Acts Chapter 28: verses 21-24 (NLT)
They replied, “We have not received any letters from Judea concerning you, and none of our people who have come from there has reported or said anything bad about you. But we want to hear what your views are, for we know that people everywhere are talking against this sect.”
They arranged to meet Paul on a certain day, and came in even larger numbers to the place where he was staying. He witnessed to them from morning till evening, explaining about the kingdom of God, and from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets he tried to persuade them about Jesus. Some were convinced by what he said, but others would not believe.
It’s so refreshing to read that the Jews in Rome had not had their opinion of Paul tainted by the lies and gossip that had plagued his ministry. They had even come out to welcome him. But he quickly laid his cards on the table and told them of his faith in Christ. They wanted to hear more, for although they had heard nothing of Paul, they had heard plenty of the so-called sect, as they put it. Here we see then that God’s timing was perfect!
Such a large crowd came to hear him teach and it lasted the whole day. Some believed and others didn’t, but in such a large gathering there would have been a significant impact. God knows those who are hungry to know the truth, and He will always make a way to meet that hunger. Paul’s suffering and trials up to this point were vindicated – God had promised he would preach in Rome, and here we see the fulfilment of that promise. We don’t read that there is any animosity here as there was in other places. I think that’s because of the presence of the Holy Spirit and the anointing that accompanied the fulfilment of God’s promise. Paul didn’t know, when the promise had been given, just how it would work out, but I’m sure when he saw the gathering that day, his heart was full.
Whatever God has promised us will also come to pass, even when we don’t know how and when. It may not come the way we imagine, but these verses remind me that if I am as obedient and faithful to God’s instructions as Paul, I need have no doubt.
Dear Lord, Thank You for Your faithfulness to Paul, and his example of faithfulness to You. Help me to emulate his example so that Your promises to me can be fulfilled and your name glorified. Amen.