With Christ to the End

Christ uses the word of his servants and the power of the Spirit as he grows God's kingdom. Paul had been led in Christ's service; in this past of Acts we see him fulfilling his ministry by taking the gospel from the heart of the church (Jerusalem) to the heart of the world (Rome). It is a picture of Christ's care for his servant. He uses the people of Malta to provide hospitality. He protects from a venomous snake. He vindicates Paul through miracles of healing. He used human culture to take him from their to Rome. And he used the church to welcome him there - and part of our service is to show hospitality to the saints. Christ was also fulfilling his purpose. He showed the power of his kingdom on the voyage and on Malta. Now he brings his gospel to Rome, and the world's king must listen to the messenger of heaven's king. He has sent his message to the Jews first; but when most of them reject it Christ goes into the highways and byways and persuades the Gentiles to come in to God's banquet. The story ends abruptly, which is fitting for that is exactly where we are - will we receive Christ? for if we do not, others certainly will.