As Luke closes his book of Acts, he does not deal with a number of unanswered questions, such as, was Paul found to be innocent at his trial? Or did Paul encourage and support the church at Rome? Instead, Luke finishes where he began: the clear, bold, and empowered proclamation of the gospel of Jesus. As Luke closes his book, he shows us that the gospel of Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of God’s promises to Israel, whose offer of salvation is for everyone, Jew and Gentile alike. This gospel is the fundamental content of the teaching of the church and the unchanging task of Jesus’ witnesses, whatever the challenges of their personal situation. In this lesson we learn that Christ will accomplish His Great Commission, despite hindrances, through the clear, bold, and empowered proclamation of the gospel by His people.
- Paul prioritized the Jews (vv. 16-22)
- Paul preached Christ from Scripture (vv. 23)
- Paul perceived the Jews rejection (vv. 24-28)
- Paul passes the baton (vv. 29-31)