December 10, Acts 28
Dearest wife, Greetings from the capital. I am in good health, and hope that you are as well. My present duty is neither dangerous nor demanding. I am in charge of Paul, a Jewish prisoner who is a Roman citizen. He has been in custody for several years, with no apparent reason for his confinement.
He came to Rome with a centurion named Julius and other prisoners who survived a shipwreck on Malta. While there, he was unharmed by a viper bite, which led the barbarians to think him first a murderer, then a god. Julius also said that Paul healed sick people by touching them and praying to his God. When they resumed their journey in the spring, Paul was glad to meet people along the way he called his brothers and sisters. They were not his actual family, but were somehow connected through their belief about one named Jesus.
After arriving here, he met with local Jewish leaders. He claimed to be innocent, and said he had to appeal to Caesar to remain in protective custody after some conflict with Jews. He says he is in chains because of the hope of Israel. The Jews here knew nothing about the past conflicts, but had heard of Paul’s sect, and were eager to hear his teaching.
Paul spent a full day teaching about a kingdom of God and Jesus being the Messiah predicted by Jewish Scriptures. Some of the Jews believed, but others didn’t. Paul said a prophet had predicted their rejection. But he seems to have a great passion for the Jews, and is saddened by their unbelief.
His days are full. He is able to pay for a place to live, and I am his guard. He talks to all his guests about the kingdom of God and the lordship of Jesus. He even writes letters to others scattered across our great empire who share his faith about how they should live. One of his companions is his physician, a Greek who seems to be writing some historical account of the life of Jesus and the spread of this movement.
Wife, this man intrigues me. His body shows the scars of beatings, but there is an indomitable spirit within him, something that no whipping or stoning or shipwreck can diminish. His wrists and ankles are calloused from his bonds, but his eyes show that something within him cannot be bound. Though he has been imprisoned without reason for a long time, he is full of joy and peace. My duty leaves me little choice but to listen, but I am secretly hungry to know what he knows and believe what he believes. Paul says that this salvation he speaks of is for Gentiles like us as well as Jews, and that Gentiles are more receptive than Jews. I am a soldier in Caesar’s army, but when I learn more about this king Jesus, I will share it with you. Until then, I remain your faithful husband. Farewell.
From The Abiding Companion: A Friendly Guide for Your Journey Through the New Testament,
Copyright © 2010 by Michael B. McElroy. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Today in God's Word—December 2023
East Tallassee Church of Christ
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