Acts 28. Paul’s journey from Jerusalem to Caesarea to Malta and finally to Rome has been full of drama. Yet, as we have traced his journey in these final chapters of Acts, we have noted how God was faithful to him repeatedly. Through these extremely difficult days, God consistently gave Paul direction, protection, hope, and the courage to continue sharing boldly.

Paul finally arrived in Rome and found other Christians there, and Paul thanked God and took courage (28:15) from their presence. When times are tough and the journey is long, we too draw courage from our brothers and sisters in Christ!

Paul’s situation in Rome was not unpleasant. He rented his own dwelling space and was free to receive visitors. From morning till evening he expounded to them, testifying to the kingdom of God and trying to convince them about Jesus (28:23). He wrote many letters to other churches from Rome and our New Testament is richer for it.

He lived there two whole years at his own expense 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). What a wonderful summary statement of the ministry of the Apostle Paul – something we ourselves might aspire to! Paul was faithful to the mission task of the kingdom until his last days – preaching, teaching, and bearing witness to the work of God.

The Bible does not record the death of Paul. Early church historians note that Paul was beheaded (considered a more merciful death than crucifixion) at the order of the Roman emperor Nero or one of his subordinates. Paul’s martyrdom occurred shortly after much of Rome burned in a fire in July 64 AD. Nero blamed the fire on Christians and this catastrophe ushered in an era of persecution of Christians in the Roman Empire. There is a beautiful church in Rome named the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls (link) that is considered the place of his martyrdom, and pilgrims can come and pray on the gravesite of Paul still today.

As we finish the book of Acts today, let us give thanks for the life and ministry of the Apostle Paul. May we draw encouragement from God’s hand in his life, and may we be as faithful as he was in proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ to all who come to us.

Tomorrow’s readings begin with Colossians 1.