As we come to the close of the book of Acts, we may be tempted to think that this is the end of the story.  Instead, we find that it is, in fact, a beginning.  Often referred to as, "The Acts of the Apostles," Luke opened his book addressing Theophilus, to whom he wrote the Gospel of Luke, stating in Acts 1:1 and 2, "The first account, O Theophilus, I composed, about all that Jesus began to do and teach, until the day when He was taken up to heave, after He had by the Holy Spirit given orders to the apostles whom He had chosen..."

The Book of Acts, then, is the continuing story of Jesus and what He continues to do, by the Holy Spirit. through His disciples.  So, when Paul arrives in Rome, he first seeks out the Jews, to whom he explained to them, "by solemnly bearing witness about the kingdom of God and trying to persuade them concerning Jesus, from both the Law of Moses and from the Prophets..." (Acts 28:23 ).  And while some of the Jews believed, still many others rejected.  It was this rejection through which the door of the Gospel was opened to the Gentiles.

And today, this story, which began in a manger over 2,000 years ago, continues to spread throughout the world; a story which we who have trusted in Christ are privileged to play a part.

Thank you for listening to today's teaching.  We pray that as you consider your part in the Gospel story, that you would be strengthened and encouraged by the grace and mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ.  If you are uncertain of your part in this story, we pray, above all, that you may personally know the person of Jesus Christ and to trust in the finished work of the cross through which Jesus bore the curse for all our sin.