Lesson Fifty-Three: Paul in Rome — The Conclusion

Supplementary Materials

Roman Brethren Meet Paul (28:15) "And from thence, when the brethren heard of us, they came to meet us as far as Appii forum, and The three taverns: whom when Paul saw, he thanked God, and took courage." Location Details Appii Forum "Market of Appius" — about 43 miles from Rome on the Appian Way; a busy market town The Three Taverns "Tres Tabernae" — about 33 miles from Rome; a rest stop on the Appian Way The Appian Way Via Appia — the famous Roman road; called "Queen of Roads"; built 312 BC Two groups came Some traveled 43 miles; others 33 miles — different Christians, same love! Paul's response "He thanked God, and took courage" — fellowship strengthens!

Paul's Custody in Rome (28:16) Aspect Details Captain of the guard Prefect of the Praetorian Guard — commander of emperor's troops; likely Afranius Burrus "Dwell by himself" Custodia libera (free custody) — not in prison but in rented quarters (28:30) "A soldier that kept him" Chained to a guard (Eph. 6:20; Phil. 1:13); guards rotated — many heard the gospel! Gospel opportunity Whole Praetorian guard heard (Phil. 1:13); even Caesar's household (Phil. 4:22)

Paul Meets Jewish Leaders (28:17-22)

"This Sect" — What the Jews Called Christianity (28:22)

• "Sect" (Greek: hairesis) — a party, school of thought; same word used for Pharisees (15:5) and Sadducees (5:17)
• "Spoken against" — Greek: antilego — contradicted, opposed everywhere
• Other names for the church — "The Way" (9:2; 19:9, 23; 24:14); "sect of the Nazarenes" (24:5); "Christians" (11:26)

Paul's Final Witness to the Jews (28:23-24) "And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning till evening."

Isaiah's Solemn Warning (28:25-27) Paul quotes Isaiah 6:9-10, a passage Jesus Himself used (Matt. 13:14-15): "Hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and not perceive: For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see... and hear... and understand... and should be converted, and I should heal them." Phrase Meaning "Heart... waxed gross" Become dull, calloused — insensitive to spiritual truth "Ears dull of hearing" Unwilling to listen; spiritually deaf by choice "Eyes THEY have closed" Deliberately shut — THEY closed their own eyes; this was their choice!

Phrase Meaning "Lest... converted... healed" Conversion and healing were available — but they refused the remedy

Why people don't understand: It is not that God's word is unclear. The problem is willful rejection — they CHOOSE not to see, hear, and understand because they don't want to change.

"The Salvation of God Is Sent unto the Gentiles" (28:28) "Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and that they will hear it." This is the third time Paul made such a declaration:

"They will hear it" — Both prophecy and encouragement. While many Jews rejected the gospel, the Gentiles would embrace it.

Two Whole Years in Rome (28:30-31) "And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him, Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him."

The Prison Epistles — Written from Rome During these two years, Paul wrote four letters that became part of the New Testament: Epistle Key Themes Ephesians The church as body of Christ; spiritual blessings; unity; Christian armor Philippians Joy in Christ; Christ's humility; pressing toward the goal; saints in Caesar's household (4:22)

Epistle Key Themes Colossians Supremacy of Christ; fullness in Christ; warnings against false teaching Philemon Appeal for Onesimus the runaway slave; forgiveness; brotherhood transcends status

Acts 1:8 Fulfilled — The Outline Complete "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth."

Lessons from Acts 28:15-31 1. Christian fellowship encourages — Paul thanked God and took courage when he saw the brethren. 2. God fulfills His promises — Paul reached Rome exactly as the Lord said he would. 3. The gospel always divides — some believe, some reject; this is reality, not failure. 4. Unbelief is a choice — people close their own eyes; God doesn't force blindness. 5. Nothing can stop the gospel — chains, prisons, storms cannot silence the Word. 6. The story continues — Acts has no ending because the church's work is not finished!

Conclusion: The Book of Acts and Us The book of Acts began with a small group of disciples waiting in Jerusalem. It ends with the gospel being preached openly in Rome, the capital of the world. From an upper room to the emperor's doorstep — that is the triumph of Acts. But the story is not over. Luke left the ending open because the mission continues. Every generation of Christians is a new chapter in the ongoing story of Acts. The same Lord who empowered the apostles empowers us. The same gospel that transformed the Roman world can transform ours. The final word of Acts in Greek is akolutos — "unhindered." May we, like Paul, preach the kingdom of God and teach the things concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with all confidence, no man forbidding us.

— END OF STUDY — Soli Deo Gloria To God Alone Be the Glory