The Spread of Paul's Ministry and the Advancement of Christ' Kingdom

Acts 28:30-31, "And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him, 31Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him."

The Apostle Paul faced many obstacles during his earthly ministry for Christ.  He often faced adversity because he was determined to preach and promote Jesus Christ.  Satan, and the religious Jews, particularly despised his efforts.  Paul was determined to take the Gospel to as many places as humanly possible, and Rome was no exception.  He appealed to Caesar in defense of his ministry and actions.  God blessed him during his incarceration.    During the trip to Rome, the centurion charged with guarding Paul, Julius by name, "...courteously entreated Paul, and gave him liberty to go unto his friends to refresh himself." (Acts 27:3).  Although suffering shipwreck, the lives of Paul and everyone on board the ship were spared, and God had promised such would be the case (Acts 27:23-25)  Paul was granted opportunities that all of us would agree had to be privileges afforded him by the Lord.  Once he was settled in Rome we read Acts 28:30-31,  "And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him, 31Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him."  This time was productive as we read in Philippians 4:22, "All the saints salute you, chiefly they that are of Caesar's household."  Paul's ministry had advanced the cause of Christ into the very hallways where Caesar himself, the most powerful man in the world in his day, lived and did business.  

Paul was intent upon doing the work of God, and would not allow obstacles or adversity to stand in his way.  I pray that I will have the same determination and desire as that which motivated the Apostle.  "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord." (1 Corinthians 15:58)

Your Friend and His,

-- 

Pastor Mike Abbott