“When he had spoken these words, the Jews departed, having a great dispute among themselves.” (Acts 28:29)
Paul’s explanation and defense of Christianity created quite a stir in the Jewish community of Rome. This was a good thing. The soil must be first tilled, overturned, and stirred up before the seed can take root. The message of Jesus Christ must first make us uncomfortable before it can make us right.
If sharing Jesus with others finds you disrupting their comfortable lives, be not dismayed. This is as it ought to be. Jesus came to seek and save that which is lost, not seek to make the lost comfortable in the wilderness.
Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites
Today’s Reading: Acts 28:23-32
Questions to ask:
- How does this show the continuation of Jesus’ work now going on in the church?
- How is the gospel, Paul’s preaching, and/or Paul’s defense received?
- What is the Holy Spirit doing in this text?
- What in our reading shows how Paul handled adversity and difficulty?
This year, #Biblebites are following the life and writings of Paul. If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2023-vision