Acts 28
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Acts 28:30-31, For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. He proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ—with all boldness and without hindrance!
After a few months on the island of Malta, during which Paul was bitten by a viper (with no bad repercussions) and healed many people, they finally are able to secure a new ship and continue the journey to Rome. When they arrive, Paul is met by a group of believers. I love this. I picture a group waiting by the dock for the ship to come in, anxious to take care of Paul with warm hugs and casseroles! But Paul doesn't waste much time, after just three days he begins to preach, teach, and discuss his views with the Jewish leaders in Rome. It appears they are more open to Paul's teachings than the Jews in other locations.
The chapter closes with our two focus verses for today. For two years, Paul stays in Rome, in his own rented house, and welcomed all who came to see him. He taught about God's Kingdom and preached Jesus with boldness and without any obstacles. It's possible he resumed his tent-making in order to support himself but his main focus was conversion.
Paul's intention was always to go to Rome. But just like in our own lives, stuff happened. Riots, jail time, and shipwrecks, all thwarted the best of intentions. Eventually, Paul did end up in Rome and had two years there to share the Gospel. Our life journeys, though probably not as eventful as Paul's, never go in a straight line. There are ups and downs, steps backward, pauses, and spins. But God can and will use each of those experiences to grow us and to help us speak into the lives of others. It's always about the journey, not the destination.
Let's pray...God, we thank you for our life journey. For some of us, it's had more turns and twists than others but we know and trust that there was purpose at each step in the process. You met us at each point, encouraging us, strengthening us, growing us, and using us for your bigger purposes. We thank you, Lord, for the way you constantly show up in the midst of good circumstances and in the midst of difficult circumstances. In every place, show us your glory and help us reflect that glory to others. We love you, Amen.