Paul, Evangelist and Teacher in Rome

“For the space of two whole years, Paul remained there, earning his own living; and it was his custom to receive all who came to him, preaching the Kingdom of God and teaching them the facts about the Lord Jesus Christ—with complete freedom of speech and without let or hindrance.” –Acts 28:30-31. Translated from the Greek by Dr. William Barclay, Trinity College, Glasgow, Scotland, Nov. 1955. (Read Acts 28:17-31.)

Dr. William Barclay makes a good point that the Authorized Standard and other versions do not convey the whole idea with translating Paul’s place of residence in Rome as “his own hired (or rented) house.” That it was, but more, declares Dr. Barclay. While a prisoner in Rome Paul was making his own living, probably by tentmaking, his occupation. He lived at his own expense. Independent Paul did not want to inconvenience anyone. Yes, he accepted gifts from the churches with devotion and deep gratitude. But he was a burden to no man; his own hands supplied his needs. And his avid mind wrote letters to the churches, many of them originating during the time he was under “house arrest” in Rome. He never turned any visitors or inquirers away. Though in Rome under political scrutiny, he still had freedom to do the work of the Lord. He often had helpers with him, we find from other references giving information about Paul. Luke and Aristarchus had accompanied him to Rome. Timothy was often there and sometimes Tychicus, Epaphroditus, and Mark. And at all times soldiers from the Praetorian Guard. Can’t you just imagine what conversations Paul had with the soldiers and others? How rich! No time was wasted in God’s great economy of spreading the gospel. Although Luke does not record what happened finally to Paul at the end of his life, that was not the physician’s purpose. Luke’s purpose was to tell how the gospel was preached “to the ends of the earth” and to tell of the beginning and spread of the church. That he did, faithfully. He leaves Paul, preaching and teaching in Rome, the center of the then-known world—first to the Jews who dwelt there, and then to any who came to Paul’s house.

I have had a marvelous time studying Acts and writing these daily devotionals. An urgency, an anticipation and enthusiasm permeate Luke’s writing. This book of the Bible preserves for us the chronicle of how the church began and spread. It lends encouragement to us today, and gives us the special message from God that if we are found faithful as were Paul, Peter and others, we might experience another “Day of Pentecost” in our own day. We’ve learned that the practice that provided power for witnessing and work was faithful praying. May we never forget that even if we cannot go “to the ends of the earth,” our sincere praying and support can undergird and uplift those who are called to go. In our own way and in our day, let us be faithful!

c Ethelene Dyer Jones; Tuesday, May 18, 2010