Rome: Facing Limitations Acts 28:16-25, 28-31 Aug. 31, 2008
Introduction
Can you imagine being a guard and receiving the assignment to be
chained to Paul? Some of these guards
probably cared very little for Christians or Christianity in general.
But in the Book of Philipians the testimony is
given about the affect of his imprisonment, "it has become known
throughout the whole imperial guard, and to
everyone else, that my imprisonment is for Christ." (Php 1:13 HCSB)
Paul used this opportunity to declare
Christ even though in Rome: Facing Limitations!
1. Facing Limitations From . . Traditional Jews. 28:16-20
A. Paul Faced Limitations . . Calling to the Jewish
Leaders. 28:16-17a
16 And when we entered Rome, Paul was permitted to stay by himself with
the soldier who guarded
him. 17 After three days he called together the leaders of the Jews. .
. ."
B. Paul Faced Limitations . . Clarifying To the Jewish
Leaders. 28:17b-20
". . . And when they had gathered he said to them: "Brothers, although
I have done nothing against our
people or the customs of our forefathers, I was delivered as a prisoner
from Jerusalem into the hands of the
Romans 18 who, after examining me, wanted to release me, since I had
not committed a capital offense.
19 Because the Jews objected, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar; it
was not as though I had any
accusation against my nation. 20 So, for this reason I've asked to see
you and speak to you. In fact, it is for
the hope of Israel that I'm wearing this chain."
C. Paul Faced Limitations . . Confronted By the Jewish
Leaders. 28:21-22
21 And they said to him, "We haven't received any letters about you
from Judea; none of the brothers
has come and reported or spoken anything evil about you. 22 But we
consider it suitable to hear from you
what you think. For concerning this sect, we are aware that it is
spoken against everywhere."
Paul acted aggressively as he
initiated the call to these Jewish people. The accusations made about
him
were false and he wanted these Jews to hear his explanations first
hand. He clarified the charges made about
him claiming he did nothing wrong. Paul expressed himself boldly as he
proclaimed Jesus as the hope of Israel. These Jews would recognize this
statement as a reference to the Messiah. In answer to him The Jews
confronted him saying that Christianity was a sect, and that it is
spoken against everywhere. I think Paul felt at
least a little threatened by this kind of reception. Paul continued to
desire to share with them. This is a great
lesson for us as we persistently share the message of Christ.
2. Facing Limitations
Through . . Teaching The Jews. 28:23-25
A. Teaching Limited Because Of Rejection Of the Gospel . .
Message. 28:23-24
23 After arranging a day with him, many came to him at his lodging.
From dawn to dusk he expounded
and witnessed about the kingdom of God. He persuaded them concerning
Jesus from both the Law of
Moses and the Prophets. 24 Some were persuaded by what he said, but
others did not believe.
B. Teaching Limited Because Of Rejection Of the Spirit's .
. Ministry. 28:25
25 Disagreeing among themselves, they began to leave after Paul made
one statement: "The Holy Spirit
correctly spoke through the prophet Isaiah to your forefathers
Paul's
message received a mixed reception. Some rejected his persuasive
presentation while others
received the message. That generally is true for all of us who witness.
Some reject while others respond
positively. We must focus on the positive while not forgetting to pray
for and continue to reach out to those
who reject. Today in every church there are leaders who at one time
refused the invitation to accept Christ. It is
sad when people reject the message of Christ. Paul declared a verse
from the prophet Isaiah telling these folks
they were rejecting the ministry spoken of by the Holy Spirit. This
rejection of His prophecy causes all of us
who witness great concern. The Spirit grieves when we do our best to
follow Him and receive rejection, but
when people reject the Word of God and the direction of the Spirit that
is very dangerous.
3. Facing Limitations Through . . Turning To The Gentiles. 28:28-31
A. Paul's . . Pronouncement Related To Turning To The
Gentiles. 28:28-29
28 Therefore, let it be known to you that this saving work of
God has been sent to the Gentiles; they
will listen!" [29 After he said these things, the Jews departed, while
engaging in a prolonged debate among
themselves.]
B. Paul's . . Proclamations Related To Turning To The
Gentiles. 28:28-29
30 Then he stayed two whole years in his own rented house. And
he welcomed all who visited him,
31 proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching the things concerning
the Lord Jesus Christ with full
boldness and without hindrance.
How do you share when a group of people reject your message? You do like Paul and go to a different group. He probably got this idea from the example of Jesus as He turned away from one group and declared His message to another. Paul made the pronouncement that he was turning toward the Gentiles with his message. Notice how this statement left the Jews debating among themselves. As Paul turned away from the Jews He proclaimed boldly to The Gentiles. I am sure that any Jew who wanted to hear was welcomed, but Paul's focus was on the Gentiles. The Spirit certainly led Paul as he spent those two years in Rome: Facing Limitations! Amen? Amen!