Day 192: Acts 28:1-31

“He lived there two whole years at his own expense, and welcomed all who came to him, proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance.” - Acts 28:30-31 ESV

The open-ended conclusion of Acts is sure to bother those who enjoy a good, resolved ending. The story Luke tells here in his second writing effort is obviously leading up to this moment of Paul being in Rome. He starts (1:8) with Jesus making the command to be His witnesses to the nations, and he ends with Paul declaring to the Jews that he was turning to the Gentiles (nations, see 28:28), whom he said would listen.

So, why such an abrupt ending?

Why not give us more details about the end of Paul's life? We learn from a lot of Christian tradition (outside the New Testament) that he was decapitated by Nero around 67 AD (near Peter's martyrdom).

We do know Luke was a sucker (more than any other New Testament writer) for the details. Names, places, and times were his thing. This has led many to believe that he refused to record Paul's execution as a way of letting us know we are carrying on the work he started for the nations.

May we carry out the unfinished business of these first-century missionary efforts.

I love the way I. Marshall Howard finishes his commentary on Acts:  “Whatever be the truth, the fate of Paul is secondary to that of the gospel. The final picture is of Paul preaching to the Gentiles the same message which he had preached throughout Acts with boldness and without hindrance. All the emphasis lies on that last phrase. The implication is that the charges against Paul were false and that God backed up his proclamation. Nothing that men can do can stop the progress and ultimate victory of the gospel.” - Marshall, I. H. (1980). Acts: An Introduction and Commentary (Vol. 5, p. 447)

Day 191: Acts 27:21-44

“For this very night there stood before me an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I worship, and he said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must stand before Caesar. And behold, God has granted you all those who sail with you.’ So take heart, men, for I have faith in God that it will be exactly as I have been told. But we must run aground on some island.” - Acts‬ ‭27:23-26‬ ‭ESV‬‬

What is it going to take to get you from here to there? Will it help to promise that nothing bad will happen to you or your family? What about the affirmation that you are fine just the way you are (no growth needed)? Both of these are not helpful. They sound good but don’t translate well when real-life goes sideways.

God gave Paul the assurance that he, and everyone on the boat, needed to hear. They needed to know that they would survive; that they would make it. Jesus will always give us what we need to accomplish what He's asked us to do (see 2 Thessalonians 1:11).

But here’s the hard part of the assurance: They were still going to run aground. A shipwreck was still going to happen. There was no easy way.

In life, it seems that (in this fallen world) all the worthwhile things God calls us toward are difficult, not easy. Yet still, God will see us through, and it will have a positive effect on many.

"This speech is, in character and rhetorical function, quite the opposite to what we find in the literary speeches during this time period. In those speeches the message is about the danger of the situation and preparation for impending doom. Here the message is one of hope in the midst of despair. - Witherington, B., III. (1998). The Acts of the Apostles (p. 767)

Day 190: Acts 27:1-20

“The next day we put in at Sidon. And Julius treated Paul kindly and gave him leave to go to his friends and be cared for.”- ‭‭Acts‬ ‭27:3‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Many believe this group of Christians that shows kindness to Paul were in Sidon as a result of Stephen’s martyrdom (26 years earlier), as believers scattered from Jerusalem.

“Paul received permission to go ashore and visit members of this community (for so we should certainly understand “his friends”) and enjoy all the attention that their Christian love could suggest while the ship was in harbor.”  - Bruce, F. F. (1988). The Book of the Acts (p. 478)

SPOILER ALERT: Tomorrow, there will be a shipwreck.

It is interesting here to play a “what-if” game. Knowing what Paul and the boat’s occupants (totaling 276) were about to face, it should not surprise us that God gave Paul favor with Julius the Centurion.

God will always give us what we need now to help us lead and persevere later.

So, what happens if the Jesus-followers here at Sidon don't meet Paul’s needs? Does he have the strength or focus necessary to lead well throughout the storm and shipwreck? We can’t know for sure, but we do know from the rest of the chapter that he was a difference-maker.

Ready for two challenges today from our passage?

1) Be open to receiving kindness from fellow Christians.

2) Be ready to extend encouragement to those who need this kind of care.

We will be amazed at what Jesus does in us and through us because of these two life-giving acts of openness.

