God had promised that Paul would preach in Rome (23:11). After a convoluted and difficult (but fruitful) journey, he finally arrives there. It seems that the Jews of Jerusalem had dropped their flimsy case (knowing it would make things worse for them). In fact, no bad reports had preceded his arrival at all. Moreover, the local Jewish leaders organise a meeting at which Paul is to share his message. This final chapter of Acts is showing us that nothing can hinder the spread of the gospel. Nothing, that is, except the hard hearts of people. The movement of the Holy Spirit that we have been following through the story of Acts is like the flow of a great river. When it comes to great boulders, it just flows around them. They might cause turbulence, but they will never hinder the flow. So here in Rome, Paul encounters more hearts of stone, but there are always willing recipients. There is always a path for the river. Jesus quoted the same passage in Isaiah that Paul quotes here (Cf. Matthew 13:14-15 & Acts 28:26-27) when he bemoaned the hard-heartedness of many of his hearers. But, in the same context, Jesus also promised that the seed of God’s message, though it would often be rejected, would always find good soil, willing hearts (Matthew 13:1-9). Moreover, the Holy Spirit is able to transform hearts of stone into willing hearts of flesh (see Ezekiel 36:26). You are part of something unstoppable. So, follow Paul’s example: don’t be perturbed by obstacles and rejection. Be bold and keep sharing your faith!
Ask God to give you opportunities to share your faith.
Read Acts 28:11-31
