October 10, 2025 - Acts 27-28

Imprisoned in Rome, people began to come to Paul in ever greater numbers (28:23).  For two years, Paul was there “and welcomed all who came to him, proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance” (28:30,31).  It just strikes me that, though the enemies of the gospel did all they could to hinder the servant of the Lord and his message, still the gospel was preached.  And not only in Jerusalem, but all the way to Rome!  Sometimes, people will mention “Acts 29.”  Of course, there is no chapter 29 in Luke’s narrative.  The terminology is used to note the fact that the work of preaching the gospel and planting churches, which was done by Paul, the apostles, and the early churches, continues beyond the events of chapter 28.  In fact, there is even a church planting organization, today, called “The Acts 29 Network.”  Ups and downs.  Victories and defeats.  Great encouragements and great disappointments.  Friends and enemies.  Truth and false teaching.  Yet, the story continues unabated.  Let those who oppose the gospel, today, fight it.  Still, it will be preached to the ends of the earth!

See o’er the world wide open doors inviting,

Soldiers of Christ, arise and enter in!

Christians, awake! your forces all uniting,

Send forth the gospel, break the chains of sin.

God speed the day, when those of every nation

“Glory to God!” triumphantly shall sing;

Ransomed, redeemed, rejoicing in salvation,

Shout Hallelujah, for the Lord is King.   -- James McGranahan (1886)