WEDNESDAY - September 23

Read. Acts 28:17-31

17 Three days later, Paul called the Jewish leaders together. When they gathered, he said, “Brothers, although I have done nothing against our people or the customs of our ancestors, I’m a prisoner from Jerusalem. They handed me over to the Romans,18 who intended to release me after they examined me, because they couldn’t find any reason for putting me to death. 19 When the Jews objected, I was forced to appeal to Caesar. Don’t think I appealed to Caesar because I had any reason to bring charges against my nation. 20 This is why I asked to see you and speak with you: it’s because of the hope of Israel that I am bound with this chain.”

21 They responded, “We haven’t received any letters about you from Judea, nor have any of our brothers come and reported or said anything bad about you.22 But we think it’s important to hear what you think, for we know that people everywhere are speaking against this faction.”

23 On the day scheduled for this purpose, many people came to the place where he was staying. From morning until evening, he explained and testified concerning God’s kingdom and tried to convince them about Jesus through appealing to the Law from Moses and the Prophets. 24 Some were persuaded by what he said, but others refused to believe. 25 They disagreed with each other and were starting to leave when Paul made one more statement: “The Holy Spirit spoke correctly when he said to your ancestors through Isaiah the prophet,

26 Go to this people and say:
You will hear, to be sure, but never understand;
    and you will certainly see but never recognize what you are seeing.
27 This people’s senses have become calloused,
    and they’ve become hard of hearing,
    and they’ve shut their eyes
        so that they won’t see with their eyes
        or hear with their ears
        or understand with their minds,
            and change their hearts and lives that I may heal them.[a]

28 “Therefore, be certain of this: God’s salvation has been sent to the Gentiles. They will listen!”[b]
Paul’s ministry in Rome30 Paul lived in his own rented quarters for two full years and welcomed everyone who came to see him.31 Unhindered and with complete confidence, he continued to preach God’s kingdom and to teach about the Lord Jesus Christ.

Reflect. This passage marks the end of Acts. If you have been following the daily readings, this means that you have read and studied the entire book of Acts. In this passage, Paul has another encounter with his Jewish accusers, and again shares the story of what God has been doing through him. 

• In the end, Paul ends up as a prisoner under house arrest. He doesn’t let his restricted status hold him back from doing what God has called him to do. Even at home, Paul is able to share the message of Jesus with all who cross his path. This is in keeping with God’s promise to Paul in 23:11, when God told Paul that he will testify in Rome about the goodness of Jesus. 
• Paul is under house arrest, yet God still has a plan for him. Regardless of your circumstances, God has a plan for you. Take a moment to reflect on God’s presence with you. How do you see God present in your circumstances? What plan do you think God might have for you? 
• Also, Reflect on reading through Acts. What have you learned through this study? How has God blessed your life or changed your heart through this deep and daily study?

Pray. Lord, during the hard times you gave Paul a clear purpose. Help me to have a clear vision of your desire for my life. Amen. 

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Doug Lawson. Bobby Roberts. Collier. Glenn Ethridge. Adam Funderburk.  Mary Reber.  Linda Harmon. Betty Carolyn Ward. Jeff. Albert Rasanke. Lois Robinson. Ross Henley. Tiny & Donald Creasman. Bill and Barbara Buchanan. Bonnie Brenner. Baker Family. Robert McKenzie Family. Kibler family. Carolyn Harlow. Jeff Green. Earl Graves. Mickey Huff. Huff & Welch families. Helen Leigh. Paul Huffman. Schools, Teachers, Staff, Parents, Students. Church regathering plans. Layman family. Charlene Withrow. Brandon Casteel. Dirk Orr family. Smith family. Crowder family. Lillard family. Family of Floyd Eaton. Family of Eddie Rynes. Robertson Family. Harmon Family.