Day 189: Acts 26:1-32

“to open their eyes, so they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God. Then they will receive forgiveness for their sins and be given a place among God’s people, who are set apart by faith in me.” - Acts‬ ‭26:18‬ ‭NLT‬‬

As you read through Acts 26, you can’t help but be drawn into Paul’s heart-cry and mission. He echoes what we see more than once in the writings of the prophet Isaiah (42:6-7, 49:6). It is the idea that, in future generations, the Jews were going to be a light to the nations. It was promised to Abraham at the very beginning of his call as well when God said, "...in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed." (Genesis 12:3 ESV) Paul was the first real champion of this cause, and he literally gave his life to see it through.

We are on the same mission today. If we aren’t calling those we are trying to reach to a brand new life of freedom, then what is the point? Following Jesus isn’t just a nice sentiment; it has the power to overcome any darkness, in any place. Being a Christian isn’t just a label; it is activating something that cannot be stopped. Satan himself is rendered ineffective.

Paul's desire was for these two Roman rulers to understand who was really in charge. Jesus Christ (the light to the nations) was running the show, and they would do well to worship Him as soon as possible.

“The net effect of all this is that the reader understands that God’s hand continues to be on Paul, and God’s plan for his life will be worked out.” - Witherington, B., III. (1998). The Acts of the Apostles (p. 745)

Day 188: Acts 25:1-27

“Paul argued in his defense, “Neither against the law of the Jews, nor against the temple, nor against Caesar have I committed any offense.”” - Acts‬ ‭25‬:‭8‬ ‭ESV‬‬

In the Roman Empire and the Jewish system, Paul was not a rule-breaker. He knew that the government that he sought to reform was the very same one that was keeping him alive. 

Instead of choosing a stubborn, anti-establishment stance, Paul decided to have influence.

In another place, he described it this way:  “To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some.” - 1 Corinthians 9:22 ESV

Consider that this is coming from a man who wasn’t shy about telling you what he thought. Yet, he was looking for sustained influence over temporary gloating. This was about him having the opportunity to tell the entire known world about this Jesus he claimed was alive (see verse 19).

How do you intend on having influence (for Jesus) in the United States and beyond? How will you help cure the injustices you see?

We will do it one humble, winsome conversation at a time.

Let's close with another encouragement from another one of Paul's letters:  "I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called." - Ephesians 4:1 ESV

Day 56: Mark 8:11-38

“And Jesus, aware of this, said to them, ‘Why are you discussing the fact that you have no bread? Do you not yet perceive or understand? Are your hearts hardened?”' - Mark 8:17 ESV

What Jesus has done (past tense) in our lives is always an indicator of what he can do right now (and in the future). But we are so quick to forget. A lack of memory when it comes to God's faithfulness causes us to panic. Just like the disciples (who were wondering about the next meal), we often wonder if God cares enough to sustain us for today. Jesus said them (and says to us today), “Do you not remember?” (vs 18)

Recently, I was preaching at a church nearby. You always notice those who are really affirming as you speak. One older lady in the 8:30 am service was especially tracking what I was saying. I made a point to thank her after the service for being so encouraging as she sat in the audience. She said something that I'll never forget: "I still remember what God saved me from." What God had done in her life decades ago was still playing on a loop in her heart and mind.

What was her secret? It was clear: Daily interaction with God through prayer, Bible study, and fellowship with other Christians.

May we never let the worries of today keep us from remembering the supernatural provisions of yesterday.

Cole's comments on this verse are especially helpful as we close: "It is not their discussion which is being condemned, but the lack both of faith and of spiritual perceptiveness which had given rise to the discussion in the first place. They are still as blind and spiritually obtuse as ever: This is what grieves Jesus. Even the experience of God’s provision of their physical needs during their preaching trip of chapter 6 (note especially v. 8 no bread), had left no mark on them." - Cole, R. A. (1989). Mark: An Introduction and Commentary (Vol. 2, p. 202)

Day 311: Hebrews 8:1-13

“For I will be merciful toward their iniquities, and I will remember their sins no more.” - Hebrews 8:12 ESV

This section is a direct quote from Jeremiah 31:31-34. The theme of that Old Testament passage is centered around the promise of the Israelites' return to Jerusalem after 70 years of exile. Yet Jeremiah (by the Holy Spirit) is intentionally overshooting in his prophecy to the time when the Messiah (Jesus) would arrive to set up a new covenant.

