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 openness, unhindered. Acts 28:30-31
Luke would conclude his account of the Acts of the Apostles on a positive note, with the final chapters to be “written” down through time.
The primary character of the book would be left in rented quarters in Rome under “house arrest” for two years, to preach, teach, and write about the kingdom of God and his Son “with all openness, unhindered,” in other words, “with no one forbidding him.” The “Prison Epistles,” as they are commonly called, Ephesians, Colossians, Philemon, and Philippians, were written in this time frame.
Paul would then be released to minister in areas bordering the Aegean Sea and perhaps Spain for four years before being rearrested for his long-awaited encounter with the Emperor.
It is interesting to note, from the 2nd century A.D. onwards, the Greek word akolutos (without hindrance), the last word of Luke’s literary work, would be found in legal documents as “without let or hindrance.”
It is an appropriate subtitle to any biography of Paul, as he was indeed “unhindered” in his ministry despite a multitude of obstacles and persistent dogged opposition. Thus, we are encouraged to live our lives in the power of God, which removes obstacles and quells opposition, in full expectation of “the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus.” (Titus 2:13)
[This is the final installment of my “verse-by-verse” devotional commentary on Acts.]
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