Acts 27 - 28

Without Hindrance

Note: Today's reading concludes Acts and our current period of reading in the New Testament.  Tomorrow, we return to the Old Testament book of Joshua, and begin our reading of the historical books of the Old Testament. Acts bridges the Gospels to the Epistles and is the account of the Holy Spirit in the early church. It is guarded by the four Gospels each of which have their own unique tone and impetus. Matthew, the Lion, displays His Kingship. Mark, the Ox, displays His service and sacrifice. Luke, the Man, displays his humanity and knowledge. John, the Eagle, displays His divinity and revelation. These four match perfectly with the beasts in Revelations 4:7 - a subject we will cover in more detail when we study Isaiah and Revelations.

The last verse of the book  of Acts is 28:31, "boldly proclaiming the Kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ. And no one tried to stop him." (NLT).  The King James translates as, "Preaching the Kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him." The Diaglott (direct Greek to English) has, "proclaiming the Kingdom of God, and teaching the things concerning the Lord Jesus Christ, with entire freedom of speech, and without restraint." These all talk about the ministry of Paul in Rome.

The Greek word, akoloutos, is the word transalated: not stop him; not forbidding him; without restraint. This is the last word of the book of Acts and literally means unrestrained. This last word is key to understanding the book of Acts and the working of the Holy Spirit in His believers.  A man totally surrendered to God is unrestrained.  He knows the truth and the truth has set him free. The chains of man's understanding, of traditions, of fear and concern are totally removed and the holy boldness of Christ fills and moves the individual. This is the message of Acts, that God will take sinners who repent and fill them with His Spirit to do His works: witness, heal the sick, raise the dead, and preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Paul fulfilled this completely, turning himself over totally to the leadership of the Holy Spirit. He was akoloutos!

May God bless you and bless the reading of His Word.