Paul in Rome (Part 1)

Acts 28:16-22

“16 When we came into Rome, Paul was allowed to live by himself, with the soldier who was guarding him. 17 Three days later he called together the local leaders of the Jews. When they had assembled, he said to them, “Brothers, though I had done nothing against our people or the customs of our ancestors, yet I was arrested in Jerusalem and handed over to the Romans. 18 When they had examined me, the Romans wanted to release me, because there was no reason for the death penalty in my case. 19 But when the Jews objected, I was compelled to appeal to the emperor—even 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 for the sake of the hope of Israel that I am bound with this chain.” 21 They replied, “We have received no letters from Judea about you, and none of the brothers coming here has reported or spoken anything evil about you. 22 But we would like to hear from you what you think, for with regard to this sect we know that everywhere it is spoken against.”

Paul arrived in Rome under house arrest.  He immediately assembled the Jewish leaders and told them that he had been arrested unjustly and handed over to the Romans by the Jews in Jerusalem.

It is surprising to us today, in a time when texts, email and social media make news instantaneous, that the Jews in Rome had heard nothing of Paul or of the uproar he caused in Jerusalem.  They had received no letters or reports on the issues concerning Paul.  

But, they wanted to hear what Paul had to say about Christianity, because they had heard about this “sect” and knew that Jews everywhere spoke against it.

If Paul had not assembled the Jewish leaders in Rome, he might have had an easier time at his trial, but that was not Paul.  Paul felt called by the Holy Spirit to give his witness to Jews and gentiles, and that is what he did (as we shall see).

God calls us into His service, to be witnesses of and to live out the gospel message at all times and in all places.  

May the love of Christ be with you,

Rev. Eric Lanier (Retired)