For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. He proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ—with all boldness and without hindrance! Acts 28:30-31
“Luke’s description of Paul preaching ‘with boldness’ and ‘without hindrance’ symbolizes a wide open door, through which we in our day have to pass. The Acts of the Apostles have long ago finished. But the acts of the followers of Jesus will continue until the end of the world, and their words will spread to the ends of the earth.”
John Stott in The Message of Acts (TBSP; Downers Grove: IVP; 1990) 405.
Why mention that Paul lived in a rented place?
I think I know. It provided freedom despite the fact that he was on house arrest in Rome. Why? Whatever we think we own, owns us. By living in a rented place, he ministered with boldness and without hindrance.
Think about it.
When we own things as followers of Jesus, they hinder us. They tie us down. What if we all were free and available to follow God’s leading? Might it increase the reach and generosity of our service?
These have become two of my favorite verses in Acts.
The Apostle Paul stored up treasures in heaven, not in real estate. May the rest of us be so courageous. Remember the Son of Man did not have a place to lay His head either.
Should we? Ponder this in your heart.
As you do, join me in celebrating 12 years. Today marks 12 years of daily posts dating back to 26 June 2009. Thanks God for all you have taught me on this journey and for the privilege of sharing with others.
With boldness and without hindrance.