THE EARLY CHURCH - House Arrest in Rome

Read Acts 25:1-12; 28:16-31

     Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God- the gospel he promised beforehand through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures…To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 1:1–2, 7 NIV

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     The church at Rome grew from the nucleus of Jews who believed the gospel during the feast of Pentecost in Jerusalem. At the time Paul wrote this letter to the Roman church, he was in Corinth and had not yet been to Rome. This inspired letter contains very concise doctrinal teaching for both the Jews and Gentiles who made up the church.

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     Paul had been on three missionary journeys preaching the gospel to those who had not yet heard which he believed was his primary calling. He wrote, “I myself am convinced, my brothers, that you yourselves are full of goodness, complete in knowledge and competent to instruct one another. I have written you quite boldly on some points, as if to remind you of them again…” (Romans 15:14-15a) He then tells them that he is going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to him there, but he hopes he will be able to come to Rome after he delivers a gift to the believers there.

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     Later in Jerusalem, Paul was arrested for preaching the gospel and taken before the authorities, where he claimed his rights as a Roman citizen. Because he appealed to Caesar, he was taken to Rome, where the authorities allowed him to live in his own rented house under a guard. 

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     Three days after his arrival, he called together the leaders of the Jews. From morning till evening he explained and declared to them the kingdom of God and tried to convince them about Jesus from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets. Some were convinced by what he said, but others would not believe. Acts 28:23b-24 NIV

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     When the unbelieving Jews left him, rejecting the message, Paul said, "Therefore I want you to know that God's salvation has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will listen!" (Acts 28:28) and so it was that the church in Rome grew through the ministry of a preacher confined to his house.

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     Lord, I praise You that your plan for reaching men and women is not limited to our efforts and vision for the future. What a wonderful thing that the apostle Paul, under house arrest, was still able to preach the gospel to all who came to him. Help me to remember that it is still Your Holy Spirit who draws men, women and children to You.

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     For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. Boldly and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ. Acts 28:30-31 NIV