Lesson 2798

(Lesson 2798)(08-22-19) Acts 28:17-31
    “And it came to pass, that after three days Paul called the chief of the Jews together: and when they were come together, he said unto them, Men and brethren, though I have committed nothing against the people, or customs of our fathers, yet was I delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans. Who, when they had examined me, would have let me go, because there was no cause of death in me. But when the Jews spake against it, I was constrained to appeal unto Caesar; not that I had ought to accuse my nation of. For this cause therefore have I called for you, to see you, and to speak with you: because that for the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain. And they said unto him, We neither received letters out of Judaea concerning thee, neither any of the brethren that came shewed or spake any harm of thee. But we desire to hear of thee what thou thinkest: for as concerning this sect, we know that every where it is spoken against. And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning till evening. And some believed the things which were spoken, and some believed not. And when they agreed not among themselves, they departed, after that Paul had spoken one word, Well spake the Holy Ghost by Esaias the prophet unto our fathers, Saying, Go unto this people, and say, Hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and not perceive: For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them. Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and that they will hear it. And when he had said these words, the Jews departed, and had great reasoning among themselves. And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him, Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.”

    Today’s quote relates that, after Paul had come to Rome and been sentenced to in-house arrest where he would remain for two years.
     When Paul established himself in Rome he called the leaders of the Jews to meet with him whereat he told them all the things that had befallen him at the hands of the Jews as he preached the gospel of Jesus Christ. Many of the Jews in Rome subsequently believed in Jesus, and from that group the Christian church in Rome was born.
    It is very important to note that, during that entire time of Paul’s travels and through the many threats upon his life, Paul never received any noted support from the other Apostles back in Jerusalem.
    I am convinced that by the time Paul reached Rome, the Catholic Theocracy had begun to spread its vile and heretical roots into the early Christian movement.
    Remember also that many among the leadership of the “Christians” in Jerusalem, Peter, James et al, were all intent of forcing Paul to erroneously incorporate certain facets of the Law of Moses into the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I am also convinced that they, along with the Jewish leaders, played a significant part in the beginnings of, what is today, Roman Catholicism. ~