Dear Missionary Lady,
Greetings in the name of the God who so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him will not perish but will have eternal life.
The apostle Paul had an amazing ministry of spreading the Gospel. How many cities did he visit? How many synagogues did he speak in? How many crowds heard his message? How many individuals, from the most insignificant to the highest rulers, listened to his testimony? How many miles did he travel for the gospel? How many churches did he start? How many leaders did he train?
God used these aspects of Paul’s ministry to spread the Gospel far and wide and to advance His kingdom. But what happened when Paul was under house arrest in Rome? Having appealed to Caesar, he was left waiting for his accusers to arrive. He spent two years in this fashion, trapped in a house, unable to travel – his Gospel ministry sadly finished.
No, no, no! That’s what man might think. But look what happened instead! Paul “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” (Acts 28:30-31).
Paul had complete freedom for the Gospel. He was still able to teach and preach. His message was still the kingdom of God. He still talked all about Jesus. This was probably one of the safest times of Paul’s entire ministry. He faced no threats or opposition but was able to speak freely.
To whom did Paul minister during this time? His friends (fellow believers and servants of God) were able to visit him, allowing Paul to train and encourage them, as well as send them out in ministry (Philippians 2:19,23,25; 4:18). This is when Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians were written, giving instruction and encouragement to churches from that time until now. He apparently had influence on the soldiers who were guarding him (Philippians 4:22). He somehow came into contact with various unregenerated people, including an escaped slave, who was saved and returned to serve his master (Philemon 1:10).
Acts 28:17-29 gives a little vignette of what Paul’s imprisonment ministry looked like. Only three days after his house arrest started, he had a group of people visit him. This was a very influential group, “the chief of the Jews” (v. 17). Paul explained why he was there: although he was innocent, the Jews in Jerusalem had risen against him.
As the Jews from Jerusalem had not arrived, Paul was left to speak to the Jews from Rome. These Jews opened the door wide by admitting their ignorance of the charges and then creating an opportunity through their curiosity. “We desire to hear of thee what thou thinkest: for as concerning this sect, we know that every where it is spoken against” (v. 22).
These words were music to Paul’s ears. They decided on a day, and “there came many to him into his lodging” (v. 23). Paul was the captive, but he had a captive audience. To this large group, “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” (v. 23). It was an all-day Gospel seminar.
What was the result? “Some believed the things which were spoken, and some believed not” (v. 24). Just like everywhere else. Just like always. Some rejected the message, but some believed! Sure, there was some disappointment over the ones who did not believe, but Paul understood the reality of unbelief (vs. 25-27).
Even this was not the end of the story. The mixed reaction from the Jews led to two outcomes. The first was this insight from Paul: “Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and THAT THEY WILL HEAR IT” (v. 28). This was not just a hope on Paul’s part. He knew it! God had said that He would turn His attention primarily to the Gentiles. Onesimus was just one of the many that Paul reached even during this time of imprisonment.
The second lingering impact involved the Jews. When the men left Paul, “they agreed not among themselves” (v. 25). When Jews don’t agree with each other, what do they do? They argue. So even though they had left Paul’s house, the discussion continued. “The Jews departed, and had great reasoning among themselves” (v. 29). This was more than just five minutes on the way home; it was an involved and prolonged discussion. The impact of the Gospel message continued. Paul may not have known it, but it is likely that there were additional converts among the ones who originally “believed not.”
This final section of the book of Acts provides great encouragement about God’s work. God can do His work even when it seems like doors of ministry have closed and epochs of ministry have ended. God can use us as much in our years of limitation as He did in our years of energy and initiative. God can send us people who are curious or even those who didn’t even realize they were seeking. God can use the impact of our ministry long after our contact with the people involved.
This final section also provides great prayer requests, which is how it initially struck me regarding you. What great things to pray for! May God grant that many would desire to hear of you what you think regarding this “sect.” May God grant that some would believe. May God grant among unbelievers that discussion would continue. May God enable you to preach the kingdom of God and teach regarding Jesus with all confidence and freedom. God bless.
Love in Christ,
Peggy Holt
member at Open Door Baptist Church in Lebanon, PA
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