REF:Acts 28
At the end of an some extra ordinary accounts of Pauls journey to Malta and then to Rome, the mundane ending also especially strikes me as profound:
30 And he stayed two full years in his own rented quarters and was welcoming all who came to him, 31 preaching the kingdom of God and teaching concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with all confidence, unhindered. – Acts 28:30-31
Here are a few choice passages in a few of Paul’s letters, which further sheds some light on his ministry philosophy:
8 nor did we eat anyone’s bread without paying for it, but with labor and hardship we kept working night and day so that we would not be a burden to any of you… 2 Thessalonians 3:8
He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing good with his own hands, that he may have something to share with the one in need – Ephesians 4:28
What then is my reward? That in preaching the gospel I may offer it free of charge, and so not use up my rights in preaching it. – 1 Corinthians 9:18
Photo by Los Muertos Crew on Pexels.com
I have always been impressed with the way the Apostle Paul went to place to place and endeavored to support himself on his missionary journeys. Paul was a tentmaker (Acts 18:2-4) or of similar skill and did not go around asking people for money to support. Although Christ followers did provide for him, he at least he did not place himself in the situation where he sought to rely on people’s good will.
His attitude reminds me of J Vernon McGee’s Thru-the-BIble radio Bible study about which he spoke plainly, that if his ministry did not naturally draw donations on a certain radio station he would just stop broadcasting on that station. This suggests, it’s a better choice to withdraw and regroup rather than shamelessly solicit money.
I think there’s a lot to be said about ministers who are able to fulfill their calling and not letting asking for support get in the way of the Gospel message preached. If people wanted to donate, that is fine, but making an existential issue out of soliciting donation can too often be closely aligned with a conflict of interest and/or the leveraging of making ones ministry an idol, or more specifically, the preacher leveraging the people’s natural tendency for idol worship under the guise of serving Christ.
Jesus certainly modeled a minimalist lifestyle, one unhindered by possessions. One of the key characteristics of the early Church. Nevertheless, Jesus did not condemn the wealthy either, it depends on your attitude towards the wealth the God has blessed you with.
Whether an institutionalized church leader or the charismatic leader seeking dependence on followers, they can definitely be an obstacle to the Gospel when a minister or pastor becomes a sacred cow. Congregations should not be looked at as a pool of people to serve the needs of a few privileged people. The seriousness of the Gospel message, if it is even preached in all in some heretical organizations, can be blurred into insignificance if servicing a church leader becomes a focus of ministry.
The Apostle Paul was confronted and humbled by Christ for Paul’s persecution of the Christians. It transformed Paul and he sought not to make himself the kind of obstacle to the message of the Gospel. He and all the Apostles, had every opportunity to become a source of idol worship.
The acts of healing of demon possession and diseases and other miracles performed would create a worldly rock star by any measure, but that is not the nature of a person guided by the Holy Spirit through whom is all power possible. A genuinely repentant person trusting in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior may be tempted to draw glory to himself, we are all nevertheless at odds with our own sinful nature until we die, but the contrition involved and the transformational washing of the soul by the Holy Spirit disciplines our desires for self-glory.
A view of trajans market ruins in Rome, italy. Photo by Peter Holmboe on Pexels.com
Another message that resonated with me in ACTS 28 is how some believed and some did not. This was true with Paul and most notably with Jesus Christ Himself. Notably, the gentiles believed, but the religious Jews were always critical.
Although much has been said about nurturing the new converts to Christianity, protecting them from the predators who would cause them to stray from the Truth, there is also a definite “you’ll see” attitude towards the average self-righteous person who professes their own way of salvation.
23 And when they had set a day for Paul, they came to him at his lodging in large numbers; and he was explaining to them by solemnly bearing witness about the kingdom of God and trying to persuade them concerning Jesus, from both the Law of Moses and from the Prophets, from morning until evening. 24 And some were being persuaded by the things spoken, but others were not believing.25 And when they disagreed with one another, they began leaving after Paul had spoken one word, “The Holy Spirit rightly spoke through Isaiah the prophet to your fathers, 26 saying,
‘Go to this people and say,
“You will keep on hearing, but will not understand;
And you will keep on seeing, but will not perceive;
27 For the heart of this people has become dull,
And with their ears they scarcely hear,
And they have closed their eyes;
Lest they might see with their eyes,
And hear with their ears,
And understand with their heart and return,
And I heal them.”’
28 Therefore let it be known to you that this salvation of God was sent to the Gentiles—they will also hear.” 29 [When he had spoken these words, the Jews departed, having a great dispute among themselves.] – Acts 28:23-29
Further credibility is found in the Book of Acts because it was written by Luke, whose writings have been well regarded by scholars for his exacting style and historical narrative. He was a doctor, like Paul, well educated. They were mission traveling companions.
When you become a believer in Christ, saved by Grace, you should experience a thirst for the Truth. In that search, you will find the Bible, which is a collection of inspired work of God through human writers, that spans over 1600 years, over 40 authors, writer in difference languages on different continents, yet, there incredible consistency and the self-arguing nature found in the works collected. The Bible is also about 25-28% prophetic in nature, verified by history and confirmed by every archeological finding. The evidence makes the Bible a compelling primary source of information for who God is, what He wants us to know, and how we should conduct our lives.
What about you? Are you ready to take the study of the Bible seriously?
For a one minute explanation of the Gospel from the late Pastor John MacArthur, watch this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LCP9UcC7BzE
For a review of the Ten Commandments: https://www.challenyee.com/the-ten-commandments/
All quoted excerpts have footnotes removed, usually from Legacy Standard Bible (LSB), sometimes from New International Version (NIV), on rare occasion the Amplified Bible (AMP).
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6-11-24