Real Hope: A Study of Acts 24-28Sample

Acts 28

So often people are trying, in their own way, to figure God out. The people in Acts 28 were no different.

Paul arrived. He started a fire. A snake wound itself around his hand. The people thought he was being punished, but he shook it off and they decided he must be a god (vv1–6). Paul moved onto an estate where through prayer many were healed (vv7–10). People went with hope, and honoured Paul for what was done. We don’t know who the people attributed these healings to, but they were seeking.

In verse 17 we see that the Jewish leaders met with Paul and that he shared with them the good news of Jesus and all that God was doing. As with many people, they were interested in what he was saying and some believed, but many others wrote off what he said. As we reach verses 26–27, we reach gold! The truth is laid bare for them and for us. Words spoken many centuries ago by the prophet Isaiah in the verse above. The Word of God tells us that the truth is there to be found if we come with open ears, eyes and hearts. This is true of the church that Paul met with day after day and it remains true for us today.

We do not need to perform miracles and wonders or turn God’s Word into more than it is because it is the gift of eternal life! What more could we hope it to be? Those who truly seek Him will find Him.

Written by KATIE SMITH