(45) Are You Listening to God?

The book of Acts begins in Jerusalem where Jesus gave his Great Commission to a small group of believers. When Jesus ascended into heaven he empowered his church by the gift of the Spirit. His people became a vibrant community dedicated to prayer, worship, outreach and discipleship. Persecution drove many of the believers out of Jerusalem where they formed new believing communities. Soon the main persecutor submitted to Jesus. Paul too took up the Great Commission as his life task. He undertook three fruitful missionary trips and endured an arduous journey to Rome. He had to explain his case to Caesar.

But that's not how the book ends. The book ends with one more attempt by Paul to convince Covenant members about Jesus. The ending of Acts shows God's interest in Jews and Gentiles. It also appeals to everyone who hears God's message to truly listen to God and be healed.