desire come to pass. Acts 23:11 states: “The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, “Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.” “
Jesus appeared to Paul and gave him instructions on what needed to be accomplished. This opportunity would give Paul closer proximity to the Church of Rome. If we know God’s will in our lives, we should not fear that any obstacle will hinder or stop God’s plan. If we receive a word from the Lord, that should be the driving factor that it will be completed. Another example is David who was anointed as king by Samuel before he fought Goliath. David did not have to fear for his life as he fought the giant because God already declared His will in David’s life to be king and a forefather of Jesus. If God has a calling in our life, we can expect that Satan, the world and our flesh will get in the way but will not overcome God’s purpose!
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, your word in Isaiah 55:10-11 says
“As the rain and the snow
come down from heaven,
and do not return to it
without watering the earth
and making it bud and flourish,
so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater,
so is my word that goes out from my mouth:
It will not return to me empty,
but will accomplish what I desire.”
I thank You for the surety of Your word and promises in our lives. I thank You for reassuring us over and over again in our walk with You. Every promise that You have given us is a guarantee that it will come to pass. I pray that we can cling onto Your promises and remember it when we face the difficult times in our lives. You gave Paul a word and strengthened his faith during the most dangerous of times, and I know that You will do the same for us!
- Darrence Hamilton
Proverbs 11 - 8.21.26
Scripture: Proverbs 11:3-6
“The integrity of the upright guides them,
but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity.
Wealth is worthless in the day of wrath,
but righteousness delivers from death.
The righteousness of the blameless makes their paths straight,
but the wicked are brought down by their own wickedness.
The righteousness of the upright delivers them,
but the unfaithful are trapped by evil desires.”
Observation:
Integrity is a good guide. Those who are upright, faithful in following God’s commands, will know the way to go when you are true to yourself and who God created you to be. You will know what is right to do, even if no one is watching. In contrast the unfaithful are destroyed by their deceitfulness and double-sided approach.
When judgement comes wealth will be worthless. Being right with God because of Jesus redemption saves us from death.
Righteousness makes paths straight, but the wicked are defeated by their own wickedness.
Application:
God cares about me so much. I need to realize when wondering which way to go that integrity will guide me. God will deliver me and make my paths straight. I need to pursue righteousness and be faithful to what God has called me to do.
It is important not to focus on the unfaithful and the wicked. Their ways will bring them to ruin. They are trapped by their desires. I am thankful for freedom.
Prayer:
Father God, thank you for your truth. It is the perfect guide. Thank you for sending your Son to pay the price for my sin and redeem me so that I can walk in your righteousness. I am grateful that you deliver me and make my paths straight. I look to you for guidance. Thank you that you proved direction. Amen
- Cindy Howard