Luke does not tell us anything concerning Paul’s trial at Rome, how he lived there, how he died, almost as if the person of Paul was unimportant to the Gospels´ reaching Rome or for its public proclamation there. The end of the Book of the Acts of the Apostles is not about holy persons, but a record of the procession of the Gospel and the works of Christ throughout the world.
Paul began his ministry, as usual, in the synagogue of the Jews. He invited the chief and prominent Jewish men to his own rented house. He wanted to show them that he was their friend, and not their enemy, even though the highest Jewish Council had complained against him, caused him to be unjustly delivered to the Romans, and demanded he be put to death. Paul testified to his innocence, and that the Romans were prepared to release him. In spite of his trials, he came to Rome neither to take revenge nor to bring his complaint against his countrymen before Caesar, as a Roman citizen. He considered himself to be one with his nation, bound to them in the living hope that Christ, the Messiah, had come from God, bringing salvation and peace. Paul said that because of his faith in Jesus he was bound. He showed them his own chains, as a testimony of his love for them in Christ.
When the Jews in Rome observed the deep religious problems and the political dangers surrounding them concerning the name of Paul, they testified that they had received no complaint against him from Jerusalem, nor had any of them heard anything bad about him in Rome. The ranking Jews in Rome, however, confirmed that Christianity was regarded as both a separation from, as well as an opposition to Judaism everywhere. Thus, the opposition to the Gospel was a proof of the correctness of the accusation. For these reasons the Jews in Rome were pleased that, in the person of Paul, an expert in the Law and a Pharisee of Jerusalem had come to them, one who confessed personally the name of Jesus. In what would be another important meeting they asked him for a further declaration of the truth regarding Christ.
On a set day a large number of Jews came to Paul’s house, and there he explained to them the relationship between the kingdom of God and the kingdom of Jesus, who is the Heavenly King. This concept was difficult for them to understand. Some could not believe that the Son of God could become a simple man, and that he had to die on the infamous tree in order that the people of his kingdom could be admitted into communion with God. Without purification by the blood of Christ there is no admittance into the Kingdom of God. The Lord Himself is the Door. He is the Glorious One, who sits at the right hand of the Father, whose glory was concealed on earth, Nevertheless, in His person remained all the potential for His kingdom, the virtue, and the power, which are spread today throughout His church. At the coming of Christ it will be revealed that the kingdom of God is not Israel. Instead, all who believe in Christ, whether of Jewish or Gentile origin, bear this kingdom deep within in their hearts.
Paul did not philosophize, nor did he promote his own pompous thoughts. He proved his Gospel by citing the Law and the Prophets, and explained that the glorious promises concerning Christ were, in truth, God’s comforts apart from the law´s requirements. Faith in Christ, and not the keeping of the imperfect law, saves the sinner and the lost. Some of the Jews listened carefully, becoming well disposed toward the drawing of the Holy Spirit. Others gradually hardened their hearts, and were unwilling to believe. Wherever man does not by love obey the Gospel of salvation, the knowledge and power of God do not grow in him. He develops contrary to the plan of God. He becomes deaf to the gospel of salvation, and is unable to recognize the Savior. Consequently, he becomes antagonistic to Christ. He does not feel the drawing of the gentle Spirit, for from the beginning he rejected the way of guidance, and was unwilling to submit to God. What about you, dear friend? Are you an enemy of God, or a loving, humble Christian?