Acts 28
May Memory Verse: And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 NIV
Read: Acts 28
Good Saturday Jumpstart readers. Today we reach the conclusion of the Book of Acts. Wow, what a book of adventure & excitement! We see Jesus return to the Father in heaven, the Holy Spirit empowering the apostles at Pentecost, Peter boldly proclaiming the gospel, Peter & John before the Sanhedrin, dramatic growth of the early church, the stoning of Stephen, God’s selection of Paul to reach the Gentiles with the Gospel, and so much more.
At the end of chapter 27 Paul finds himself enduring a shipwreck and arriving safely on the island called Malta. The conditions are rainy & cold but God prepared kind islanders to greet them and build a fire to keep them warm and dry. Paul is probably thinking he can finally get some rest and peaceful sleep. As he is gathering firewood a deadly viper bites him on the hand and the islanders assumed Paul was evil and deserved to die. God protected Paul and spared his life much to the amazement of the people of Malta. Then God displayed His power through Paul by healing the Chief Officer of the Island’s father and many other sick people at Malta.
Next we find Paul sailing to Rome. Along the way God provided brothers & sisters in the faith who ministered to Paul and greatly encouraged him. Finally Paul reaches Rome and has an opportunity to speak with the local Jewish leaders. A large crowd gathered to hear Paul and he witnessed to them from morning till evening. Some in the crowd believed in Jesus and others turned away in disbelief. Paul quotes the prophet Isaiah and tells them they have calloused hearts just as their ancestors had and that God has chosen him to bring salvation to the Gentiles.
For two years Paul stayed in Rome proclaiming the kingdom of God and salvation through Jesus. Verse 31 tells us that Paul taught “with all boldness and without hindrance”. Here is where I want to land this plane on chapter 28 and the Book of Acts. What is hindering you from proclaiming Jesus with boldness in your neighborhood, at school, with kids’ sports teams, or with coworkers? Let us boldly go into our respective mission fields and share Jesus with a lost world in need of hope. Please take a few minutes and share in the comments section how Acts has spoken to you over the last month. Let’s encourage each other to be bold.
By: Mike Pepper - Leadership Team Member
Read: Acts 28
Good Saturday Jumpstart readers. Today we reach the conclusion of the Book of Acts. Wow, what a book of adventure & excitement! We see Jesus return to the Father in heaven, the Holy Spirit empowering the apostles at Pentecost, Peter boldly proclaiming the gospel, Peter & John before the Sanhedrin, dramatic growth of the early church, the stoning of Stephen, God’s selection of Paul to reach the Gentiles with the Gospel, and so much more.
At the end of chapter 27 Paul finds himself enduring a shipwreck and arriving safely on the island called Malta. The conditions are rainy & cold but God prepared kind islanders to greet them and build a fire to keep them warm and dry. Paul is probably thinking he can finally get some rest and peaceful sleep. As he is gathering firewood a deadly viper bites him on the hand and the islanders assumed Paul was evil and deserved to die. God protected Paul and spared his life much to the amazement of the people of Malta. Then God displayed His power through Paul by healing the Chief Officer of the Island’s father and many other sick people at Malta.
Next we find Paul sailing to Rome. Along the way God provided brothers & sisters in the faith who ministered to Paul and greatly encouraged him. Finally Paul reaches Rome and has an opportunity to speak with the local Jewish leaders. A large crowd gathered to hear Paul and he witnessed to them from morning till evening. Some in the crowd believed in Jesus and others turned away in disbelief. Paul quotes the prophet Isaiah and tells them they have calloused hearts just as their ancestors had and that God has chosen him to bring salvation to the Gentiles.
For two years Paul stayed in Rome proclaiming the kingdom of God and salvation through Jesus. Verse 31 tells us that Paul taught “with all boldness and without hindrance”. Here is where I want to land this plane on chapter 28 and the Book of Acts. What is hindering you from proclaiming Jesus with boldness in your neighborhood, at school, with kids’ sports teams, or with coworkers? Let us boldly go into our respective mission fields and share Jesus with a lost world in need of hope. Please take a few minutes and share in the comments section how Acts has spoken to you over the last month. Let’s encourage each other to be bold.
By: Mike Pepper - Leadership Team Member
7 Comments
Thanks Mike! Grateful for you!
Reading about the apostles' actions as they lived out what they knew to be true is not only inspirational but convicting. Does my life reflect absolute commitment, or do I tend to hold on to what is the most comfortable part of my faith? The Christian walk is not for the faint of heart. Only the Holy Spirit can enable me to live my belief. Seeing how He worked through the apostles demonstrates what He can do in anyone with a willing heart. God, please never stop working on my heart.
Good comments Lindsay! The day is coming soon when we will face serious persecution in America. Culture is growing more hostile to the Bible and Christianity each year. I pray the church will remain faithful and stand firm with Jesus and the word of God.
Thankful for you Mike!
As far as what hinders me, it is usually fear of strained relationships (which is another way to say I love comfort) and a low level of genuine care for others. If I didn't mind being uncomfortable and cared more about people, I would share more. Lord, help us grow in these two areas.
Brother Jordan,
I love watching you lead in the college ministry and for being vulnerable. You are not alone in your challenges. Lamentations 3:23 Great is His faithfulness; His mercies begin afresh each morning. // I am grateful for repentance & new beginnings.
I enjoyed the book of Acts! Paul traveled to many places, spreading the gospel.
Good job Mike! What stood out to me was that Paul never gave up!He got bit by a snake and stoned, he still taught the gospel.I know that I probably wouldn't have the guts to do that.