2025-11-30_Acts_28_11-31.docx

Devotional

Day 1: Hospitality as frontline gospel witness and encouragement

The Christians in Rome welcomed Paul even though many of them were strangers to him. Their willingness to travel, to bring him into their homes, and to encourage him in his ministry showed that Christian fellowship is a visible sign of the gospel. When believers open their homes and lives to one another, it strengthens those who labor and it points others to the love that defines Christ’s people.

You are invited to see hospitality not as an optional kindness but as a ministry that carries the gospel. Simple acts—an invitation to a meal, a phone call, offering a place to stay—become a way to bear one another’s burdens and to show the world what it looks like to belong to Jesus. Such welcome can renew weary workers and make the church a credible witness in a disconnected world.

3 John 1:5-8 (ESV)
Beloved, it is a faithful thing you do in all your efforts for these brothers, strangers as they are, 6 who testified to your love before the church. You will do well to send them on their journey in a manner worthy of God. 7 For they came for the sake of the Name, accepting nothing from the Gentiles. 8 Therefore we ought to support people like these, that we may be fellow workers for the truth.

Reflection: Who in the church or in your neighborhood seems like an outsider or a newcomer this week? Invite one person to share a meal, coffee, or a short visit in the next seven days and listen to their story with the intention to encourage them.

Day 2: Scripture-shaped conversations change hearts through steady patience

Paul did not rush his explanation of the good news in Rome; he used the Scriptures and took time to make the story of Jesus clear. Patience and clarity were his tools—he listened, explained, and built a case from the Law and the Prophets. In a culture where many have little biblical background, careful, loving explanation becomes a form of pastoral care.

This means taking time to speak plainly and to meet people where they are. It may require repeating the basics, answering simple questions, and trusting the Spirit to do the work. Clarity is an act of kindness: it helps people place the pieces of Jesus’ story into a framework that can lead to faith.

Acts 28:23-24 (ESV)
When they had appointed him a day, there came many to him at his lodging, to whom he explained and solemnly testified about the kingdom of God, persuading them about Jesus both from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets. 24 And some were convinced by what he said, but some disbelieved.

Reflection: Identify one relationship in which you can begin a scripture-shaped conversation this week. What specific passage or simple gospel outline will you use, and when will you set aside 20–30 minutes to listen and explain with patience?

Day 3: The gospel divides; faithfulness, not fruit, measures obedience

Whenever the gospel is proclaimed it will draw some and repel others; this is part of its nature. Paul experienced both responses in Rome—some believed, others rejected the message. The measure of a messenger’s obedience is not immediate results but faithful, consistent proclamation and pastoral care.

This reality frees believers to keep speaking truth without being consumed by outcomes. The call is to be honest, clear, and loving while trusting God with the hearts of people. Faithfulness looks like consistent witness, even when responses are mixed, because the mission belongs ultimately to God, not to human success.

Ezekiel 2:3-5 (ESV)
And he said to me, “Son of man, I send you to the people of Israel, to nations of rebels, who have rebelled against me; they and their fathers have transgressed against me to this very day. 4 And the people to whom I send you are stubborn and obstinate; send them to say, ‘Thus says the Lord God.’ 5 Whether they hear or refuse to hear (for they are a rebellious house) they will know that a prophet has been among them.”

Reflection: Think of one conversation or ministry area where you are tempted to judge success by visible results. What specific next step of faithful witness can you commit to this week regardless of the likely response?

Day 4: Chains widen horizons: hardships become unexpected ministry openings

Paul’s imprisonment did not end his witness; it changed its shape and widened its reach. Under house arrest he had access to guards, visitors, and time to write letters that would shape the church for generations. What looked like a limitation became a platform—God used his constraints to spread the gospel in ways Paul may not have expected.

This invites a different posture toward setbacks and delays. Instead of seeing obstacles as mere hindrances, believers can look for new entry points for ministry within them. When plans are interrupted, ask how God might be opening a new audience, a different access point, or a moment to deepen prayer and dependence on him.

Philippians 1:12-14 (ESV)
I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, 13 so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ; 14 and most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.

Reflection: Name one current limitation, delay, or difficulty in your life. How might you reframe it as an opportunity for witness or service this week? Commit to one concrete action you can take in that new frame.

