With All Boldness And Without Hindrance

After three months we put out to sea in a ship that had wintered in the island—it was an Alexandrian ship with the figurehead of the twin gods Castor and Pollux. We put in at Syracuse and stayed there three days. From there we set sail and arrived at Rhegium. The next day the south wind came up, and on the following day we reached Puteoli. There we found some brothers and sisters who invited us to spend a week with them. And so we came to Rome. The brothers and sisters there had heard that we were coming, and they traveled as far as the Forum of Appius and the Three Taverns to meet us. At the sight of these people Paul thanked God and was encouraged. When we got to Rome, Paul was allowed to live by himself, with a soldier to guard him.

Acts 28:11-16

For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. He proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ—with all boldness and without hindrance!

Acts 28:30-31

Courage and consistency is what life is all about. We see those same qualities in the apostle Paul. The Gospels record his bravery in one harrowing situation after another. After being shipwrecked on his way to stand trial before Caesar, he landed south of Rome, where many brothers in Christ came to meet him. We are told that when Paul saw them he “thanked God and was encouraged.” During his two years as a prisoner, Paul was allowed to live in his own rented house where “he received all who came to him, preaching the kingdom of God and teaching the things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ with all confidence.”

Every follower of Jesus can be a consistent giver and received of courage. The Lord can use us today to encourage and strengthen each other.

When people share their fears with you, share your courage with them.

Our Daily Bread – July 28, 2014