December 6
Bible Reading: Acts 28:30-31
Acts 28:30-31, “He lived there two whole years at his own expense, and welcomed all who came to him, proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance.”
The Miliarium Aureum, a monument erected by Emperor Caesar Augustus in 20 BC, stood near the Temple of Saturn in the central Forum of Ancient Rome. It was considered the starting point of all roads in the Roman Empire, with distances measured from this central point. The phrase “all roads lead to Rome” is thought to refer to this monument.
Paul’s journey to Rome, though long and arduous, was part of God’s divine plan. After experiencing God’s grace in salvation, Paul was called to “carry (Christ’s) name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel” (Acts 9:15). He faithfully followed this mission, traveling over 10,000 miles during his three missionary journeys and a subsequent voyage to Rome. Along the way, he preached the gospel, established churches, and encouraged believers. Though he faced fierce and relentless opposition, nothing could work to deter him from his mission.
God had ordained that Paul would travel to Jerusalem and then to Rome (Acts 20:22; 27:24), and no obstacle could change this plan. Rome, the heart of the empire, was the destination—home to Caesar, the most powerful man on earth, and the center of imperial authority. When Paul finally arrived, he was “allowed to stay by himself, with the soldier who guarded him” (Acts 28:16).
By bringing Paul to Rome in chains, God placed him at the very center of the empire, where the gospel could spread throughout the known world. The phrase “all roads lead to Rome” became even more meaningful, as roads fanned out from the city, extending the reach of the gospel to distant lands. The command to preach the gospel to the “end of the earth” (Acts 1:8) was being fulfilled, even through Paul’s imprisonment. During his time in prison, Paul continued his ministry by writing letters to churches in Colossae, Philippi, and Ephesus.
Though Paul was imprisoned for two years, nothing could stop the spread of the Word of God. The final words of Acts, “without hindrance,” are a fitting conclusion. Despite opposition from the forces of evil, both the church and Paul’s ministry triumphed. Jesus promised that the gates of hell would not prevail against His church (Matthew 16:18), and this promise held true. Today, Paul’s letters, written from a prison cell, continue to spread the gospel worldwide. The Word of God went forth “without hindrance,” and God’s plan for the spread of the gospel unfolded in ways beyond human expectation—demonstrating God’s sovereignty and the unstoppable advance of His kingdom.
“Your cross is lifted o’er us, we journey in its light; the crown awaits the conquest;lead on, O God of might.”—Ernest W. Shurtleff
LEAD ON, O KING ETERNAL
Lead on, O King eternal,
the day of march has come;
henceforth in fields of conquest
your tents will be our home.
Through days of preparation
your grace has made us strong;
and now, O King eternal,
we lift our battle song.
Lead on, O King eternal,
till sin’s fierce war shall cease,
and holiness shall whisper
the sweet amen of peace.
For not with swords’ loud clashing
or roll of stirring drums
with deeds of love and mercy
the heavenly kingdom comes.
Lead on, O King eternal;
we follow, not with fears,
for gladness breaks like morning
where’er your face appears.
Your cross is lifted o’er us,
we journey in its light;
the crown awaits the conquest;
lead on, O God of might.
LookingtoJesus 