Day 5: The story continues: the church carries Acts forward

Acts ends without a formal conclusion because the mission continues through the people of God. Paul’s time in Rome reminds the church that the work of gospel proclamation, teaching, and community is ongoing. The narrative becomes ours: living, praying, giving, serving until Christ returns.

This means asking where God is at work now and joining him there. Mission is not merely activity to fill a program; it is a posture of listening, obedience, and generosity—local and global. The church continues the story by stewarding resources, supporting missionaries, discipling newcomers, and remaining attentive to the Spirit’s next chapter.

Colossians 1:24-29 (ESV)
Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church, 25 of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God that was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known, 26 the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints. 27 To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. 28 Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. 29 For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me.

Reflection: Where could you join a current mission or ministry this month—locally or globally—that would extend the ongoing story of Acts? Identify one concrete way to participate (time, money, prayer, or service) and take that step before the end of the month.

Sermon Summary

of the Sermon**

Today’s sermon marked the conclusion of our journey through the book of Acts, focusing on Acts 28:11-31. We traced Paul’s arrival in Rome, his ongoing ministry under house arrest, and the unwavering spread of the gospel despite opposition and personal hardship. The sermon highlighted the importance of Christian fellowship, the necessity of clear and patient gospel proclamation, and the reality that the message of Jesus evokes both acceptance and rejection. We were reminded that the book of Acts is not just a historical account but an ongoing story in which we, the Church, are active participants. The call was to continue the mission—living out and sharing the gospel, supporting global missions, and responding to God’s leading with obedience and generosity.

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Key Takeaways

1. Christian Fellowship as a Witness and Encouragement The believers in Rome, though strangers to Paul, went out of their way to welcome and encourage him. This kind of fellowship—rooted in a shared identity in Christ—serves as a powerful testimony to the world and a source of strength for those laboring in the gospel. True Christian community transcends familiarity and comfort, calling us to love and support one another sacrificially, especially in times of trial or transition.
2. Clarity and Patience in Proclaiming the Gospel Paul’s approach in Rome was to patiently and thoroughly explain the gospel, using the Scriptures as his foundation. In a world where biblical literacy is fading, we are challenged to take the time to clearly articulate the story of Jesus, meeting people where they are and building a framework for faith. Clarity is an act of kindness, and our willingness to patiently explain and re-explain the gospel reflects both love for the lost and trust in the Spirit’s work.
3. The Gospel Divides, but Our Faithfulness Remains Every time the gospel is proclaimed, it elicits a response—some are drawn, others are hardened. Like Paul, we are not responsible for the outcome, but for the faithfulness of our witness. The same message that brings life to some may be rejected by others, yet we are called to persist, trusting that God is at work in ways we cannot see, and that our role is to be sincere, consistent messengers.
4. Obstacles as Opportunities for Ministry Paul’s house arrest, rather than hindering his ministry, became a platform for new opportunities—reaching guards, visitors, and writing letters that would shape the Church for generations. Our own limitations, delays, or hardships can be reframed as God-given opportunities to serve, witness, and grow. The question is not whether we face obstacles, but how we allow God to use them for His purposes in and through us.
5. The Unfinished Story and Our Ongoing Mission Acts ends abruptly, not because the story is over, but because the mission continues through us. We are invited to see ourselves as part of the ongoing narrative of God’s work in the world—living, giving, praying, and serving as the Church until Christ returns. Our participation in missions, both locally and globally, is not about meeting quotas or obligations, but about joining the Spirit’s movement, asking, listening, and obeying as He leads us into the next chapter of His unfolding story.

Bible Study Guide

**Bible Study Discussion Guide: Acts 28:11-31 – The Unfinished Story**

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### Bible Reading

- **Acts 28:11-31**

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### Observation Questions

When Paul arrived in Rome, how did the local believers respond to his arrival, and what effect did their actions have on him?
What was Paul’s approach to sharing the gospel with the Jewish leaders in Rome? How did he use the Scriptures in his explanation?
According to the passage, what were the different responses to Paul’s message about Jesus?
While under house arrest, what opportunities did Paul have for ministry, and how did he use his situation to continue spreading the gospel?

