Commentary on "Paul and Rome"

PHIL HARRIS

 

Day 4: Tuesday, June 29, 2010 - Paul Reaches Rome

 

Overview

This quotation from the quarterly sets the theme for today’s lesson:

“Life can take some very strange turns. How often our plans, even the ones formulated with the best of intentions, don’t come out as we anticipated and hoped for. The apostle Paul did, indeed, get to Rome, but it probably wasn’t as he had expected. When Paul reached Jerusalem at the end of his third missionary journey with his offering for the poor, which he collected from the congregations of Europe and Asia Minor, unexpected events awaited him. He was arrested and fettered.”

 

Observations

When writing the epistle of Romans he likely didn’t expect to arrive in Rome wearing chains. However, when we read Acts 20:23 and 21:11, Paul reveals that that he knew imprisonment and afflictions awaited him upon his arrival in Jerusalem. The manner in which he received and responded to this knowledge shows us that he knew this was God’s plan which he accepted willingly for the furtherance of the gospel. His own plans were altered but he knew that this was better and more important than his intended ministry in Spain. In his epistle to the Philippians he is simply sharing what He already knew was true before he arrived in Rome.

I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ. And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear. (Phil. 1:12-14 ESV)

 

Summary

1. Paul knew that God’s plans were greater than his own. He was focused on going to Spain. God had the whole world and at least two thousand years of unwritten history in mind. Paul displayed a willingness and even a joy to alter his own plans when the Holy Spirit was leading in another direction. Even when he knew imprisonment and afflictions awaited him he joyfully trusted and followed God’s leading.
2. I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. (Phil. 4:10-13 ESV)
3. Our motto should be the same as Paul’s. “I can do all things through him who strengthens me”.

 

GO TO DAY 5

 

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