“And he stayed two full years in his own rented quarters and was welcoming all who came to him, preaching the kingdom of God and teaching concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with all openness, unhindered.” (Acts 28:30–31, NASB95)

Is this how it ends for the mighty Paul, a man that is in Rome under house arrest? No, there is more story to tell. Like radio personality Paul Harvey says, “Now for the rest of the story.” Paul, the Apostle, would spend two years chained to a guard under house arrest where anyone and everyone who wanted to come and hear the gospel had “unhindered” access. During that time, Paul would work through writing Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon.

Luke stopped recording Paul’s life in the account of Acts, but we know from history that Paul would be released from house arrest and stand before Caesar Nero and witness to the most powerful leader in the world, fulfilling God’s promise. Nero would reject Paul’s message and become a violent persecutor of Christians. In fact, it is believed that having rejected the gospel, Nero lost his mind.

Paul was set free after being found innocent and preached the gospel throughout Spain and Europe before he was brought back a second time to stand trial in Rome. Paul was not placed under house arrest but cast into the Mamertine Prison, where Paul would write to Timothy, his son in the faith:

“For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing.” (2 Timothy 4:6–8, NASB95)

Shortly after this letter was sent, Paul was taken outside the city and beheaded at the command of Nero.

God chose Paul from birth, called him as an adult out of a life of persecuting the church, and gave Paul purpose and mission. Paul faithfully endured hardship and fulfilled his calling in evangelism and discipleship. Paul was a Pharisee turned believer, murderer turned missionary, and finished his race well. Paul was a defender of grace because of the grace that he had experienced.

Consider the work of God in your life. What has called you from, and what has God called you to? And remember, you are not done until God says you are done. What is the rest of your story?

In His Service
Pastor Cary