Bible Reading
Acts 28 “After three months we set sail in a ship that had wintered in the island, a ship of Alexandria, with the twin gods as a figurehead. Putting in at Syracuse, we stayed there for three days. And from there we made a circuit and arrived at Rhegium. And after one day a south wind sprang up, and on the second day we came to Puteoli. There we found brothers and were invited to stay with them for seven days. And so we came to Rome. And the brothers there, when they heard about us, came as far as the Forum of Appius and Three Taverns to meet us. On seeing them, Paul thanked God and took courage. When we came into Rome, Paul was allowed to stay by himself, with the soldier who guarded him. 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. When they had examined me, they wished to set me at liberty, because there was no reason for the death penalty in my case. But because the Jews objected, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar—though I had no charge to bring against my nation. 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.' 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. 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.' 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. And some were convinced by what he said, but others disbelieved. 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: "Go to this people, and say, You will indeed hear but never understand, and you will indeed see but never perceive. 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." Therefore let it be known to you that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will listen.' He lived there two whole years at his own expense, and welcomed all who came to him, proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance.”
[29:21]Philippians 1:12-14 “I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ. And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.”
[37:42]Colossians 4:2-6 “Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison—that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak. Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.”
[53:16]Observation questions
- What details in Acts 28 show that Paul arrived in Rome under real limitations, even though God had brought him to the city he longed to visit? [36:06]
- How did Paul use his house arrest to continue making Christ known, and who was affected by his witness according to Acts 28 and Philippians 1:12–14? [37:42]
- When Paul first met the Jewish leaders in Rome, what words and actions showed his desire to begin with shared ground rather than accusation? [47:48]
- In Acts 28, what were the different responses to Paul’s message, and how does the chapter describe Paul’s ministry during his two years in Rome? [01:03:12]
Interpretation questions
- Paul had reached Rome, but he was still guarded and confined. What does his situation reveal about the difference between God fulfilling a promise and God making the path easy? [44:28]
- Philippians 1 says Paul’s imprisonment gave other believers greater courage to speak. Why might faithful endurance in a hard situation strengthen other Christians more than an easy success would?
- Paul listened, found common ground, and used the Law and the Prophets to explain Jesus. How does Colossians 4:2–6 help distinguish gracious, relatable speech from changing or weakening the truth? [53:16]
- Some people believed Paul while others rejected his message. How does knowing that God saves people, while believers are called to share faithfully, change the way a Christian understands rejection? [57:15]
Application questions
- What obstacle, disappointment, or delay is most tempting to view only as an interruption right now? What gospel opportunity, relationship, or act of faithfulness might still be present in the middle of it? [01:08:02]
- A straight path from God is not always a flat path. Where is the next faithful step clear, even if the road ahead still feels difficult? [44:55]
- Who is one person in a workplace, neighborhood, school, family, or regular activity with whom there may already be some shared ground? What is one simple question that could help start a genuine conversation with them?
- Are there Christian phrases or assumptions that may be confusing to someone who does not know Jesus? How can the group speak more clearly while still being honest about sin, grace, and the call to follow Christ? [49:40]
- Is there someone for whom repeated prayer and witness have become exhausting? How can remembering that sharing is the calling and saving is God’s work bring both comfort and fresh faithfulness? [58:15]
- Paul continued proclaiming Christ boldly even when he could not control the outcome or his circumstances. What would bold, patient faithfulness look like this week in one specific conversation, decision, or hardship? [01:03:35]
