In Acts 27–28, Paul journeyed to Rome for his upcoming trial in the custody of Roman centurion, Julius. The writer, Luke, and Aristarchus, a Macedonian from Thessalonica, accompanied Paul. Since they got started late in the year, they hit stormy waters which took them off course to a small town called Fair Havens. Not wanting to be stuck there, Julius and the captain decided to set sail with a shipload of 276 despite the risk. For 14 days they endured a terrible Northeaster until they finally ran aground on the island of Malta. There they were treated with kindness and Paul healed many people. He finally arrived in Rome and stayed under house arrest writing epistles and proclaiming the kingdom to all who visited.
Gentiles
Exploring Acts 10–12: Christ is Lord of All
In this section of Acts, we see "Christians" realize and accept that the "good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all" is for the Gentiles too. The first apostle is martyred (James) and Peter is rescued from prison. Yet "the word of God continued to spread and flourish." Here are my (somewhat) random thoughts from Acts 10–12.
A Light to the Ends of the Earth
Around sixty years ago, my parents sailed (literally) from the US to the ends of the earth—the island nation of Papua New Guinea. They did this because they understood that God offers salvation to everyone and they wanted to give God’s Word to some who might otherwise never hear. Likewise, my husband and I answered the same call thirty years after my parents did, moving to Indonesia to share this good news. We understood that God planned from the very beginning to save all peoples, not just the Israelites.
