Unstoppable

Acts 28:23-31

²³ They arranged to meet Paul on a certain day, and came in even larger numbers to the place where he was staying. He witnessed to them from morning till evening, explaining about the kingdom of God, and from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets he tried to persuade them about Jesus. ²⁴ Some were convinced by what he said, but others would not believe. ²⁵ They disagreed among themselves and began to leave after Paul had made this final statement: “The Holy Spirit spoke the truth to your ancestors when he said through Isaiah the prophet:

²⁶ “ ‘Go to this people and say,
“You will be ever hearing but never understanding;
you will be ever seeing but never perceiving.”
²⁷ For this people’s heart has become calloused;
they hardly hear with their ears,
and they have closed their eyes.
Otherwise they might see with their eyes,
hear with their ears,
understand with their hearts
and turn, and I would heal them.’

²⁸ “Therefore I want you to know that God’s salvation has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will listen!” ²⁹

³⁰ For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. ³¹ He proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ—with all boldness and without hindrance!

I am captured by the final words of this chapter and book: “He proclaimed the Kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ – with all boldness and without hindrance.” 

Paul has been arrested for doing exactly what he is doing here in this verse. And further, in verses 23-24, Paul earnestly tries to convince his fellow Jews, who he cared deeply about, that Jesus was their Messiah. With little effect or fruit.

Yet verse 31 tells me that these things didn’t discourage Paul, or stop him from bearing witness to Jesus Christ and the Kingdom of God.

I all too often feel restrained, restricted, and constrained in my sharing this good news of God’s Kingdom and of Jesus Christ: by our largely secular society, by peoples prejudices, and by disappointments, but Paul wasn’t – even when in chains. Simply because he knew that the Gospel that he preached and witnessed to was unstoppable.

I am encouraged. We have the most infections, compelling, hope-filled, and unstoppable message in the world. All nations desire this joy. All nations hunger for the peace this Gospel brings to their hearts.

Oh God, give me faith to stand behind your Gospel, and stand in open, honest and respectful witness to Jesus – and see your unstoppable message spread across this world you love.

Amen.

Written by Ps. Rob Waugh