Not Boxed In

23 When they had appointed a day for him, they came to him at his lodging in greater numbers. From morning till evening he expounded to them, testifying to the kingdom of God and trying to convince them about Jesus both from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets. 24 And some were convinced by what he said, but others disbelieved. 25 And disagreeing among themselves, they departed after Paul had made one statement: “The Holy Spirit was right in saying to your fathers through Isaiah the prophet:

26 “‘Go to this people, and say,
“You will indeed hear but never understand,
    and you will indeed see but never perceive.”
27 For this people's heart has grown dull,
    and with their ears they can barely hear,
    and their eyes they have closed;
lest they should see with their eyes
    and hear with their ears
and understand with their heart
    and turn, and I would heal them.’

28 Therefore let it be known to you that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will listen.”

30 He lived there two whole years at his own expense, and welcomed all who came to him, 31 proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance. (Acts 28)

Paul had been put under house arrest. The man who loved to preach the Gospel was boxed in by four walls.  But that did not hinder him from sharing his faith. God provided a way for him to continue his witness to Jews and Gentiles alike.  In a very real sense, the way Luke wraps up his account leaves it wide open for the future. There is no mention of Paul's release or death; the spread of the Gospel was wide opening and ongoing, unhindered by four walls or persecution or the death of a person or generation. The Gospel marches on. No matter how difficult it may become for us to share our faith, may we never lose heart or give up.  It may be hard, but never impossible.