The book of Acts concludes with the Apostle Paul having achieved his goal of ministry in Rome. (Romans 1:11) While “under guard”, Paul is able to continue his work teaching “about the Lord Jesus Christ-- with all boldness and without hindrance!” (Acts 28:16; 31)
Three weeks
into his stay at Rome Paul addressed the local Jewish leaders. He began his
message by sharing with them the trials he endured in making his way to Rome,
and the faithfulness of God to see him through. In Acts 28:20 Paul proclaims,
“For this reason I have asked to see you and talk with you. It is because of
the hope of Israel that I am bound with this chain.” The ESV Study Bible identifies the “Hope of Israel” as the “coming of
the Messiah as attested by his resurrection.” How is this them echoed throughout Paul’s
testimony while on trial?
Acts 23:6--
Acts 24:15--
Acts 26:8,
23--
Read 1
Corinthians 15:42-58. How is the resurrection of Jesus the ultimate
encouragement to the Christian during trial?
What
additional encouragement do the follow scriptures offer?
Luke 22:28--
2
Corinthians 8:1-2--
1
Thessalonians 3:2-4--
2
Thessalonians 1:4--
1 Peter 1:6;
4:12-16--
2 Peter
2:4-9--
Revelation
3:10--
Reflect on
Paul’s many trials in Acts 23-28. Despite these trials, Luke ends his account
of Paul observing him as “taught about the Lord Jesus Christ-- with all
boldness and without hindrance!” (Acts 28:31) How is the Holy Spirit leading
you to be bold and unhindered?
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