Rome
Day 532, Sunday, Jan. 25
Acts 28:17-30
True to his usual pattern, Paul speaks to leaders of the local Jewish community as soon as he is settled in, three days after his arrival. Since he is under house arrest, they have to come to him instead of him going to thy synagogue.
Even though they have not heard any negative reports of him from Jerusalem, he is quick to admit that he was arrested there and turned over to the Romans. He assures them, “I certainly did not intend to bring any charge against my own people.”
He spends a whole day “explaining about the kingdom of God” and trying to persuade them about Jesus. He quotes from the prophet Isaiah in support of his message. As in most places, “Some were convinced by what he said, but others would not believe.”
He tells them that because of the calloused hearts of the Jews, God’s salvation has been sent to the gentiles, and they will listen.
After a break to read the gospel of Mark we will pick up with Paul’s letter to the church at Rome, which is one of his most intensely theological works. In spite of the importance he attaches to the church at Rome, we have very little about his time there. Acts ends with “For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him.”
Surprisingly, the New Testament tells us nothing about Paul’s death. It is generally believed that he was martyred, but Christian tradition has conflicting accounts of when, where and how.

Sunday meditation

Psalms 69:13-18
But I pray to you, Lord, in the time of your favor; in your great love, O God, answer me with your sure salvation. Rescue me from the mire, do not let me sink; deliver me from those who hate me, from the deep waters. Do not let the floodwaters engulf me or the depths swallow me up or the pit close its mouth over me.
Answer me, Lord, out of the goodness of your love; in your great mercy turn to me. Do not hide your face from your servant; answer me quickly, for I am in trouble. Come near and rescue me; deliver me because of my foes.

Prayer focus
God, let us, like Paul, use our whole life for your glory.

-Rev. Mark Fleming