2. The Unfinished Story The Unfinished Story Acts: The Unfinished Story of the Church Series [50] Acts 28:17-31 April 28, 2013 Pastor Paul K. Kim

3. ROME AT LAST: PAUL’S MINISTRY IN ROME AND BEYOND 1) Tirelessly sharing ABOUT JESUS (vs. 17-23): Paul preached the gospel to the Jews first in Rome. 17 After three days he called together the local leaders of the Jews, and when they had gathered, he said to them, “Brothers, though I had done nothing against our people or the customs of our fathers, yet I was delivered as a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans. 18 When they had examined me, they wished to set me at liberty, because there was no reason for the death penalty in my case. 19 But because the Jews objected, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar—though I had no charge to bring against my nation. 20 For this reason, therefore, I have asked to see you and speak with you, since it is because of the hope of Israel that I am wearing this chain.” (vs. 17-20)

4. ROME AT LAST: PAUL’S MINISTRY IN ROME AND BEYOND 1) Tirelessly sharing ABOUT JESUS (vs. 17-23): Paul preached the gospel to the Jews first in Rome. 21 And they said to him, “We have received no letters from Judea about you, and none of the brothers coming here has reported or spoken any evil about you. 22 But we desire to hear from you what your views are, for with regard to this sect we know that everywhere it is spoken against.” 23 When they had appointed a day for him, they came to him at his lodging in greater numbers. From morning till evening he expounded to them, testifying to the kingdom of God and trying to convince them about Jesus both from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets. (vs. 21-23)  Paul first called the Jews not only defend himself but also to share the gospel of Christ.  This was Paul’s relentless mission in life wherever he went.  We are to follow his example in his focused commitment to be a witness for Christ (1:8).

5. ROME AT LAST: PAUL’S MINISTRY IN ROME AND BEYOND 2) Decisively TURNING FROM THE UNRECEPTIVE TO THE RECEPTIVE (vs. 24-28): After the Jews’ unresponsiveness to the gospel, Paul turned to the Gentiles. 24 And some were convinced by what he said, but others disbelieved. 25 And disagreeing among themselves, they departed after Paul had made one statement: “The Holy Spirit was right in saying to your fathers through Isaiah the prophet: 26 “‘Go to this people, and say, “You will indeed hear but never understand, and you will indeed see but never perceive.” 27 For this people's heart has grown dull, and with their ears they can barely hear, and their eyes they have closed; (vs. 24-27a)

6. ROME AT LAST: PAUL’S MINISTRY IN ROME AND BEYOND 2) Decisively TURNING FROM THE UNRECEPTIVE TO THE RECEPTIVE (vs. 24-28): After the Jews’ unresponsiveness to the gospel, Paul turned to the Gentiles. lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their heart and turn, and I would heal them.’ 28 Therefore let it be known to you that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will listen.” (vs. 27b-28)  The Jews’ responses, as usual, were mixed: some believed but most rejected Paul’s gospel.  Paul quotes Isaiah 6 to explain the fruit of their unbelief.  Like Paul, we ought to do our part in evangelism and turn to the responsive for the gospel.

7. ROME AT LAST: PAUL’S MINISTRY IN ROME AND BEYOND 3) Boldly continuing THE WORK OF THE GOSPEL (vs. 30-31): Paul even in Rome and beyond continued the work of the gospel. 30 He lived there two whole years at his own expense, and welcomed all who came to him, 31 proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance. (vs. 30-31)  Paul’s house arrest created new opportunities for the gospel.  Paul’s ministry was with all boldness and without hindrance.  After two years, Paul was released; he continued to preach the gospel (some say he reached Spain)—he was recaptured and tradition tells us that he was beheaded around 67 A.D.  The open-ended closing of Acts by Luke was intentional—the story is unfinished and continues with the church now.

8. RECAP: KEY LESSONS FROM THE BOOK OF ACTS The Holy Spirit 1)True Christianity is marked by the power and work of the Holy Spirit (1:8; 2:1-13; 13:4). 2)The work of the Holy Spirit applies the gospel/salvation on us, unifies us in tangibly fervent love, cleanses us by the fear of the LORD, gifts us for ministry, empowers us to be Christ’s witnesses to all peoples (2:38; 4:32-36; 13:4; 19:6; 6:3; 1:8). 3)Key to the power and work of the Holy Spirit in and through us is prayer and utter dependence on the Spirit’s leading. (1:14; 4:23-31; 15:28; 16:10-18).

9. RECAP: KEY LESSONS FROM THE BOOK OF ACTS The Church 1)The church is God’s people— inclusive of all kinds of people—as a spiritual family as brothers and sisters brought in by the Holy Spirit (2:38; 8:17; 10:44). 2)True Christian church is marked by four essentials: (1) teaching of the Word, (2) loving for one another tangibly in community life, (3) worshipping together as a spiritual community, (4) evangelizing the world as the ongoing impact (2:42-47). 3)The church faces spiritual battles within and without—in all this, we are to seek the wisdom and leading of the Spirit in unity, sound doctrine/discernment, and perseverance in suffering (5:1-11; 6:1-7; 11:1-18; 15:1-35; 5:41– 42; 7:54–60).

10. RECAP: KEY LESSONS FROM THE BOOK OF ACTS The Gospel 1)An essential component of the gospel is the resurrection (not just the suffering and death) of Jesus Christ as the promised Messiah and it calls for a call for repentance and faith universally (1:22; 2:22–38; 17:30–31). 2)The church exists to spread the gospel locally and globally to the end of the earth (1:8; 6:7; 9:31; 12:24; 16:5; 19:20; 28:30-31). 3)The gospel is the life of the church—we must not only believe and share the message of the gospel but also live out the power of the gospel as the essential part of our mission (2:47; 4:13-17, 32-36; 5:11; 24:16; 26:31-32; 27:21-26).

11. THREE PRACTICAL QUESTIONS FOR OUR EVERYDAY LIFE 1.What is my first step in applying Paul’s example of tireless sharing of the gospel with boldness? 2.How can I participate in the unfinished story in my lifetime? 3.What is the most impactful lesson from the book of Acts for me—concerning the true Christianity? What will I do about it?