Acts 28:17-31 – Conflict and the Continuing Work of the Kingdom

In his dealings with his countrymen in Rome, Paul is both tactful and honest about what had happened at Jerusalem. He proclaims the Lord Jesus as Israel’s promised Messiah, and this meets with considerable opposition. He declares them to be like the people of Isaiah’s day and under judicial blindness and that the Gentiles will receive that Gospel which they now despise. He then spent two years preaching to all who came to hear. His message was the kingdom of God and the things concerning the Lord Jesus Christ. These are two descriptions of the same thing. Christ is the king over all in His power, but His kingdom of grace is His bringing sinners into hearty subjection to Himself through the Gospel.

Christians today are citizens of that kingdom too and bear witness to that same message and the church’s ministers are to publicly proclaim it also. If Paul was faithful even as a prisoner waiting in pagan Rome to appear before a wicked emperor, shall we not do what is in our power in the 21st Century to uphold the name and honour of the Lord of Glory in the midst of this evil generation? Will you not risk your reputation and popularity for His name’s sake? Be ashamed to be ashamed of Him! “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek” (Romans 1:16). Christ shall reign till all His enemies are made His footstool, either in grace and willingly through the Gospel, or in horror and constraint in His wrath (Philippians 2:1-11; Isaiah45:23). God will vindicate His Saviourhood and His Lordship in Jesus Christ.

Questions
1. Do we see ourselves as the continuing Church from the Book of Acts with Christ our king doing and teaching from the right hand of God, vindicating the rule of God?

Prayer Points
1. Pray for the preaching and hearing of God’s Word tomorrow.
2. Use prayer points from your congregation.
3. Pray for family matters.