Acts 28--Without Hindrance

Question: Why does Acts end the way it does? Is the conclusion open-ended? There is no mention of Paul’s fate nor has the gospel reached the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8).

Luke gives us many indications that Acts does in fact end with a measure of completeness and not left open-ended. The purpose is found in the movement of the proclamation of the kingdom of God from the Jews to the Gentiles.[1] This pattern can be traced back through Acts beginning in Acts 1:8; that they will be witness is Jerusalem and Judea, Samaria, and to the end of the earth. These places represent the Jews, the half Jews, and the Gentiles. The story of Cornelius in Chapter 10 begins a shocking change for many in the church. Paul’s missionary journeys (such as Acts 14) reflect the rejection by the Jews and acceptance among the Gentiles.

In Acts 28, Paul ministry in Malta echoes back to Christ’s ministry among the Jews. Here Gentiles were coming to see Paul to be cured of their sickness (v. 9).[2] The kingdom of God has come to the Gentiles. This movement away from the Jews is also reflected with the visit from local Jewish leaders (vv. 17-25). Some believe and some do not but Paul’s response is poignant, “This salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will listen.” Acts concludes on a positive and exciting note: “proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance.”

The giving of the Gospel to the Gentiles makes salvation available to all men. Access to God is no longer restricted to one ethnicity but is perfectly multi-cultural. However, we must not forget the foundation of this openness—our adoption as children of God in Christ. So the question for us is: how can we welcome all who come as brothers and sisters in Christ?

I urge you to respond with thoughts, comments and ideas to begin to think through how we can further proclaim the Gospel and love all.

[1] The accounts of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit also indicate this movement. Numbers 11:25-29, Joel 2:28-29, Acts 2, and Acts 10:44-45 all line up the trajectory of this pattern.
[2] For comparison read the healing accounts of Jesus such as Luke 5:12-26. Though there are dissimilarities the parallels are undeniable.