Acts 28 - Paul in Rome

Paul finally arrived in Rome, after all these years, thus fulfilling what God had said.  As soon as he arrived at the port, he gave thanks to God for the encouragement he received when invited to stay with some believers and when other believers come from long distances to greet him.

Despite his chains and being under house arrest, he kept his eye on his calling and jumped right into ministry.  Because he couldn't go to the synagogues, he instead assembled the Jewish leaders in his house where he was under guard; and gave his sixth and final defense recorded in Acts.  He identified with them as brothers, stated his innocence as determined in the trials thus far, and pointed to the hope of the Messiah and Resurrection.  The Jews were open to hear his perspective until they became divided when some believed and others didn't.  Paul concluded by quoting from Isaiah that their calloused hearts closed their ears and eyes to the healing that comes through salvation; and that the gospel message has now gone out to the Gentiles as well.

So, the Book of Acts concludes with Paul "[proclaiming] the kingdom of God and [teaching] about the Lord Jesus Christ—with all boldness and without hindrance!"

Yet, the story of the Church continues to this day; and we are to carry on the calling to be His witnesses to the ends of the earth.  We should follow Paul's example, and never lose sight of our calling and ministry; and to be ready to be used by God no matter the circumstance.