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### Interpretation Questions

Why might Christian fellowship, even among strangers, be such a powerful encouragement and witness, especially in times of hardship or transition?
What does Paul’s method of patiently and thoroughly explaining the gospel teach about how we should share our faith in a culture where many people are unfamiliar with the Bible?
The passage shows that the gospel message often divides people—some accept it, others reject it. What does this reveal about our responsibility in sharing the gospel, and how should we respond when people don’t believe?
How does Paul’s example of using his limitations (house arrest) as opportunities for ministry challenge the way we view our own obstacles or setbacks?

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### Application Questions

The believers in Rome went out of their way to welcome and encourage Paul, even though they had never met him. Is there someone in your church or community who could use encouragement or support right now? What is one specific thing you could do for them this week?
Paul took time to clearly and patiently explain the gospel, meeting people where they were. Think of someone in your life who doesn’t know much about Jesus or the Bible. What would it look like to patiently and clearly share your faith with them, even if it takes time and repetition?
The gospel message brought both acceptance and rejection. Have you ever felt discouraged when someone rejected your faith or message about Jesus? How can Paul’s example help you stay faithful and hopeful in those moments?
Paul’s house arrest became a platform for new ministry opportunities. Is there a limitation, delay, or hardship in your life right now that could be reframed as an opportunity for God to work through you? What might that look like in practice?
The book of Acts ends abruptly, reminding us that the story of the Church continues through us. In what ways do you see yourself as part of God’s ongoing mission? Is there a next step—big or small—that you sense God calling you to take?
The sermon challenged us to support global missions—not out of guilt, but out of love and obedience. How do you personally feel about giving, praying, or going to support missions? Is there a specific way you can participate in God’s mission this month?
The call was to ask, listen, and obey as God leads. When was the last time you intentionally asked God what He wanted you to do, waited for His answer, and then obeyed? What might it look like to practice this rhythm in your daily life?

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Sermon Quotes

The book of Acts isn’t just a biography of Paul—it’s the story of how the good news about Jesus spread from 120 people in Jerusalem to a faith practiced across the Roman empire and beyond. The mission Jesus assigned to the church isn’t finished yet.

Christian fellowship means loving people you’ve never met simply because you share an identity in Christ. The early believers in Rome welcomed Paul, a stranger, as a brother. What a testimony to the world of true belonging!

Paul didn’t see house arrest or delays as obstacles to ministry, but as opportunities. Even with a Roman guard at his side, he kept preaching, teaching, and welcoming anyone who would listen. Our circumstances don’t have to limit our impact.

We live in a time when basic knowledge of the Bible isn’t common. We must patiently and clearly explain the gospel, giving people a framework for faith, and trust the Holy Spirit to draw hearts to Christ.

The same sun that melts the ice also hardens the clay. When people hear the gospel, some are moved and changed, while others become more resistant. Our job is to faithfully share, not to control the outcome.

Sometimes, the things that challenge our beliefs are exactly what we need to hear. We must ask the Holy Spirit to soften our hearts, open our eyes, and unplug our ears to the truth—not just once, but continually.

Paul’s story reminds us: the gospel is for everyone. Jesus came not just for one people or another, but because God so loved the world. The invitation is open to all who will listen and believe.

The book of Acts ends, but the story of the Church continues. We are living the next chapter, pointing those around us toward the risen Christ by how we live, love, and share the gospel.

Paul used every opportunity—even being chained—to talk about Jesus. He saw each new guard as a captive audience. What if we saw every situation in our lives as a chance to share hope?

As we ask, listen, and obey God’s leading, may our giving and our living be driven by love, not guilt or compulsion. Waiting on the Lord and following where he leads is the heart of true discipleship.

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2025-11-30_Acts_28_11-31.docx

Devotional

Day 1: Hospitality as frontline gospel witness and encouragement

Day 2: Scripture-shaped conversations change hearts through steady patience

Day 3: The gospel divides; faithfulness, not fruit, measures obedience

Day 4: Chains widen horizons: hardships become unexpected ministry openings

Day 5: The story continues: the church carries Acts forward

Sermon Summary

Key Takeaways

Bible Study Guide

Sermon Quotes

Chatbot

2025-11-30_Acts_28_11-31.docx

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