Continuing the Unfinished Story of the Gospel
Summary
As we gather at the close of our journey through the book of Acts, we reflect on the remarkable story of how God’s sovereign plan has unfolded through the earliest decades of the church. From the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost to the gospel’s arrival in the heart of Rome, we see a movement that is both unstoppable and deeply rooted in God’s faithfulness. The narrative of Acts is not just a historical account; it is a living hinge between the promises made to Israel and their fulfillment in the new community of Jesus. Through shipwrecks, trials, and unexpected detours, God’s purposes have prevailed, demonstrating that no obstacle—be it persecution, rejection, or even the indifference of empires—can halt the advance of the gospel.
Paul’s journey, culminating in his arrival at Rome, is a testament to God’s unwavering commitment to His promises. Despite years of hardship and uncertainty, Paul’s vision to reach Rome is fulfilled, not by his own strength, but by the guiding hand of the Lord. Along the way, we witness the power of hospitality, the importance of thankfulness, and the reality that the gospel’s progress often comes through both acceptance and rejection. The abrupt ending of Acts is intentional—it leaves the story open, inviting every follower of Jesus to step into the ongoing mission. The “next chapter” is not written by apostles alone, but by ordinary believers who, with boldness and faith, carry the message of Christ into their everyday lives.
This is a call to recognize that the story of Acts continues through us. The gospel moves forward not just in grand moments, but in the ordinary rhythms of life—through conversations, acts of kindness, and the courage to share our hope. Each of us is invited to participate, regardless of our weaknesses or fears. The only question is whether we are willing to step into the story, trusting that God’s power is made perfect in our availability. May we be a people who, like Paul, respond to God’s faithfulness with thankfulness, who persevere through rejection, and who boldly welcome others into the kingdom of God.
Key Takeaways
- God’s Sovereign Plan Prevails Despite Detours
The journey of Paul to Rome was marked by shipwrecks, delays, and unexpected hospitality, yet every obstacle became an opportunity for God’s faithfulness to shine. Divine detours are not signs of abandonment but invitations to trust in God’s larger story. Even when the path is unclear, God’s purposes are never thwarted, and His promises are always fulfilled in His timing. [41:52]
- Thankfulness is the Heart’s Magnet for God’s Mercies
Paul’s eruption of gratitude upon reaching Rome is a model for us to look back and recognize God’s provision, even in the smallest details. A thankful heart is attuned to the blessings that might otherwise go unnoticed, drawing out mercies like a magnet finds iron. Cultivating thankfulness transforms our perspective, enabling us to see God’s hand at work in every season of life. [43:08]
- The Gospel Advances Through Both Acceptance and Rejection
The spread of the gospel is not hindered by rejection; in fact, rejection is often the very soil in which the message takes deeper root. Paul’s experience in Rome, echoing Isaiah’s lament, reminds us that mixed responses are part of God’s design. Rather than being discouraged by resistance, we are called to persevere, knowing that God uses both open hearts and hardened ones to accomplish His mission. [49:14]
- Acts is an Unfinished Story—Continued Through Us
The abrupt ending of Acts is a purposeful invitation for every believer to pick up the narrative. The mission of Jesus is not confined to the first century but is ongoing, written in the lives of those who are willing to step forward in faith. Our ordinary interactions—at work, in homes, and in our communities—are the very places where the next chapters of Acts are being written today. [57:21]
- Boldness in the Everyday is the Mark of Gospel Continuation
The advance of the gospel does not require extraordinary platforms but is demonstrated in everyday faithfulness and hospitality. Paul’s ministry in a rented Roman apartment, welcoming all who came, shows that the kingdom of God grows through simple, bold acts of love and witness. Each of us is called to identify and overcome the one thing that holds us back, stepping into God’s story with courage and trust. [59:18]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[15:40] - Testimony: Serving Beyond Convenience
[16:14] - Opening Prayer for Availability
[17:39] - Announcements and Community Life
[19:59] - Daniel’s Update from Seminary
[21:18] - Prayer for Daniel and Family
[22:32] - Men’s Barbecue and Fellowship
[23:10] - Singing: Study to Show Thyself Approved
[25:02] - The Lord’s Prayer and Blessing
[25:43] - Reflecting on 34 Weeks in Acts
[27:02] - Acts as the Hinge Between Old and New
[29:43] - God’s Sovereign Plan and the Unstoppable Gospel
[30:59] - Shipwreck, Malta, and Divine Hospitality
[34:09] - Miracles and Healing on Malta
[36:02] - Arrival in Rome: God’s Faithfulness
[38:36] - Unexpected Hospitality and Fellowship
[41:52] - Paul’s Vision Fulfilled: Thankfulness
[45:34] - Building Bridges with the Jewish Community
[47:25] - Proclaiming the Kingdom: Acceptance and Rejection
[49:14] - The Role of Rejection in Gospel Advance
[55:25] - The Unfinished Ending of Acts
[57:21] - The Ongoing Story: Acts Continues Through Us
[59:18] - Everyday Boldness and Gospel Conversations
[01:02:19] - Prayer: Stepping Into the Next Chapter
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Acts – The Unfinished Story
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### Bible Reading
Acts 28:16-31 (ESV)
> 16 And when we came into Rome, Paul was allowed to stay by himself, with the soldier who guarded him.
