Acts 27-28, Rom. 1-3

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

Proclaim the Kingdom

Have you ever heard the saying, "All roads lead to Rome"? It comes from a monument Romans used to mark the beginning point of roads to major cities in the empire. They called it "The Golden Milestone."

This week, we reach our own milestone as we finish Acts, and it seems that all roads in our readings will lead to Rome! We'll witness Paul's travels to Rome on Monday and Tuesday. Then we'll spend the rest of the week reading his letter to the Romans.

But for Paul, all roads lead to Christ — to the spread of the gospel. His imprisonment might seem like a giant roadblock, but even his chains serve the gospel.

Paul's Road to Rome

An angel promised Paul that he "must stand before Caesar" (Acts 27:24), but it will require a long, treacherous journey to fulfill this commission. Paul already had shipwrecked three times before this (2 Cor. 11:25), so he knew the danger. He left after the Day of Atonement (Acts 27:9), which means it's close to the time all sailing stopped. But he knew that to follow Christ, he had to live a life of risk and sacrifice. His journey from Caesarea will take him to port in Sidon, Myra, and Cnidus, then to the islands of Crete, Malta, and Sicily before arriving in Rome.

Reaching the Destination

Paul reaches Rome, but we don't know much about what happens next. When we leave Paul, he has not yet come before Caesar, but he's busy "proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance" (Acts 28:31). The book of Acts ends abruptly, with much more left for Paul and other disciples to do. And that's probably the point! The story must continue, and you are part of the story too!

Changing Lanes

Before he reached Rome, he reached a group of Romans with the gospel, writing to the Roman Christians during his third missionary journey, on his way to Jerusalem (Rom. 15:25). With Luke and Acts, we saw the story of Jesus and the church. Now we turn to Romans because, in this book, Paul explains many of the most important ideas we'll encounter throughout the rest of the year.

Roadmap to Romans

In between the familiar greetings at the beginning (Rom. 1:1-15) and end (Rom. 15:22-16:27), the book reads more like a treatise than a letter.

Look for the gospel in a nutshell at the beginning of the book (Romans 1:1-6). What do you learn about Christ and the goal of his message?
Find the book's main point in Romans 1:16-17. Why is the gospel so important, and what does it reveal about God? As you read the rest of the book, keep Paul's thesis in mind.
Then, look for our biggest problem in Romans 1:18-3:20. What is the problem, and how does it affect the Gentiles (Rom. 1:18-32) and the Jews (Rom. 2)?
Finally, starting in Romans 3:21, look for God's great solution. With two, wonderfully simple words, "But now" Paul begins explaining how everything has changed for those faithful to the Messiah.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

Numbers 34-36 and Deuteronomy 1-12 continue to reveal God's unfolding plan as the Israelites prepare to enter the Promised Land. These chapters emphasize themes of inheritance, leadership, and obedience. In Numbers, God delineates boundaries for the land, ensuring each tribe receives its due portion, representing His promise of fulfillment. The leadership structures established in these passages highlight the importance of guidance and the necessity of a faithful community.

Deuteronomy then serves as a call to remember God's law and His covenant, urging the people to remain faithful as they move into a new era. These texts remind us of the significance of identity and belonging, as God shapes a nation through His chosen people. The overarching questions of purpose, morality, and divine nature remain pivotal as we reflect on God's enduring relationship with humanity throughout Scripture.

Num. 34-36, Deut. 1-12

REFLECTING ON THE PSALMS

Psalm 31-33 continues to interweave themes of trust, salvation, and divine sovereignty. Psalm 31 echoes a plea for protection amid distress, portraying God as a refuge. The psalmist's cries highlight both vulnerability and reliance on God's mercy, ultimately affirming that the faithful will find safety in Him.

Psalm 32 celebrates the joy of forgiveness, emphasizing the blessedness of those whose transgressions are forgiven. It serves as a reminder of the importance of confession and the liberation that comes from God's grace.

Psalm 33 shifts focus to the greatness of God as the Creator and protector of Israel. It calls for collective praise, underscoring God's omnipotent authority and the futility of human schemes against divine will. Together, these psalms invite readers to reflect on the themes of refuge, redemption, and the unwavering faithfulness of God in every circumstance.

Week 11