JOURNEY TO ROME — FINAL EXHIBIT
The long journey has reached its destination. Through opposition, imprisonment, storm, shipwreck, and delay, Paul has finally arrived in Rome.
He enters the capital of the empire as a prisoner, yet the message entrusted to him is not imprisoned. From his own rented house, Paul receives all who come to him and continues proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching concerning the Lord Jesus Christ.
“Preaching the kingdom of God and teaching the things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ with all confidence, no one forbidding him.” — Acts 28:31, NKJV
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Journey to Rome Permanent Collection
Acts 28:16–31
Biblical Significance: Acts closes not with the Gospel silenced, but with Paul openly proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching concerning Jesus Christ in the capital of the Roman Empire. Paul is confined, yet the Word continues forward without hindrance.
ROME AT LAST
The promise given during the storm has been fulfilled. Paul has survived the sea and reached Rome.
“Now when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard; but Paul was permitted to dwell by himself with the soldier who guarded him.”
Acts 28:16, NKJV
THREE DAYS LATER
Paul does not wait passively for his case to unfold. After three days he calls together the leaders of the Jews in Rome and explains why he has arrived in chains.
“For the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain.”
Acts 28:20, NKJV
FROM MORNING TILL EVENING
On an appointed day, many come to Paul's lodging. He opens the Scriptures and reasons with them at length.
“To whom he explained and solemnly testified of the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus from both the Law of Moses and the Prophets, from morning till evening.”
Acts 28:23, NKJV
THE RESPONSE
The same Gospel produces different responses. Luke records the result without disguising the division.
“And some were persuaded by the things which were spoken, and some disbelieved.”
Acts 28:24, NKJV
TO THE GENTILES
Paul declares that the salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles. The mission that began in Jerusalem has now reached the heart of the Gentile world.
“Therefore let it be known to you that the salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will hear it!”
Acts 28:28, NKJV
TWO FULL YEARS
Paul's circumstances remain restricted, but his home becomes a place of continuing ministry.
“Then Paul dwelt two whole years in his own rented house, and received all who came to him.”
Acts 28:30, NKJV
THE FINAL WORD OF ACTS
“Preaching the kingdom of God and teaching the things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ with all confidence, no one forbidding him.”
Acts 28:31, NKJV
Luke ends Acts with an open door. Paul may be guarded, but the Gospel is still being proclaimed.
MJ4-010 AT A GLANCE
Paul finally reaches the capital of the Roman Empire.
He is permitted to live by himself with a soldier guarding him.
Paul calls the Jewish leaders of Rome together.
He testifies and explains the kingdom from the Scriptures.
Paul persuades his hearers concerning Jesus.
Some believe the message while others do not.
Paul receives all who come to his rented house.
The book closes with the Gospel still moving forward.
THE HEART OF THE EXHIBIT
Paul's journey to Rome has included arrest, hearings, dangerous seas, a violent storm, shipwreck, Malta, and months of delay. Yet every obstacle becomes another setting in which the Gospel is heard.
Acts does not end by telling us that Paul's circumstances became easy. It ends by showing us that the kingdom of God continued to be proclaimed with confidence. The servant could be guarded, but the Word of God continued forward.
THE JOURNEY COMPLETED
The story of Acts began with Jesus commissioning His witnesses. Across the book, the Gospel moved outward through cities, cultures, persecution, missionary journeys, and the power of the Holy Spirit.
Now Paul stands in Rome. The Journey to Rome collection has reached its final exhibit, but the mission of proclaiming Jesus Christ does not end here.
JOURNEY TO ROME COLLECTION COMPLETE
You have completed MJ4-010 — Rome: The Gospel Without Hindrance.
CARRY THE WORD WITH YOU
“Preaching the kingdom of God and teaching the things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ with all confidence, no one forbidding him.”
Acts 28:31, NKJV