Week 3 God's Purpose for Paul's Roman Custody

At the end of Acts 28 we see an interesting passage of scripture. Acts 28:30-31 tells us," Then Paul dwelt two whole years in his own rented house, and recieved all who came to him, preaching the kingdom of God and teaching the things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ with all confidence, no one forbidding him." Paul was being held in Roman custody for a period of two years, in which he was allowed to share the Lord and encourage other as he was also encouraged. It would seem at first glance that having a guy like Paul kept from traveling and planting churches would be a complete waste. This guy should be out on missionary trips. And knowing Paul he probably was quite anxious to get going again with his travels. But God had different plans in mind for Paul. God kept him in custody in Rome for a specific purpose. It would be during this time that Paul wrote the letters to the Ephesians, Colossians, Philippians, and Philemon. From those letters many lives have been blessed throughout the church age. Had Paul not been kept in Rome, we may not have been blessed by these letters. How amazing is God and how He works. Sitting Paul down to write these glorious letters. May we never despise the days in which God works like this in our lives. To see that he uses all the things that we go through in life to His glory. Even when we think that time is being wasted. We just want to get out and go. God will often sit us down and teach us more about Him and what He wants for our lives. And to see how many lives can be blessed around us as we just allow the Lord to deal with us and use us for His glory. Paul was free in his chains. Free to write the letters. Free to preach the gospel. Free to encourage the saints. Free to reach out to the Roman guards and those in Caesar's house.