THE APOSTLE BUILDS DYNAMIC CREDENTIALS ON THE TRIP INTO ROME
When the Apostle to the gentiles arrived in the capital city of the entire gentile world, he arrived with tremendous credibility and gravitas. God had allowed him to perform miracles and give divine advice to his shipmates during the stormy, dangerous trip to Rome. Paul had just made a strong witness in Jerusalem, the center of the Jewish world, and he was now about to make an even greater gospel witness in the center of the rest of the world. He started by warning them:
Acts 27:9-10, “Now when much time had been spent, and sailing was now dangerous because the Fast was already over, Paul advised them, 10 saying, 'Men, I perceive that this voyage will end with disaster and much loss, not only of the cargo and ship, but also our lives.'” (NKJV)
They had not yet learned to listen to his inspired advice. They continued the sea voyage and ran into a tremendous storm at sea.
Acts 27:21-23, “But after long abstinence from food, then Paul stood in the midst of them and said, ‘Men, you should have listened to me, and not have sailed from Crete and incurred this disaster and loss. 22 And now I urge you to take heart, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship. 23 For there stood by me this night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve,’”
After they ignored his warning and became hopelessly lost in a dark storm, Paul gained credibility by assuring them that his prayer for them will be answered. He instructed them as to what to do next and revealed that they would all be saved.
Acts 27:30-36, “And as the sailors were seeking to escape… 31 Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers, ‘Unless these men stay in the ship, you cannot be saved.’ 32 Then the soldiers cut away the ropes of the skiff and let it fall off…”
“33 And as day was about to dawn, Paul implored them all to take food, saying, ‘Today is the fourteenth day you have waited and continued without food, and eaten nothing. 34 Therefore I urge you to take nourishment…for your survival… 35 And when he had said these things, he took bread and gave thanks to God in the presence of them all; and when he had broken it he began to eat. 36 Then they were all encouraged, and also took food themselves.”
They were NOW following Paul's leadership. The prisoner was giving directions and the commander listened, and they all were encouraged thereby. All those onboard would be adding their voices to the stature of this apostle as he entered the center of the ancient world – Rome.
PAUL'S FINAL LEG OF THE TRIP BOOSTS HIS STATUS EVEN MORE
The prison ship was destroyed, but thanks to Paul all reached the shore of the Island Malta, near the boot of Italy, alive. Then God added to Paul's status more miracles.
Acts 28:4-6, “So when the natives saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, “No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he has escaped the sea, yet justice does not allow to live.” 5 But he shook off the creature into the fire and suffered no harm. 6 However, they were expecting that he would swell up or suddenly fall down dead. But after they had looked for a long time and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds and said that he was a god.”(KJV)
The apostle would enter Rome with a legend of him defying death-dealing vipers – wow! These superstitious gentiles believed in many gods and were eager to welcome one. Paul, of course, told them the truth but the miracles proved that Paul the Apostle was clearly in touch with God. Paul would receive quite the welcome.
Acts 28:13-14, “And from thence we fetched a compass, and came to Rhegium: and after one day the south wind blew, and we came the next day to Puteoli: 14 Where we found brethren, and were desired to tarry with them seven days: and so we went toward Rome.”
As the ship approached the city of Rome and stopped, probably for supplies, believers flocked to meet this apostle to the gentiles. Where did these believers in Jesus of Nazareth come from since Paul had not yet begun his ministry in Rome or its vicinity? No doubt Jews and Jewish proselytes who had attended the Feast of Tabernacles or Pentecost at Jerusalem were persuaded of the truth. They then returned home to Rome and other nearby towns and would later read Paul's letter to the Romans. That epistle solidified and strengthened these believers. Julius, the commander, allowed them to spend the week with Paul out of respect and gratitude.
Acts 28:15, “And from thence, when the brethren heard of us, they came to meet us as far as Appii forum, and The Three Taverns: whom when Paul saw, he thanked God, and took courage.”
Paul received more of the same treatment from believers eager to learn from this ambassador of Christ.
PAUL PREACHES AT ROME UNDER IMPERIAL GUARD PROTECTION
He arrived in Rome and did not have to wait for his trial for two years in a dirty jail cell.
Acts 28:16, “And when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard: but Paul was suffered to dwell by himself with a soldier that kept him.”
What an opportunity this was for the gospel to be delivered to the world from Rome in a protected place. Mobs would not dare try to storm a house protected by the Imperial Guard. This home was large enough to hold a reasonable crowd, note:
Acts 28:17-19, “And it came to pass, that after three days Paul called the chief of the Jews together: and when they were come together, he said unto them, Men and brethren, though I have committed nothing against the people, or customs of our fathers, yet was I delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans. 18 Who, when they had examined me, would have let me go, because there was no cause of death in me. 19 But when the Jews spake against it, I was constrained to appeal unto Caesar…”
The leadership of the Jewish people in Jerusalem wanted Paul murdered. Why? Because he had too much impact. He converted more people and got more attention than the other Apostles. But note that he was not against anything in the Old Testament.
Acts 9:26-31, “And when Saul had come to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples; but they were all afraid of him, and did not believe that he was a disciple. 27 But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. And he declared to them how he had seen the Lord on the road, and that He had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus. 28 So he was with them at Jerusalem, coming in and going out. 29 And he spoke boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus and disputed against the Hellenists, but they attempted to kill him. 30 When the brethren found out, they brought him down to Caesarea and sent him out to Tarsus. 31 Then the churches throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and were edified…” (NKJV)
It is not just what you proclaim but what status you have when you do it. Paul carried great status among the Jewish people. Further, Paul also had extensive power from Christ. Paul continued his message to the leaders among those who worshiped the true God.
Acts 28:22-23, “‘But we desire to hear from you what you think; for concerning this sect, we know that it is spoken against everywhere.’ 23 So when they had appointed him a day, many came to him at his lodging, to whom he explained and solemnly testified of the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus from both the Law of Moses and the Prophets, from morning till evening.”
He brought the gospel of the resurrection of the Messiah and our future glory to large numbers who could all fit into this somewhat large rental house. We can assume Paul spoke to large and small groups for his entire two years in Rome before being acquitted and going on to Spain. This apostle got results and converted those called.
Acts 28:24, “And some were persuaded by the things which were spoken, and some disbelieved.”
He probably converted some of the imperial guard in Caesar’s employment who were assigned to guard him as well.
Acts 28:30-31, “Then Paul dwelt two whole years in his own rented house, and received all who came to him, 31 preaching the kingdom of God and teaching the things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ with all confidence, NO ONE forbidding him.”
Philippians 4:22, “All the saints greet you, but especially those who are of Caesar'shousehold.
PAUL TURNED THE WORLD AWAY FROM PAGANISM TOWARD THE TRUE GOD WHEN HE MADE A GREAT IMPACT IN ROME.
ISSUES: WILL WE EVER HAVE ANOTHER PAUL BEFORE THE TWO WITNESSES?
