Acts 28:29-31 Paul's Legacy

Paul's words had the usual effect, that the Jews departed significantly riled up. Evidently the Romans allowed him to continue to stay in civilian quarters for two more years before he was either heard by Caesar, thrown in jail, or executed. Paul's final outcome is not recorded in Scripture. But it appears that his access to people who would come to him was unhindered, either by Romans or Jews, and since he preached to all, he clearly had the opportunity to preach to Gentiles.

          And so this leaves us with an unfinished book. The gospel was preached, and continued to be preached, as of the completion of Luke's manuscript, and it continues to this day. Although Paul's time on earth eventually came to an end, the work of the Holy Spirit, the carrying of the gospel to the world, continues. The letter to the Ephesians must have been written in this period, as Ephesians 6:20 refers to Paul's chains. The second letter to Timothy gives indication that Paul's end was near, based on 2 Timothy 4:6, which follows Paul's challenge to Timothy.

2 Timothy 4:1-8 I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths. But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.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.