Tuesday
Read: Acts 28
So after swimming to shore or floating on debris, Luke tells us that all made it to shore. While Paul works at helping those on shore by building a fire he gets bit by a snake?!!?? I mean really… can this guy catch a break for even a moment? Well, I guess he does because even though it is a poisonous snake, Paul does not die. (I like how everyone just sort of sat around and watched to see if he would.) Well, after his miraculous survival, he also heals Publius’ (the chief official of the area) father. Because of that, many others came to be healed and gave many gifts to help our travelers have enough provisions to get them to Rome. Isn’t it amazing how God always provides for us.
After three months, the journey continues and Paul arrives in Rome where he is met by many supporters and is encouraged. Paul then invites the local Jewish leaders to hear what he has to say. Again, we find some believe, others do not. Isn’t it interesting how when we share the gospel, some will get it, and others will choose not to believe. (Isaiah 6:9-10)
Whether it is pride or selfishness, there are those whose hearts are hardened and they won’t get it. It’s sad, but it is not up to us to save people, that is the work of the Holy Spirit, our mission is like that of Paul’s, just share, testify, witness and love on people. Oh yeah, and remember to pray for them.
So Luke ends this very descriptive story quite abruptly. Why doesn’t Luke tell us what happened to Paul after his two years in prison? Does he make it to Spain as he wanted to do?
Paul’s impact on Christianity has been enormous. During his ministry he wrote fourteen letters and carried the gospel on at least three missionary journeys. Even though he paid the ultimate price for his faithfulness, Paul never wavered from his belief in Christ.
So why didn’t Luke finish the Book of Acts? See what William Barclay commented on Acts:
And so the Book of Acts comes to an end with a shout of triumph….Now the tale is finished; the story that began in Jerusalem rather more than thirty years ago has finished in Rome. It is nothing less than a miracle of God. The church which at the beginning of Acts could be numbered in scores cannot now be numbered in tens of thousands. The story of the crucified man of Nazareth has swept across the world in its conquering course until now without interference it is being preached in Rome, the capital of the world. The gospel has reached the centre of the world and is being freely proclaimed—and Luke’s task is at an end.
I think the story of Acts is left open-ended, because the story is not done. Every Christian who has ever shared the gospel with a non-believer adds a chapter to this on-going book. It is not ended because our stories are not ended and the next generation will have their “acts” to add to this book.
Our bishop spoke a couple of nights ago at our church and he is such a great story teller, but he always likes to finish by saying – “And that was just one piece of God’s story…” and we are another piece.
Sharing His Story
Pastor Kathy