Conclusions

Good morning all,
I'm sorry I've been off schedule the last few days. Today I'm back at home and hopefully back on schedule sending these out in the morning. Today's reading is the end of Acts. Yesterday Paul arranged a meeting with the Jewish leaders in Rome. Today he holds that meeting and explains his faith that Jesus is the Messiah. As usual, he backs up that claim with scripture, both from the Law (the first five books of the Bible) and the prophets. We're told that some believe Paul and others do not. As has happened in the past when faced with unbelief Paul tells the people that he will take the message to the gentiles. The same line of thinking also plays a role in Paul's letters.

For Paul a big part of the reason many Jews don't believe is to give gentiles an opportunity to hear the good news. As a Christian of mostly gentile descent, I'm grateful that God sent his word to everyone and not just to his first love, the people of Israel. The truth is that God loves everyone and wants everyone to have the welcome and grace he offers in Jesus. Paul proclaimed that good news to many, offering new life to all kinds of people in his time. As we see here, he continued that work after the Book of Acts closes. We continue that work today, so that those who feel lost and hopeless will know that God loves them.

Blessings,
Sam

Acts 28:23-31
23After they had set a day to meet with him, they came to him at his lodgings in great numbers. From morning until evening he explained the matter 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. 24Some were convinced by what he had said, while others refused to believe. 25So they disagreed with each other; and as they were leaving, Paul made one further statement: “The Holy Spirit was right in saying to your ancestors through the prophet Isaiah, 26‘Go to this people and say, You will indeed listen, but never understand, and you will indeed look, but never perceive. 27For this people’s heart has grown dull, and their ears are hard of hearing, and they have shut their eyes; so that they might not look with their eyes, and listen with their ears, and understand with their heart and turn— and I would heal them.’ 28Let it be known to you then that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will listen.”
30He lived there two whole years at his own expense and welcomed all who came to him, 31proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance.