Session 2:49: April 18, 2025

Scripture Reading: Acts 28:16–31

16 When we entered Rome, Paul was allowed to live by himself, with the soldier who was guarding him.

17 After three days Paul called the local Jewish leaders together. When they had assembled, he said to them, “Brothers, although I had done nothing against our people or the customs of our ancestors, from Jerusalem I was handed over as a prisoner to the Romans. 18 When they had heard my case, they wanted to release me, because there was no basis for a death sentence against me.19 But when the Jews objected, I was forced to appeal to Caesar—not that I had some charge to bring against my own people. 20 So for this reason I have asked to see you and speak with you, for I am bound with this chain because of the hope of Israel.” 21 They replied, “We have received no letters from Judea about you, nor have any of the brothers come from there and reported or said anything bad about you. 22 But we would like to hear from you what you think, for regarding this sect we know that people everywhere speak against it.”

23 They set a day to meet with him, and they came to him where he was staying in even greater numbers. From morning until evening he explained things to them, testifying about the kingdom of God and trying to convince them about Jesus from both the law of Moses and the prophets. 24 Some were convinced by what he said, but others refused to believe. 25 So they began to leave, unable to agree among themselves, after Paul made one last statement: “The Holy Spirit spoke rightly to your ancestors through the prophet Isaiah 26 when he said,

    ‘Go to this people and say,

    “You will keep on hearing, but will never understand, and you will keep on looking, but will never perceive.

    27 For the heart of this people has become dull, and their ears are hard of hearing,

    and they have closed their eyes,

    so that they would not see with their eyes

    and hear with their ears

    and understand with their heart

    and turn, and I would heal them.” ’

28 “Therefore be advised that this salvation from God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will listen!”

30 Paul lived there two whole years in his own rented quarters and welcomed all who came to him, 31 proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with complete boldness and without restriction.

Outline

Paul in Rome

• Introduction to the end of the book

• Rome, the eternal city

• Paul is permitted to stay in his rented apartment

• To the Jew first

• The schism between Jews and Christians in Rome

• Paul’s reassures Jewish leaders: he doesn’t mean trouble

• The Jewish leaders have heard nothing negative of Paul

• Paul testifies about the Kingdom of God and Jesus using the law and the prophets

• The Jews are divided

• Then to the Gentiles

• Paul’s ministry while under house arrest

The Sudden Ending

• A sudden ending?

• But what if it is a sudden ending?

• A hopeful ending?

• What happened after two years?

• Paul was released and later rearrested?