And when we came into Rome, Paul was allowed to stay by himself, with the soldier who guarded him.

After three days he called together the local leaders of the Jews, and when they had gathered, he said to them, “Brothers, though I had done nothing against our people or the customs of our fathers, yet I was delivered as a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans. When they had examined me, they wished to set me at liberty, because there was no reason for the death penalty in my case. But because the Jews objected, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar—though I had no charge to bring against my nation. For this reason, therefore, I have asked to see you and speak with you, since it is because of the hope of Israel that I am wearing this chain.” And they said to him, “We have received no letters from Judea about you, and none of the brothers coming here has reported or spoken any evil about you. But we desire to hear from you what your views are, for with regard to this sect we know that everywhere it is spoken against.”

When they had appointed a day for him, they came to him at his lodging in greater numbers. From morning till evening he expounded to them, testifying to the kingdom of God and trying to convince them about Jesus both from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets. And some were convinced by what he said, but others disbelieved. And disagreeing among themselves, they departed after Paul had made one statement: “The Holy Spirit was right in saying to your fathers through Isaiah the prophet:

Therefore let it be known to you that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will listen.”

He lived there two whole years at his own expense, and welcomed all who came to him, proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance.—Acts 28:16–31

Sermon Discussion Questions

Main Point: God preserves and protects his people according to his promises, therefore trust in and cleave to the promises of God.

Outline

1. Part 1: How the Story Ends (Acts 28:16–31)
   • Scene 1: Paul Petitions the Jews (Acts 28:16–22)
   • Scene 2: Paul Preaches Jesus (Acts 28:23–28)
   • Scene 3: Paul Presses on in Ministry (Acts 28:30–31)
2. Part 2: How the Story Continues (“Acts 29”)

Launching Question: Have you ever read a book, watched a movie, or experienced some type of presentation/artwork/performance that had an open ended conclusion? Tell about what happened. How did this ending effect you and others?

Discussion Questions

• What are some of the things that Paul highlights before the Jews that he gathers together (Acts 28:17–20)?
• How do the Jewish leaders respond? Why might they not have heard anything specific about Paul up to that point? Why are they still eager to listen?
• When the day comes, what was Paul doing? What might be some Old Testament books, passages, or verses that Paul might have expounded? What would have been the effect of listening to this for 8+ hours?
• Why does Paul cite Isaiah 6:9–10? How might the Jews have received this admonition, warning, and rebuke?
• What does Paul do in the remaining two years he lives in Rome? What is his focus, emphasis, and ambition?

Application Questions

• As we consider the ending of Acts, what themes or elements are being repeated and highlighted?
• As we consider our own lives, how can we be faithful to internalize and embody the story of Acts?
• What are some prominent themes from throughout the book of Acts that you are eager to apply, integrate into your life, and put into greater practice (e.g. hospitality, generosity, evangelism, boldness, prayer, fellowship, devoting oneself to preaching/teaching).
• Because we have all been given a mission (Matthew 28:18–20), what does it look like to be faithful to this mission in your life, circumstances, situation, and season of life?
• As we consider the origin story of the church, how can we participate more fully in the life of this local body (e.g. pursue membership, serve, attend regularly, give, pray, welcome others)? 

Prayer Focus 
Take a moment to thank God for the sacrifice of his Son Jesus that redeems us, forgives us of our sins, and gathers a people for himself. Thank God for the church, the gift of the Holy Spirit, and for his sovereign hand in advancing the gospel. Confess any sins of unbelief, being lukewarm toward God, and neglect of participating in the church (God’s vehicle of transformation). Thank God for his love, forgiveness, and cleansing. Ask God for wisdom to participate in the mission of God by walking by faith, in step with the Spirit, together with your local church, with boldness to evangelize, and in eager readiness to share the good news of Jesus.