The Urgency of Giving the Gospel To the World

Acts 28:23–31
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As this book comes to a close, Paul’s hired house in Rome became the headquarters for world evangelism. He was under house arrest and could not go, but others could. People flocked to him. He led people to Christ, inspired others to go, won members of the Roman guard (Phil 1:3-18), and threw all the weight he could behind the spreading of the Gospel and the building of the church.  Paul took full opportunity to witness to these Jews. As they began to depart he reminded them of the prophecy of Isaiah, that their hearts would be hardened on hearing the truth (v.23). Some believed and some did not (v.24). It seems that some trusted Christ as their Savior, and some became angry and preferred to die in their sins. Since they could not agree among themselves, they started leaving.

But Paul said, “The Holy Spirit said the right thing when he sent Isaiah the prophet (v. 25). He told the people that they will indeed hear with their ears but will not understand, and they will look with their eyes but will not see, for the heart of this people has grown dull (vv. 26-27). Paul said, “You may be sure that God wants to save the Gentiles! And they will listen” (v. 28). And when he had said these things, the Jews went away, arguing and disputing among themselves (v. 29). For two years Paul stayed in a rented house and welcomed everyone who came to see him (v. 30. He bravely preached about God’s kingdom and taught about Jesus Christ, and no one tried to stop him (v. 31).

The book of Acts deals with the history of missions and the expansion of the church, touching such cities as Jerusalem, Antioch, Ephesus and Rome, which were the most influential places in the Western world. The story that began in Jerusalem thirty years earlier has now finished in Rome. The Church at the beginning of Acts could be numbered in scores, but can now be numbered in tens of thousands. Though Paul was under house arrest, the Gospel was not bound or chained. The message under the sovereign hand of the Lord, went from Jews to Gentiles, and from Jerusalem to Rome.

Application

Robert Moffat said “We’ll have all eternity to celebrate our victories, But only one short hour before sunset to win them.” Lord, help me to be all out for you as the need is urgent!