A short reading and prayers for today
For the next two years, Paul lived in Rome at his own expense. He welcomed all who visited him, boldly proclaiming the Kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ. And no one tried to stop him.
Acts 28:30-31 NLT
Paul’s journey to Rome was an amazing adventure. It was a long and difficult journey during which he and his companions survived a shipwreck. We would love to know far more details but now, in these final verses of the Acts of the Apostles, we find Paul settled into a house in Rome. We are informed that he was guarded by a soldier and so he was being kept under what we would normally call house arrest. However, he was clearly given considerable freedom and, wonderfully, he was able to continue with his ministry. There was no keeping Paul down!
The book of Acts began with a small, frightened and confused group of Jesus followers waiting in Jerusalem. Jesus gave them instructions to take the Good News to the ends of the earth but that seemed impossible at the time. The 28 chapters of this amazing book have told the way in which it became a reality. It was all through the power of the Holy Spirit. The journey was a tough one and the opposition was often violent and intense, but the Good News continued to be spread and now, at last, we find Paul in the great city of Rome, at the heart of the Roman Empire. From humble beginnings in Jerusalem there were now vibrant Christian communities in many countries and vast numbers of believers.
This should be a great encouragement to us all. There were many times of difficulty and discouragement along the way, but God was at work and his word was fulfilled. As we face our own struggles and problems we can be confident that God’s Holy Spirit will strengthen us and direct us.
QUESTION
What encouragement do you take personally from the Acts of the Apostles?
PRAYER
Lord God, in my weakness fill me with the power and wisdom of your Holy Spirit today. Amen
Heavenly Father, whose blessed Son was revealed to destroy the works of the devil
and to make us the children of God and heirs of eternal life:
Grant that we, having this hope,
may purify ourselves even as he is pure;
that when he shall appear in power and great glory,
we may be made like him
in his eternal and glorious kingdom;
where he is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.