Fulfill the Mission - Acts 27-28

Acts 28:17-22 (ESV)

Paul in Rome

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.”

In the above verses we read about Paul's sixth defense of his message.  He called the Jewish leaders together not because he thought "this would be the time" they would listen.  But each time he defended himself someone became a believer.  In fact, he knew some of them would not listen.  This entire book of Acts ends with Paul quoting Isaiah 6:9-10 about the hearts of the people rejecting God’s word and their own Messiah.   But, that does not dissuade Paul in his service for Christ.  It does not cause he to cast away his purpose and mission to proclaim Christ.  In our society results really matter to us.   Men and women are always looking to check off the proverbial box at the end of the day.   We like to accomplish something and we like to have tangible evidence of those accomplishments.  However, Paul did not always see that evidence.   But, in each case, one or two or a handful of people would come to Christ.   But, most of the time he would preach and not see the results others might expect.  It is interesting that the book of Acts begins with Peter preaching and 3,000 come to Christ and then 5,000 come to Christ.   The book ends with Paul preaching (a far greater influence in the Christian Church) and a handful come to Christ and most of the Jewish leaders walk away.   Yet, the movement of Christianity changed the world.  Christ being preached changed the world.   Paul was simply faithful to the end to preach the name of Christ to anyone who would hear. Imagine that Roman guard assigned to watch over him each day.  We wonder how he heard that message every day.   Paul’s mission was to preach Christ.   God’s mission was to turn hearts.  Paul knew His place and was faithful to the end.   History does not tell us for certainty that Paul would die in Rome, but that is the most likely scenario.   Most historians would say that Paul died at the hands of the Roman Emperor, Nero, when he purged Rome of those who proclaimed Christ.   But, to the end, we read that Paul was faithful to proclaim Christ.   May that be all of our ending stories.