Opening: What would you like the final chapter of your life to read? What do you
hope people will say about you?
Scripture: Read Acts
28:1-31.
Insights:
- The snake incident is very interesting. Whereas those on-board ship with Paul saw the presence and felt the protection of God on him, the observers in the text are the people of Malta. They believed that Paul, shipwrecked from a prison ship, must be a criminal, and even though he escaped the sea, the snake would seal his fate. But nothing happens to him. And to this was Paul’s ministry of healing, and he made a major impression of the people.
- In Rome, Paul followed his usual pattern of beginning with the Jews then turning to all who would come and listen to his message. He spent spends two years in Rome in a home he rented with his own money. During this period, he wrote Colossians, Ephesians, Philippians, and Philemon.
- This first imprisonment came to a close with an acquittal, probably because no witnesses appeared against Paul. Again, he set out on yet another missionary, probably visiting western and eastern Europe and Asia Minor. During this period of freedom, he wrote 1 Timothy and Titus. However, we do not have all the specifics.
- The year of Paul’s release was also when Rome burned, which Nero attributed to the Christians. A fierce persecution now broke out against believers. At some point, Paul was seized again and sent back to Rome. During this imprisonment he wrote 2 Timothy, the last he ever wrote. Tradition records that appeared before Nero. The trial ended: Paul was condemned, and delivered over to the executioner. He was led out of the city and beheaded on the Ostian Road just outside of Rome. Nero died in June, 68 AD, so Paul must have been executed before that date, perhaps in the late spring of that year (or 67).
Life
Questions:
- 2 Timothy 4:6-8 records some of Paul’s final written words, and is in part his epitaph: “As for me, my life has already been poured out as an offering to God. The time of my death is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing.”[1] Are you prepared for the end of your life, either near or far? Are you fighting the good fight, finishing the race God gave you? Are you certain that a prize is waiting for you? If not, shouldn’t you be? And if not, maybe you should talk to Pastor Gary.
Prayer
Focus:
That we will run “the only race worth running. I've run hard right to the
finish, believed all the way. All that's left now is the shouting—God's
applause!”[2]
Note from Gary:
Thank you for devoting time to studying the Word of God. Acts is a powerful
book as we have studied the church and our mission field.
It has been
quite a journey these last two months. When I was inspired to begin this
project, little did I know how much time each week it would take – nearly 3
hours per day, or 20 hours per week. And while I have enjoyed studying and writing
and thus sharing my Spiritual Gift of Teaching, I cannot keep this up.
I want to
continue to offer a plan for reading and studying Scripture together. However, I
would scale back the material for each day to an introduction question, the
Scripture passage, a reflection question or two, and a prayer focus. I feel I
could cut out the “Insight” section, especially if you have a good study Bible
(if you need a recommendation, let me know).
I would
appreciate any feedback you might give. Was this beneficial to you? Would you
like to continue a reading plan that’s consistent throughout the church? Or you
are planning on returning to your previous reading plan? Did you use the
bulletin or the Blog? Please let me know. Email me.
