Paul’s Ministry in Rome

Acts 28:21–31 (NASB95) 

21They said to him, “We have neither received letters from Judea concerning you, nor have any of the brethren come here and reported or spoken anything bad about you. 22“But we desire to hear from you what your views are; for concerning this sect, it is known to us that it is spoken against everywhere.” 23When they had set a day for Paul, they came to him at his lodging in large numbers; and he was explaining to them by solemnly testifying about the kingdom of God and trying to persuade them concerning Jesus, from both the Law of Moses and from the Prophets, from morning until evening. 24Some were being persuaded by the things spoken, but others would not believe. 25And when they did not agree with one another, they began leaving after Paul had spoken one parting word, “The Holy Spirit rightly spoke through Isaiah the prophet to your fathers, 26saying, ‘Go to this people and say, “You will keep on hearing, but will not understand; And you will keep on seeing, but will not perceive; 27For the heart of this people has become dull, And with their ears they scarcely hear, And they have closed their eyes; Otherwise they might see with their eyes, And hear with their ears, And understand with their heart and return, And I would heal them.” ’ 28“Therefore let it be known to you that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will also listen.” 29When he had spoken these words, the Jews departed, having a great dispute among themselves. 30And he stayed two full years in his own rented quarters and was welcoming all who came to him, 31preaching the kingdom of God and teaching concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with all openness, unhindered. 

This marks our final commentary on the book of Acts. Luke recounting of Paul’s journey ends with his stay in Rome.  

Paul’s arrival in Rome marks the culmination of his long journey, fulfilling God’s promise that he would testify in the heart of the empire. Upon meeting with the local Jewish leaders, Paul explains his situation, emphasizing that he has done nothing against his people or their customs. The leaders, while unfamiliar with the specific charges against Paul, express interest in hearing more about the Christian movement, which they acknowledge has been widely spoken against. Paul seizes this opportunity to proclaim the Gospel, reasoning with them from the Law and the Prophets about Jesus and the kingdom of God. While some are persuaded, others reject the message, prompting Paul to quote Isaiah’s prophecy about spiritual blindness and to declare that salvation has also been sent to the Gentiles. Despite the mixed response, Paul continues to preach boldly and without hindrance for two years, welcoming all who come to him. This conclusion highlights God’s faithfulness in advancing His kingdom, even through Paul’s imprisonment, and underscores the unstoppable nature of the Gospel. 

Paul’s ministry in Rome reminds us that God’s mission cannot be hindered, even by opposition or challenging circumstances. Like Paul, we are called to boldly proclaim the Gospel, trusting that God will use our efforts to reach both the receptive and the resistant. This passage challenges us to remain faithful in sharing the message of Jesus, even when faced with rejection, and to embrace opportunities to witness to all people, regardless of their background. As the book of Acts ends, we are reminded of the powerful themes that we have considered throughout the entire book: let us trust in God’s sovereignty, knowing that His Word will continue to spread and transform lives, just as it did through Paul’s ministry in Rome.