Acts 28:17–31
Be still: Here I am, Lord. Please meet with me today. Amen
Read: Acts 28:17–31
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 boldness and without hindrance.
Encounter: In 1965 my husband wrote a few simple words (Jesus' love is very wonderful) to an old tune and taught it at a children's summer club. Within 20 years it was being sung everywhere and kept going world-wide. It wasn't spread via the internet or Spotify; it was word (song) of mouth or written down to pass on. In 2026 it was 'upgraded' by Nick and Becky Drake of Worship for Everyone and so it keeps spreading.
In our reading, Paul is now in rented accommodation in Rome awaiting trial. He's not physically free; he's under house arrest, still chained and guarded by a soldier. But he's free day after day to receive visitors and to preach Jesus to them. Some don't believe; others do, and leave to spread the good news of Jesus onward.
And Paul continues writing, writing, writing: Colossians, Philemon, Ephesians, Philippians. His Spirit-inspired words are carried by foot, horse, carriage to the churches Paul had started. The letters are read, copied, preserved, passed on and on, down the years and generations – so you can open one of those letters right now!
Two years Paul is in that house. But his story is unfinished. Is he then tried and executed? Or freed for a while to continue travelling before further arrest and martyrdom under Nero's persecution? We don't know. (God has forewarned Paul he will meet that fate from the Roman authorities.) But Paul is triumphant, jubilant even; he knows his death will not be the end – his story is never finished. That's life eternal – a glorious unfinished exciting story that goes on for ever.
Apply: As you read the Acts of the Apostles and Paul's letters written for the Church then and now, marvel at the journey they have travelled for you to have them in your hands. What a legacy, what treasure! How can you take part in passing them on, explaining their truth to others?
Devote: Jesus, thank you that your message of salvation is unstoppable. And thank you for my 'unfinished story' which you are writing with love.