The way he speaks of sin here would have been mind-blowing to a Jewish reader, largely because of their continued need for sacrifices. The cycle for them included piles of sin that would need rolling back regularly. Sin was never truly satisfied and driven out by "the blood of bulls and goats” (Hebrews 10:4).

Does God really forget our sins when He forgives us via the blood of Jesus?

God is omniscient (all-knowing), but now our sin account is paid in full. Donald Gutherie writes that this passage "is reassuring because it means that forgiveness is complete. There will be no possibility of sins, once forgiven, being brought against the people of God."

May this motivate us to avoid all that for which Jesus has paid the price. Nothing is worth compromising the lavish act of grace that was made on our behalf, especially the temporary thrill that sin offers.

Day 310: Hebrews 7:18-28

“Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.” - Hebrews‬ ‭7:25‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Have you ever done something halfway but knew there was enough time to go back and do it the right way? Maybe this is because of a deadline or due to your procrastination. Some of us are perfectionists. Therefore, we won’t do anything unless it can be done to our standards. So, in this case, it is either 100% or 0%.

How does Jesus do things? In our passage today, it says that he does them “to the uttermost.” That is to say, “to the max.” This is the description of the way He saves His people, you and me.

Not only that (I mean, can there be more?), but Jesus also lives to pray for us, to be our Advocate.

This truth should make us feel loved today. Have you had a bad week or a bad year? Jesus is for you. He proves this in the way He interacts with us.

Grace
Mercy
Righteousness
Prayers
Fighting for us every day.

Donald Guthrie is right on as he writes, ”The meaning seems to be that as long as the high priest functions, he is able to save, a thought which is strengthened by the words he always lives (pantote zōn).”

All that’s left is for you to draw near to God through Jesus. Confess, repent, be baptized, or come back. He’s waiting to fight for you with open arms.

Day 309: Hebrews 7:1-17

“This becomes even more evident when another priest arises in the likeness of Melchizedek, who has become a priest, not on the basis of a legal requirement concerning bodily descent, but by the power of an indestructible life.” - Hebrews 7:15-16

You would do well to read the (short) account of Melchizedek and Abraham in Genesis 14:18-20. More is said of this guy in the New Testament than in the Old Testament. Who was he? We know little, but we do know…

- He was a priest

- He was a king

- He brought bread

- He brought wine

That list right there should be enough to make Jesus come immediately to our minds.

Melchizedek was a foreshadowing of our Savior's coming.

Jesus, though, broke the rules. He didn't meet the lineage requirements of being a priest, but the power of His indestructible life prevents Him from being disqualified. He does the same for us through his powerful life, doesn’t He? We don't meet the requirement as unworthy sinners, but He qualifies us by His blood.

The Greek word used for indestructible here is akatalytos. It pertains to that which cannot be caused to cease. (Eugene Nida) In short, there is no outside force that will ever knock Jesus off His throne or subvert His saving power.

Aren't you glad we have such a capable Lord and Savior?

Day 308: Hebrews 6:1-20

“Though we speak in this way, yet in your case, beloved, we feel sure of better things—things that belong to salvation.” - Hebrews 6:9 ESV

This chapter in Hebrews has been the topic of many Christian theologians throughout the centuries. Some of the questions that continue to be asked upon a casual reading of it are:

"Does this mean I can lose my salvation?" or "Could we do something so vile that the Holy Spirit would leave us and not come back?" or "When do we know we've come to this point?"

We may think of Jesus mentioning an "unforgivable sin" (Mark 3:28-30) or the Apostle John speaking of a "sin that leads to death" (1 John 5:16-17).

It seems like whatever the point of no return looks like, it is a defiant and hardened stance against God and His presence in our lives. In it. It is when we attempt to squeeze God out of every area, demanding to have our way at all costs. This will not be something that will happen accidentally. It will be intentional. Kind of like the Mark of the Beast in Revelation 13:15-18.

With all that being said, the recipients of this letter seemed to have done well in this regard. The writer speaks of how they are destined for "better things." This was obvious because of how they were living their lives. Their work and love in their serving were viewed as evidence of their endurance.

What about us? Are we recognized by others as genuine Jesus followers? More importantly, are we recognized by Jesus as those who follow Him? May we be people who depend completely upon Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection for the rest of our lives.

“The presence of active love among them was a sure sign that God had not left them." - Brooke Foss Westcott (1903). The Epistle to the Hebrews (3d ed., p. 156)