> 17 After three days he called together the local leaders of the Jews, and when they had gathered, he said to them, “Brothers, though I had done nothing against our people or the customs of our fathers, yet I was delivered as a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans.
> 18 When they had examined me, they wished to set me at liberty, because there was no reason for the death penalty in my case.
> 19 But because the Jews objected, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar—though I had no charge to bring against my nation.
> 20 For this reason, therefore, I have asked to see you and speak with you, since it is because of the hope of Israel that I am wearing this chain.”
> 21 And they said to him, “We have received no letters from Judea about you, and none of the brothers coming here has reported or spoken any evil about you.
> 22 But we desire to hear from you what your views are, for with regard to this sect we know that everywhere it is spoken against.”
> 23 When they had appointed a day for him, they came to him at his lodging in greater numbers. From morning till evening he expounded to them, testifying to the kingdom of God and trying to convince them about Jesus both from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets.
> 24 And some were convinced by what he said, but others disbelieved.
> 25 And disagreeing among themselves, they departed after Paul had made one statement: “The Holy Spirit was right in saying to your fathers through Isaiah the prophet:
> 26 ‘Go to this people, and say,
> “You will indeed hear but never understand,
> and you will indeed see but never perceive.”
> 27 For this people's heart has grown dull,
> and with their ears they can barely hear,
> and their eyes they have closed;
> lest they should see with their eyes
> and hear with their ears
> and understand with their heart
> and turn, and I would heal them.’
> 28 Therefore let it be known to you that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will listen.”
> 30 He lived there two whole years at his own expense, and welcomed all who came to him,
> 31 proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance.
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### Observation Questions
1. What were some of the unexpected ways God provided for Paul and the gospel’s advance on his journey to Rome? ([30:59])
2. How did Paul respond when he finally arrived in Rome and met the believers there? What does the text say about his attitude? ([39:14])
3. When Paul shared the message about Jesus in Rome, what were the different responses from his listeners? ([49:14])
4. How does the book of Acts end, and what is unusual about its conclusion? ([56:42])
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think God allowed Paul to experience so many detours, hardships, and delays on his way to Rome? What might this teach us about God’s sovereignty and timing? ([41:52])
2. The sermon described thankfulness as a “magnet” for God’s mercies. Why is cultivating thankfulness important for recognizing God’s work in our lives? ([43:08])
3. Paul experienced both acceptance and rejection when sharing the gospel. What does this reveal about how God works through both open and closed doors? ([49:14])
4. The ending of Acts is abrupt and leaves many questions unanswered. Why might Luke have chosen to end the story this way, and what does it suggest about our role in God’s ongoing mission? ([57:21])
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### Application Questions
1. Think about a time when your plans were interrupted or you faced an unexpected detour. Looking back, can you see how God might have been at work in that situation? How did it affect your trust in Him? ([41:52])
2. Paul’s first response upon reaching Rome was to thank God and take courage. What are some small or big things in your life right now that you can thank God for, even if the journey has been hard? ([39:14])
3. The sermon said that thankfulness helps us notice God’s blessings, like a magnet finds iron. What is one practical way you can cultivate a more thankful heart this week? ([43:08])
4. When you think about sharing your faith, do you fear rejection or discouragement? How does Paul’s experience with both acceptance and rejection encourage or challenge you? ([49:14])
5. The book of Acts ends with Paul welcoming people into his home and sharing Jesus in everyday life. What are some ordinary places or situations in your week where you could be more intentional about showing hospitality or having gospel conversations? ([59:18])
6. The sermon asked, “What is the one thing stopping you from stepping into the story?” Take a moment to identify one fear, distraction, or obstacle that holds you back from participating in God’s mission. What is one step you can take to move past it? ([59:53])
7. Acts is described as an unfinished story that continues through us. What is one way you sense God inviting you to be part of His ongoing story this month? ([57:21])
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Close in prayer, asking God to help each person step into the next chapter of His story with boldness, thankfulness, and trust in His faithfulness.
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